Page 38 of A Rogue to Cherish

The woman ignored the tea and pressed a hand upon her breast. “I am charmed that you visited. I had hoped you’d come last night. The affair was extraordinary.” Her voice trailed off. “You did not deem it important enough for even a reply.”

Grant took her other hand. “I do apologize. I would have not been good company.” He’d seen the invitation and had tossed it into the fire.

“I am planning to travel again,” Lucinda informed him. “For an extended amount of time. Perhaps two or three months.” She fixed him with what he knew she felt was an inviting expression, but it failed to entice him. “Come with me.”

He held up his hand. “Lucinda, before you continue, I want you to know. I saw your son, he is very much opposed to me having anything to do with you. In fact, he demanded in no uncertain terms that I am to stay away. I prefer not to cause a rift between you.” He paused. “Besides, I find myself quite busy with my book.”

“Book?” Lucinda looked at him as if he’d lost his mind. “I am speaking of a month on the continent, extravagant parties, unmatched experiences, and yet you’d rather work on a damned book?”

“I’m concerned about what Tom said…” Grant began but trailed off. Why was Tom taking a sudden interest in his mother’s affairs? He’d never taken much notice or care of her before.

Lucinda waved a hand dismissively. “My son finds himself in a bit of trouble. I refused to help him, this time. He squanders so much money on unseemly pursuits, and I don’t see why I should pay for it. He had enough money in his accounts that the interest alone should have given him substantial income.”

So the man was in debt. Interesting.

Even more interesting was her description of her son’s activities. Grant itched to ask what Lucinda considered unseemly. After all, the woman hosted orgies in her home.

But instead, he nodded as if he understood.

“I will speak to Tom,” Lucinda added. “Our actuary will have to deal with those matters.” Then she shrugged as if the entire matter with her son was not important. “Now, about what I asked. Will you come on the trip with me? I would love to repeat the wonderful experience of the last time we traveled together.” She pursed her lips and leaned forward.

Grant pretended not to notice that she aimed for his mouth and pulled her into a tight hug. Then, he released her and sat back. “I cannot promise to go with you. I will see about some things and will let you know.” He stood. “I must go. I have a matter that has to be dealt with.”

Lucinda did not let him leave so easily. “I expect a reply in the next day or so. Whatever issues you have can be dealt with swiftly, I am sure.”

It had been a bad idea to visit her. She’d be relentless until he gave her an answer. If he said no, she’d sulk and expect him to make some sort of recompense for not going with her.

She continued speaking, following him to the door. When the butler brought him his coat and hat, she clung to his arm, and he could see sadness and possibly fear in her eyes. It was sad in a way. The woman had had every opportunity for a good life. She was extremely wealthy and had the world at her fingertips. What she didn’t have was love, and he knew better than anyone—that couldn’t be bought. Still, after the butler had moved to a discreet distance, he leaned closer and said into her ear, “Have you considered marrying, Lucinda? You are a beautiful woman and deserve someone who is dedicated only to you.”

He meant it. The woman was desperately lonely and no matter how often he or anyone escorted her to events or attended her soirees, as time passed she would be more and more alone. As she grew older, Lucinda would not be able to continue her current lifestyle.

“I would lose control of my money,” she snapped. “I could never allow someone to have that hold over me.” She looked out to the scene before them at her manicured front lawn with its ornate iron gates under a just as ornate arch. “I will not.” With that, she turned and walked back up the stairs.

Riding away from Lucinda’s, Grant considered what would happen to the woman. He knew there were many ways she could keep her money away from a husband. But that required someone she trusted. From her reply, it was obvious she didn’t trust anyone. It was sad really, but not his concern.

He didn’t want to end up like Lucinda. Alone. Wren came to mind and his heart eased at the thought of her. Still, there was another matter he needed to resolve before anything else. It was the most difficult situation he had, and he needed to repair it; as doubtful as it was that the issue could be resolved, he would dedicate all his energy to it. His life depended on it.

*

Grant entered hisparent’s home and went directly to his father’s study. If his sire was surprised to see him, the man’s expression did not divulge it. Instead, he motioned to a chair. As he sat, Grant mused that the study was much like it had been most of his life. Side by side, ledgers lined shelves in a filing order only his father understood. More of the books were stacked, balanced precariously atop one another on the edges of his large oak desk. Centered on the desk, opened, was what looked to be a new ledger with neat lines of numbers and notes halfway down the page.

“What is it, Grant?” His father probably expected that he’d ask for money, or for some other kind of support.

“I wish to have a discussion with you, Father. When do you have time?” Grant’s heart thudded in his chest, reminding him of when, as a child, he’d been called into the room because of a transgression. It took several breaths to calm his pulse and even then, his chest tightened. “Please.”

For a moment his father frowned as if perplexed by his request. It was, after all, the first time he’d come with such a request. There was apprehension in his father’s tone as he pushed the ledger aside and replied, “I have time right now.”

His father stood and rounded the desk, then he peered out into the hallway. At seeing someone, he asked that tea be brought and then he returned to his seat.

“It is much too early for something stronger, and I require a clear head to continue with this.” He motioned to the open ledger before looking up at Grant. “What is it?” The brown gaze was unwavering at meeting Grant’s. Such strength his father possessed. He could only pray to be as strong one day.

“I wish to apologize again for the troubles I brought upon the family and the effects of my actions on your work,” Grant began.

A crinkle formed between his father’s brows. “You have apologized before, Grant, but I find it hard to believe you are sorry when you continue to live the life you lead.”

“I am cutting ties with the women,” he answered. “I will be self-sufficient once the ship that we’ve sponsored returns.”

His father nodded. “I am glad to hear it. However, the only reason you have the funding for that ship is because you are Lucinda Roberts’ lover.”