The Captain Read Online Free PDF

first few years after I left were spent just learning to survive.” A sheepish grin touched his lips. “Besides, I was very much piqued at my father for all his plots and plans back then.” He watched a moth fluttering near the window seeking to escape the overwarm room. “There was also a part of me that feared he would come for me and make me return home to fulfill his wishes. I was quite determined that wasn’t going to happen.” The captain grew pensive but didn’t dwell on those times. “Pride in a young man is a rather powerful thing, sir.”
    The old solicitor merely nodded, for he had much experience dealing with young sprigs come to Town to make their mark and very often failing. He remained silent—his cue that he would listen.
    Drew’s gaze moved past the old gentleman’s shoulder to a badly rendered painting of country life. “As my luck turned, I felt like it would appear to be gloating if I wrote him. The more time passed, the harder it became. I picked up a pen a thousand times, but told myself that he wouldn’t want to hear from a disloyal son who’d foiled all his plans.” He fell silent and his eyes took on a faraway look for a moment before he continued. “Then, about six months ago in the throes of a typhoon off the China coast, I came rather close to death. The narrow escape made me take stock of what I thought important, about what I wanted to accomplish. It was something of a revelation when I realized that I had a duty to my name as well as to my father. I am his sole heir. I promised myself I would come back and make amends for abandoning him when he needed my help. I’ve made my fortune and can do much to help make Rowland Park once again profitable. That is, if he still acknowledges me. I am well aware the estate is not entailed.”
    Mr. Wormwood’s brown eyes brightened on hearing the word fortune. “You must know that I shall be delighted to represent you in any way I can. As to the old gentleman, he remarried, oh, three years ago. Perhaps to try for another heir, or to acquire the widow’s portion, but”—the old man shrugged—“all he obtained was a young wife”—the solicitor’s mouth twisted with distaste—“who has no more head for money than the baron. Within a year they were dished again, but he’d staved off the most pressing of the creditors. I have no doubt he would welcome you home.”
    His father with a new wife! Drew was unable to stop the surprise from registering on his face. Despite the man’s penchant for gaming, he’d had a strong sense of the continuity of family. Yet, he’d stoutly refused to wed while Drew had been a young man, saying all he needed was one heir. Had his father given up on ever seeing his only son alive again? A wave of guilt washed over Drew. He had much to make up for where that gentleman was concerned. “Then my father is well?”
    â€œUp until about six months ago.” The solicitor shook his head sadly.
    Drew’s hand tightened on the arm of the chair. “He is alive, is he not?”
    â€œAlive, but he was injured in a riding accident during a hunt. Happened just before Twelfth Night. He’s been confined to his bed since. The physician can find nothing wrong. But your father’s will to walk seems lacking. I’ve done what I can to help, but I fear I had little to work with, what with the estate so mortgaged. The rumors after the murder only complicated things and—”
    Captain Morrow straightened. “What murder, sir?”
    A dawning light flashed in the solicitor tired eyes. “I had forgotten, all that happened about the time you left. In fact, your father told me you vanished the same night of the murder.” He quickly explained about Mr. Blanchett’s violent death, Miss Blanchett’s flight along with her maid, and the rumors that eventually surfaced that the