Read Online Tenacious Trents 02 - A Perfect Gentleman by Jane Charles - Free Book Online Page A

eyes. “We also have a
younger sister.”
    “All fulfilling the role father required.”
The bitterness in Mr. Trent’s tone set her back. “Though our
younger brother seemed to have escaped his duties.”
    “I don’t understand.”
    Vicar Trent shot a warning glance at his
brother.
    “Our father determined exactly what we would
be when we became adults and there was no choice for any of us.”
Apparently Mr. Trent was going to go against his brother’s wishes
and share what may be family information best not discussed.
    “Miss Cooper does not need to know our family
history. I am sure it will bore her to tears,” Vicar Trent
warned.
    “Nonsense,” Mr. Trent dismissed him.
    “Our elder brother, Clayton, is the new Earl
Bentley, recently wed. And, our younger brother, John, avoided
buying a commission and traveled the world, recently returning with
his new bride.”
    “He is the only one who didn’t do as told?”
Grace was having a difficult time understanding what the two had
done wrong.
    “Yes, the bravest of us all.”
    “And, what did your father require of you,
Mr. Trent?”
    His smile was wide, but it never reached his
eyes. “Nothing. Nothing at all.”
    “Pardon?” Surely as a second son he had to
find a way to support himself, even if his father was a lord. Her
own father was the second son of a poor baron, yet he became a
solicitor, settled his own land, farmed and raised chickens and
cows. They had been prosperous until her father’s accident. Since,
all but the valet had to be let go. The man only stayed on because
he was loyal to Papa and didn’t wish to find other employment.
Perkins was perfectly content to stay on helping father with his
payment being his simple room and meals. Grace didn’t know what she
would have done had Perkins left as her father couldn’t dress
himself and in that first year, needed help that a daughter
couldn’t offer.
    “I am to simply enjoy life without a care in
the world.”
    Yet, it was clear he wasn’t enjoying himself
now.
    Instead of questioning Mr. Trent further,
Grace focused on Vicar Trent. “Am I to understand your father
decided on your profession and it wasn’t something you were called
to do?” She thought all ministers were called by God to fill this
role.
    His eyes met hers across the carriage. There
was no humor in them and she was sorry she asked the question.
Clearly, she treaded where she ought not.
    “I’ve known before I was out of short pants
that I would be a vicar. It was never open for discussion.”
    Perhaps he did not wish to be a vicar at all.
How very disturbing. Shouldn’t a man whose job it was to lead
people to God have a fierce desire to do so? Her mind could not
comprehend the possibility. Neither brother fulfilled their own
desires, but those of the father. He must have been a very
formidable man to have such control over these two grown men.
    The carriage stopped at her front door. Vicar
Trent jumped out and assisted her to the ground. His brother
followed. Grace let herself in the house and the brothers followed
her into the parlor where her father still sat before the fire. Mr.
Trent stopped in the doorway, muttered a low curse and retreated
into the foyer. She didn’t really care being much more concerned
with her father at the moment.
    Uncle Henry paced and drank more of her
father’s brandy. She supposed someone should. Her father hadn’t had
a drink since the night before his injury. Her uncle glanced up
when she entered the room.
    “It is about time you returned, young lady.
Don’t you know your father should never be left alone?”
    Grace heaved a sigh and removed her hat.
“Father is perfectly capable of taking care of himself and being
left alone for a short time. Besides, Perkins, his valet is
here.”
    “And, you come back with a gentleman I see.
This is further proof you need a guardian. Somebody needs to take
you in hand before your reputation is in shreds.”
    “I beg your pardon.” Vicar Trent