Read Online Lady Faith Takes a Leap by Maggi Andersen - Free Book Online

do with that?”
    “To show him I’m ready to settle down.”
    “But you’re not.”
    He grinned. “Not what?”
    She gave an annoyed huff. “You’re being deliberately obtuse.”
    “I barely know Rosamond.”
    “But you wish to know her better?”
    “Perhaps. What I really wish is to purchase a property in Surrey I’ve found. The land is perfect for my horse stud.”
    “Ah.” She leaned across and patted his arm. “My dear, don’t be in such a hurry. Your inheritance—”
    “Is not forthcoming, Mama. I wish to employ my newly acquired skills. Put an end to my aimless existence. Chaloner certainly agrees with that last part at least. Father left me an inheritance, not a fortune but enough to set me up. I feel at my age I’m entitled to the whole and not just an allowance.”
    “Darling boy.” She shook her head. “Your father’s will is quite clear.”
    “Why the delay? I reached my majority years ago.”
    She fingered her wrap. “It was after you were sent down from Oxford. Your father altered his will just before he died.”
    Vaughn pulled in and then slowly released a deep breath. “So, that was the reason. I thought as much.” It was almost impossible to believe that one small thoughtless act on his part could affect so many lives. The fear that Vaughn’s actions might have brought about his father’s death once more tightened his chest. It was something he’d have to live with. If he could have spoken to his father, explained the situation, everything might have turned out differently.
    She patted his hand. “It is hard for you I know. The will clearly states that Chaloner is to give you a generous allowance but retain full control to invest your inheritance as he sees fit until you turn thirty. He is not unreasonable, however. Chaloner is an admirable man who takes his role as head of the family most seriously.”
    “Which is as it should be.” Vaughn raked his hands through his hair. “But he also expects everyone else to measure up to his high ideals,” he said. “Edward feels I must prove to Chaloner I’m able to use the money wisely.” He shrugged his shoulders. “How can I do that if I don’t have the use of it?”
    “A conundrum certainly,” his mother agreed. “I suggest patience.”
    He scowled. “Patience?”
    “Yes, my dear. Be patient. It shall come about. But please don’t give young ladies your undivided attention when you have no intention of seeking their hand.” She ruffled his hair. “You’re such a handsome man; you’ve only to beckon with your little finger.”
    He laughed. “You sound like a mother.”
    “I am your mother, but I’m not blind. And neither are other ladies, young and old.”
    If he raised a little finger, to Faith, for instance, would she come running? He very much doubted it. “I would actually like to find a suitable bride. Have a son or two like Freddie. But I’m hamstrung.”
    “We might be having this conversation some years hence.” She shrugged her shoulders in her lacy wrap. “But age has little to do with one’s feelings. You need love in your life, I quite see that, but you have been looking in the wrong place. Rational men are not always as good at listening to their hearts as we women are.” She pleated the bed sheet with her fingers. “I wish I could help you with this endeavor of yours, but my money is tied up, and I have little influence with Chaloner.”
    “Chaloner is so confident of his decisions; it’s difficult to change his mind on any matter,” he said.
    Perhaps his mother was not as forceful as she used to be, but she was still capable of ruffling a few feathers. He was aware that she had to tread carefully with Lavinia, who wasn’t the warmest of daughter-in-laws. Vaughn swallowed the lump of compassion in his throat at the extraordinary thought that his mother might be lonely. His sisters all lived far from home. The whole family only got together during births, funerals, and Christmas. His elder