Page 104 of A Single Obsession

As he was about to leave the house, an idea popped into his mind.

“Is Lord Castleford in?”

Only by a flicker of his eyelids did the footman betray his surprise. Beau couldn’t blame the man. He’d never made such a request before.

The servant took his card and disappeared down the corridor. A few moments later, he reappeared.

“His lordship will see you now. This way.”

Beau was ushered into a small room lined with books. Castleford rose from his chair behind the imposing mahogany desk that dominated the space and extended his arm.

Beau clasped his hand and shook it firmly, and then both gentlemen sat down.

“To what do I owe this pleasure?” the Earl asked.

“I need advice—guidance.”

“Go on.”

“May I ask you a personal question? How did you…how did you persuade Georgie to marry you?”

“If you’re looking for a magic formula to find the way to a woman’s heart, I’m afraid I cannot help you.”

He shot him a look laced with such sympathy that Beau felt encouraged, despite his words.

“But you must have done something to convince her.”

Castleford’s eyes glazed over, as if remembering. “I just kept loving her, and I thank God that, with a little aid from you and Ant, I was able to save her from the hands of a scoundrel. And when she would have given me up, to free me from her disreputable self, I showed her how much I loved her.”

“But she won’t believe my words.”

“My brother once told me to find out what made Georgiana feel loved. Ask yourself the same question. What is it that makes Eliza feel cherished—for I assume it’s my sister-in-law we’re talking about and not some other woman?”

Beau grimaced. “Please don’t tease me. I’m not in the mood. You know very well it’s Eliza I adore.”

He pondered over what Castleford had said. Had he shown her how much he loved her? He kept on telling her, but she didn’t believe him. Not that words were her thing any more than they were his—and his words kept getting him into trouble.

What mattered to Eliza? He thought back to their time in Alton and remembered how she’d glowed when he’d rescued her from his mother’s machinations. To judge by the accusations she had flung at him the previous evening, she believed he was still under her grip and falling in with her schemes yet again—but without the excuse of needing to save his horses.

“I must prove I’m no longer dancing to my mother’s tune.” He gritted his teeth as his hands gripped the arms of his chair. “I could make a complete break of it. Sever all ties with her—”

“Not a course I would recommend.”

“It’s not?”

“Apart from being overly dramatic, Beau, it’s hardly a Christian response, and not one which Eliza would applaud.”

“Oh. I see your point. But how—”

He broke off as a plan formed in his mind. “I think there’s a better way to show Eliza I’ve taken control of my life, and I’m sure she’ll approve of this. I’ll take up the reins of my estate and learn to manage my property if it kills me. My mother doesn’t believe I’m capable, but if I succeed…”

“I have every confidence you will.”

“You do?”

“Don’t sound so surprised. Not everyone thinks as poorly of you as her ladyship. You were born to this position. Your devotion to horses means you’ll live in the country more than most of the nobility, and you’ll soon learn to love the land. Though you’re ignorant of how to run an estate, you inspire loyalty in your servants, and that is something money can’t buy. With a competent manager at your side, I believe the role will be much more to your liking than you imagine. Do you have a capable steward at Langcroft?”

“My mother does not tolerate incompetence, so I’m sure Harris excels at his job—but he reports to her.”