Page 122 of Miss Vincent’s Vow

Jethro considered her words. Was she right? That it was his pride that was hurt by acknowledging he was born out of wedlock. His pride that was dented by admitting he couldn’t manage without Mr Wade’s help.

A commotion in the hall interrupted them and Mr Wade burst into the room, followed by an apologetic butler.

“I’m sorry, sir. I told him you weren’t at home to visitors, but he refused to leave and pushed right past me—”

Jethro glanced at Cassandra, who nodded encouragingly. “Not to worry, Rowson. I’ll take it from here.”

The butler withdrew, shutting the door behind him.

Jethro took a deep breath, rose from his chair and with a great effort of will, he offered his hand. “Good morning, Father.”

Mr Wade gaped at Jethro’s outstretched hand for a long moment before grasping it in his own and shaking it repeatedly, a wide grin spreading across his face.

Jethro invited his father to sit and resumed his seat next to Cassandra on the sofa.

“I’m so relieved to see you in one piece,” Mr Wade said. “When I heard what happened…that your warehouse had burned down…that someone had died, I was so afraid…”

The man sounded distraught, but Jethro had to be sure.

“Did you try to force my hand? I don’t take you for a man who gives up easily, and I put your nose seriously out of joint by declining what you offered me. What better way to make me dependent on you than by destroying my business? It was your employee, Legg, who set my warehouse on fire—a crime he paid for with his life.”

“How dare you try to lay the blame on me?” Mr Wade growled, half-rising from his chair.

“Hmm. Your indignation is so great I almost believe you.”

“Legg was no longer in my employ. I met with him after you left last night. The rascal made no apology for meeting with the Framptons, nor for exceeding the limits of what I’d asked him to do by trying to ferret out stories to discredit you. He seemed to think he was doing me a favour and thought himself indispensable.

“I soon put him right on that and dismissed him on the spot. He swore I’d regret it, but I never imagined he would go this far. What greater revenge could he have had on me than by taking away my only son? His behaviour was despicable. He brought his premature end on himself.”

“That tone of disdain I can’t doubt,” Jethro said, expelling a long huff of air. “I believe you.”

“Thank heavens for that,” Mr Wade said, sitting back down. “What must you think of me to imagine I would stoop so low as that?”

“I think you are a man who likes to have his own way”—Mr Wade opened his mouth to object—“as do I.”

His father grunted in a fashion that Jethro was forced to admit sounded just like him. Cassandra must have thought so too, as it brought an amused look to her face. It was only a small thing, but it made Jethro wonder if, perhaps, he was more like his father than he had supposed.

“Now you’re satisfied I meant you no harm, will you let me help you get your business back on its feet?” Mr Wade asked.

“That depends.”

His father’s eyes glimmered with hope. “On what?”

Jethro gave a lopsided smile. “A man after my own heart—straight to the point.”

His father gave a satisfied huff, and Jethro continued.

“I don’t want my wife to be hurt. For that reason, I don’t want people to know I’m your son.”

Mr Wade sat for what seemed like an hour, but was probably only a minute or two, staring at the floor.

“It’s not what I wish, but I respect your choice. I would value the chance to get to know you both better. Please let me help you—as your investor and business partner.”

Jethro exchanged a glance with Cassandra before turning back to his father.

“Very well. We accept. On that basis, you are welcome in our home. I can’t promise to love you as a son should love his father, but I vow to try.”

Jethro rose and shook hands with Mr Wade, who took his leave in a much happier mood than when he’d arrived.