Never Kiss a Toad

Chapter Fifty-Seven: Part 3

Toad nodded, but he kept his eyes trained on the far wall.

"He came to my private sitting room to put the argument to me and your father. He said we were acting ungrateful for the fine young man we'd raised, overlooking your better qualities in the face of gossip with no basis in fact, rumours started by people who weren't good enough to lick your boots. He said if we stood in the way of you and your young lady, we would be ripping our own son's very heart out, and it wasn't fair, when you'd worked so hard to be worthy of her."

"I am entirely nonplussed."

"The duke also assures me Captain Hawley gave him a stern talking-to when I had to leave the room, for making Missus Bella's life miserable by staying angry at you."

"He gave me the same lecture for the same reason."

"He would, wouldn't he?" She turned away with a smug smile to rummage in her desk drawer.

"Do you think Captain Hawley manhandles the duke while he lectures? I would buy a ticket to see that."

"No, your father would have my business partner transported for such an incursion, but I will certainly tell Captain Hawley to never again manhandle my son. You are both lucky he didn't make his point with a sharpened knife."

"We are both lucky you stand between us and Hawley."

"You are, indeed." After removing a false back from the drawer, the duchess offered him two sizable stacks of wrapped banknotes.

"You cannot be flush in the pockets with no allowance, and only a semblance of one before it was rescinded. I would not have you living in filth in pursuit of your dream of nuptial bliss, if only because Sally would not like to see it. Here. This will go some way in making you comfortable until you leave London, and wherever you go next, and what is left, you may consider a gift to invest in your new venture."

"My thanks, Your Grace, but I am personally well-seated at present, and the company is not in need of investment."

With a raised brow, she shook the notes at him. "Merely levelling the playing field, my boy. You cannot win against Seventh Sea, but I admire you for trying. And you need not 'Your Grace' your mother."

"You are trying to take control by buying a stake."

"Not at all, David. I am giving my son a gift he deserves for his top marks, graduation with honours, and superlative management of my former enterprise. I am aware of the profits you amassed for your school, and the efficiency with which you and your friends updated the operation. If you were in my employ, you would receive a bonus for such exemplary work."

This was actually fair income, Toad thought. All the others had invested part of the financial gifts and trusts they received upon graduation. Toad took the banknotes. "That is very kind, Your Grace."

"Had you made yourself available when we arrived for the ceremony with your entire extended family, you would have received your proper portion then. You will erase the smirk from your face, David. That was not well done of you."

Toad's smirk remained in place until she said, "You hurt your sister deeply, to say nothing of myself. And you had already run out of chances with your father, but might have had one more with Haverford, until you so angered your father and embarrassed me so thoroughly. Yes, I thought that might get your attention. Can you imagine, David, what it is to be lauded before one's son's entire school, when one's son cannot be bothered to attend?"

Toad hung his head, twisting his drink in his hands.

"You make it difficult for anyone to speak for you, because every time we do, you turn about and act like a reactionary fool. You did it even today, upon hearing a bit of news not to your liking; you came in screaming and slamming things. If you do it with your father, he will disown you again, even when he has now admitted his error and wishes to make amends."

"The only way he can make amends is to produce Sally and a vicar and a ring."

"That is our plan, my boy. Do not doubt it. And do not doubt your parents are on your side. Can you trust me that far?"

"I will see His Grace tomorrow, and until then, I am exercising my right to reserve judgement."

"That is only fair. Now, will you allow me to give you a kiss, or will you continue to treat me as an adversary?"

He set down his empty glass and stood, holding his arms out to her, his frame stiff, but not rigid. She stepped into his embrace and held on as though she hadn't seen him since childhood. And, indeed, he was transported back through the years to the times she bandaged his scraped knees or wrapped a sprained wrist, always following the tender care with hugs and kisses that drew some of the pain away. As she pulled back, his mother gave him the same kiss on the cheek she always had.

"I am so happy to see you, my son. You cannot know how our separation has torn me apart."

He bussed the top of her head lightly—she must have shrunk, as she only stood as high as his clavicle now—but he didn't trust himself and his tenuous composure to say anything in response.