Ten Ways to Ruin

Simon took four steps and felt out of breath. “Dammit.”

“You can do it, Simon.”

He wasn’t certain about that. He’d never felt so weak in his life. “Did you talk to the Archbishop?”

“Yes, and he understood the need for me to represent you. He wasn’t pleased but agreed due to the circumstances.”

Simon winced as he took another step. “Will he keep quiet about the child?”

“Of course,” Harry said with a chuckle. “He wants that baby born on the right side of the blanket.”

Unlike he’d been. “Am I doing the right thing, Harry? After all, I shall always be a bastard. While my children will have the benefit of your connection and being legitimate, will Society accept them?”

“Yes, as long as you keep your funds.” Harry helped him back into bed. “Society cares about titles, money, and legitimacy...in that order. So make sure you increase your money, and your sons and daughters will take the world by storm.”

“With their mother’s kindness,” Simon added.

“And your fierceness.” Harry poured a glass of water and handed it to him. “I will make sure you have a good dinner tonight, so you get your strength back.”

“I’m joining you all for dinner tonight.”

Harry looked down at him with furrowed brows. “You’re not up to it yet, Simon. Give yourself another day or two.”

“I am joining you for dinner tonight.”

“Why the rush?”

Simon leveled his brother a smile. “Because I have an important question to ask Emma afterward.”

Harry nodded. “As you wish.”

“Did Louisa get what I needed?”

“She should return soon.”

Simon smiled. “Excellent.”

“Your solicitor brought over all the paperwork to transfer Hell to Ainsley and his group.”

“Did it include the provision regarding Riley?” Simon wasn’t about to sign the paperwork unless they agreed to sponsor Riley in Society.

“Yes. Riley grumbled about it but finally agreed. All signatures are complete, save yours. You are about to become an even wealthier bastard,” Harry commented with a grin.

“Good,” Simon replied. “Since I plan on having many children, we will need the money. And maybe a few more estates. One for each boy.”

Harry chuckled. “Do have a few girls. They will change your life.”

Simon smiled, knowing how Charlotte had changed his brother’s life for the better. “I want several little blonde girls with blue eyes like their mother.”

A light rap on the door interrupted them. “Come in,” Harry replied.

Louisa walked into the room with a smile. Holding up a piece of paper, she said, “I found it. I didn’t know she had a secret compartment in her desk.”

Once Louisa came close, Simon grabbed the paper. “Quill?”

Harry walked to the small desk in the room and shuffled through the drawers before finding a quill. He brought over the tray from tea and ink. “Do make sure it says, despicable scoundrel.”

“Come along, darling,” Louisa said as she tugged her husband’s arm. “Leave your brother in peace.”