~ Eight ~
SKYLER WESTBROOKE SAT back against his high-backed leather upholstered desk chair and surveyed the stout, prune-faced man standing before him. Trouble here, he thought as he smiled and indicated the chair at his side.
“Do be seated, Dr. Hendricks, and tell me what brings you here.” It was cordially said, but there was that touch of reserve, that warning in his voice that kept people just a bit wary of him. Dr. Hendricks was no exception and tempered his words as he took up the chair and looked at Skyler ‘man to man’.
“Your brother … half-brother, I know, is the subject of my visit.”
“Indeed, how so?”
Sky’s brows were mobile, and his blue eyes were sharp as Dr. Hendricks said, “His behavior, my lord, is next to unpardonable, and what makes it worse is his cavalier attitude. Most young men raise a fuss now and then—did so myself—but when caught, exhibit …feel a sense of remorse. I do not see that in him—quite the opposite. He doesn’t seem to care that he was sent down … makes no—”
“Sent down?
” Sky cut in sharply as he sat forward.
“Ah, so it matters to you. I was beginning to wonder.”
“Matters? Of course it matters! What the devil are you talking about, man?” Sky was now impatient for an explanation.
Dr. Hendricks shrank back against his chair, obviously concerned his remark had over-stepped, but he still plodded forward. “The truth is I like young Freddy Bromley and have thought all he needed was a strong hand.” He paused, searched Sky’s face, and then continued. “We have had a few talks … or I have talked, and he has only responded with shrugs and simple responses.” He sighed and then added, “I still think he could succeed if he manages to control his rebellion and apply himself.”
“Why was I not told?” Sky stood up and went to his window, where he clasped his hands behind his back and then turned back to his guest. “I should have been told.”
“But … I have written to you on two occasions.”
“Wrote to me? I never received any letters from you, Dr. Hendricks.” Sky frowned as he puzzled over this. “To where were they addressed?”
“I had them franked to Bromley Grange, and the thing is … when I was there and inquired about those letters, it seems the Bromley servants held them at Bromley for you, thinking perhaps you were due to stop in and see your young—”
Sky heard the censure in his voice and cut him short. He was beyond the age where he flushed; however, he did so now. The twins. He had not seen them in months. His behavior was deplorable. He turned back to gazing out his window for a long moment before returning to sit with Hendricks. He said softly, “I am not often at Bromley.”
“So I was given to understand. The thing is … Freddy should have been there by now, but when I arrived there yesterday afternoon, he had not yet been received. What is more, those twins of yours seem to run wild about the place. When I inquired after them, I was told your man went off to fetch their new governess.”
Skyler silently berated himself. He had neglected his family in pursuit of politics and revelry. However, this caught his attention. “New governess? I had thought he had quite run through the gamut of suitable women willing to take charge of those monkeys.”
“I don’t know anything else … but—”
Once again Sky interrupted. “Tell me, sir, if you will, was Freddy’s offense such that he will not be allowed to return to school?”
Dr. Hendricks shook his head. “Thank the saints, that is not so—however, such a possibility could occur in the future if he does not settle down and apply himself to his studies instead of the frivolous larks he seems to embark upon every other day.”
“Thank you.” Sky got to his feet once more and after a moment’s pacing turned back to his desk, picked up a quill, and jotted something down hurriedly. “Do stay, Dr. Hendricks, and enjoy some refreshments. I shall have them sent in to you, but I know you will forgive me for not staying to bear you company. It seems I have been remiss in my own behavior, and Freddy’s cavalier attitude stems from my own.” He walked abruptly to the door and stood there while adding, “I mean to handle the situation immediately.”
“You leave for Bromley?”
“Yes, sir, I do.”
“My lord, I would so appreciate it if you would send me word. I leave for Eton in the morning and would like to hear that your chap is under your direction.”
“Done … and thank you for your genuine concern.” With that Sky Westbrooke was out the door and taking up his greatcoat. He had to get to Bromley and see to his miscreant brother!
~ Nine ~
“RIGHT,” CHERRY SAID out loud and to no one in particular as she walked with determined steps back into the library and looked at the twins. She had just seen Mr. Trekner off, and here was the moment. She was going to have to win the two over, and she rather thought she knew the way. She directed a look at them and smiled. “I have a fancy to learn about Bromley. What say you if we take to horse and you take me under your wing and teach me about your beautiful home?”
The twins eyed one another with open stupefaction. Here was something new; it was obvious they didn’t know what to make of her.
“Eh?” Felix said doubtfully.