Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

“ I t might be a fun outing, if anything,” Anthony shrugged his shoulders as the carriage carried onwards.

Simon was on his way to a country estate, one known for its infamous gatherings and less-than-reputable activities — cockfighting being chief among them.

Luckily, Anthony knew the lord who owned the estate, a man of questionable character but with a reputation for hosting some of the most notorious events in the county.

“I am not sure what you count as fun.”

Anthony chuckled. “No need to be so sour about it. I think of it as a good opportunity — it is allowing us to spend time together, which would not have been possible if you were sheltered away in that country estate that you have moved to.”

“You are always welcome to visit,” Simon shrugged. “No one is stopping you.”

“Ah, and is the same invitation open for the duchess?” Anthony teased. “Can she come and visit you, whenever she may please as well?”

Simon shot his friend a glare. The last thing he wanted to do right was to discuss his marriage but they still had a way to go to the lord’s estate.

“Since when are you so interested in what happens in my marriage, Anthony?”

Anthony laughed out loud, “I know that the topic makes you flustered, and it is rather fun to see you in that state. Tell me, please. How have the last few days been in her company? Is your ice cold heart finally melting for her?”

Simon rolled his eyes. Trust Anthony to conjure up a fantasy romance where there was none.

“We only keep our discussions brief, and related to Catherine,” he replied.

He thought about their last conversation — how Harriet had expressed a desire to get to know him more, but he had all but shut her down.

“That is no fun,” Anthony groaned. “I was told that marriage is dry, but not to this degree, surely.”

“Anthony, why must you push this conversation, when you know that it is only a marriage in name?” Simon asked, irked.

“I do not know myself,” Anthony said, his tone surprisingly contemplative, “I suppose you could call it an inkling.”

“An inkling ?”

“Yes, I think that…” Anthony chose his words carefully. “Well, do not get upset when I say this, but I believe that your marriage is not as doomed as you think.”

“What makes you say that?”

“From what you have told me about her, she seems like a sweet girl.”

“She is as stubborn as they come,” Simon laughed. “You should meet her to form your opinion.”

“Oh, I would love to,” Anthony nodded, “Perhaps then I can offer you some real advice on how you can fix your marriage.”

“I do not need advice,” Simon pressed. “For now, you should only be helping me in locating my brother. That is the only thing I ask of you.”

The carriage rolled to a stop at the entrance of the estate, the crunchin sound of the gravel under the wheels filling the air as the two gentlemen made their way out of it.

The estate was abuzz with energy, and many people were in attendance it seemed.

Simon and Anthony made their way through the crowd, their presence commanding respect and attention. Anthony led the way, his familiarity with the estate’s owner granting them access to the inner circle of guests.

“Do you think he is here?” Anthony asked.

“I have a feeling that he is…” Simon looked around the area. The rowdy energy of the event was exactly the type of place that his brother would gravitate towards.

Simon’s gaze landed on a group gathered near the edge of the field, their attention fixed on the spectacle of the cockfight that was about to begin. Among them, he spotted a familiar figure — Tobias, his brother, looking every bit the part of a carefree rakehell.

“There,” Simon said, his jaw tightening at the sight.

Tobias was engaged in animated chatter, the sound of his loud laughter ringing through the air. He was the life of any party, and this felt no different.

His brother’s antics were a constant source of frustration, and seeing him so nonchalant in the face of his mounting troubles only fueled Simon’s resolve.

Anthony followed his gaze, recognition dawning. “Ah, the prodigal brother. Shall we?”

“Yes. Let’s end this nonsense once and for all.”

Simon and Anthony made their way through the crowd, the press of bodies parting before them as they approached Tobias. The younger Wylde seemed unaware of their presence, too busy was he with his own little world.

As they drew near, Simon’s voice cut through the noise, commanding and firm. “Tobias.”

Tobias turned, surprise flashing across his features before he masked it with a smile. “Simon! What an unexpected pleasure.”

Simon’s expression was anything but pleasant. “We need to talk.”

Tobias glanced around at his companions, a flicker of irritation in his eyes. “Now? Can it not wait?”

Simon’s patience was wearing thin. “No, it cannot.”

With a resigned sigh, Tobias excused himself from the group, following Simon and Anthony to a quieter corner of the estate where they could speak without fear of eavesdroppers.

Once they were away from prying ears, Simon rounded on his brother, his frustration boiling over. “What are you doing here, Tobias? You’ve caused enough trouble as it is.”

Tobias met his brother’s gaze, his own irritation simmering beneath the surface. “I’m having a bit of fun, Simon. You should try it sometime.”

This isn’t a game, Tobias. Your actions have consequences, and it’s time you started facing them.”

Tobias crossed his arms, his posture defiant. “And what exactly have I done that’s so terrible?”

“Shall I list for you the numerous things?” Simon narrowed his eyes. “You’ve been spending money you don’t have, associating with people who care nothing for you, and shirking your responsibilities to the family. It’s time to grow up.”

Tobias scoffed, his expression dismissive. “I’m perfectly capable of handling my affairs, Simon.”

“Are you?” Simon challenged, his voice rising. “Because it seems to me that you’re spiraling out of control.”

Tobias glared at him, his pride wounded. “I’m not a child, Simon. I don’t need you swooping in to save me every time something goes awry. Frankly, if this is all you came to say to me then I should tell you that this was a mistake.”

Anger flared inside of Simon, despite his very best efforts to control himself.

“It was fine till your actions only impacted you solely. But now it seems that they have started to interfere with my life as well.”

Tobias shot him a confused look. “What on earth are you on about? Anthony, perhaps you should take my brother to get a drink. He seems like he is in need of one.”

Simon stepped closer to Tobias, his expression leaving no room for misunderstanding. “I need to know about the baby.”

Tobias blinked, confusion creasing his brow. “What baby?”

“The child that was left at my doorstep. Do you know anything about it?”

Tobias’s eyes widened in genuine surprise. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Simon studied his brother’s face, searching for any hint of deception. “Don’t play games with me, Tobias. If that child is yours, you need to take responsibility.”

Tobias ran a hand through his hair, his demeanor defensive. “I’m telling you, I don’t know anything about a baby.”

“You’ve had a string of affairs, haven’t you? It’s entirely possible that one of them resulted in a child.”

Tobias’s cheeks flushed with indignation. “Yes, I’ve had a few dalliances, but that doesn’t mean I’ve fathered a child. Now, if you will excuse me — I was in the middle of something.”

Just as expected. It was highly like Tobias to shun responsibility, and run away whenever he could.

Simon knew that he had to take a step that was more drastic. Speak in a language that his brother understood.

“Until you find out who the mother is and take responsibility for your actions, I’m cutting off your allowance.”

Tobias’s head snapped up, shock and anger mingling in his expression. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am. This isn’t a game, Tobias. It’s time to grow up.”

Tobias stared at his brother. “You can’t just cut me off.”

“I can, and I will,” Simon replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I’ve been enabling your behavior for far too long.”

“You think you can control everything, don’t you? Well, I’m not one of your estates, Simon. You can’t just manage me.”

“This is not about control, Tobias. You may choose to be reckless about your life, but the moment your actions start to influence mine, I have a problem,” Simon squared him up.

“What do you want me to do here?” Tobias finally relented. Simon knew it would happen — he could never bear the thought of being cut off from the family’s estate.

“For one, I need you to address me in the manner that is appropriate,” Simon warned him. “Your older brother, and the Duke of Atherton.”

“Sorry, Your Grace. I was not aware that I was being so impolite.”

“Running your mouth off like this is not going to make me reinstate your allowance either,” Simon warned, his eyes narrowed.

“Gentlemen, please,” Anthony stepped in between them, “Your little scuffle is drawing too much unwanted attention. It is best if you continue this conversation privately.”

“Fine,” Simon huffed, straightening his collar and walking out into the distance. The other two men followed him.

Simon was not a strict older brother — quite the opposite. He had given Tobias mostly free rein to do as he pleased, as long it did not harm him or the family. It was a complete change from their father, who had ensured that his children were disciplined in each part of their lives.

But he was not one to tolerate disrespect either. Tobias had to learn that he could not act like an impish rake in his presence.

They walked a considerable distance — the crowd gathered for the cockfighting was barely visible now, and no one could eavesdrop on their conversation here.

“Is this really necessary, brother?” Tobias called from behind him, bending his waist to catch his breath. “You said you wished to talk to me, not that you wished to engage me in exercise.”

Simon passed him an unimpressed sneer. “It seems that both your morals and your physical fitness have dropped below levels that are considered acceptable.”

That got a laugh out of Anthony, who quickly shut up when Tobias shot him a glare.

“If you spend more time focusing on bettering yourself, and less on your hedonism, then all of our problems would be eliminated today,” Simon continued.

Tobias stopped walking, and instead found a nearby bench to sit down. “We have walked enough. Now, tell me what it is that you wish to say here.”

Simon’s jaw tightened slightly, and he walked back to his brother. Anthony thought that he might charge at him, and tried to hold him back.

“No need,” Simon said, resisting his efforts. “I am not planning on hurting him.”

“By all means,” Anthony shrugged. “He definitely deserves it. But I think it would cause too much of a scene.”

Tobias was looking at his brother with a mixture of annoyance and fear now — of course, he would never admit to the latter.

“You should use your words, big brother.” Tobias’s tone was mocking.

That snapped something inside of Simon. In a flash, he had Tobias held up by the scruff of his collar and pressed against the wall. He held him there for a second, before realizing his anger was too much and let him go.

“I have had enough of your attitude. Do you know how much trouble your debaucheries have caused me? My wife is left taking care of a child that she has nothing to do with, and here you are frolicking amuck in town like you have nothing to do with this.”

Tobias held up his hands. “Why is it my fault to begin with? I did not even know the existence of a baby until you just told me now.”

“I do not care if you knew or not. You need to find out who the mother is, and fix this mess of a situation that you have created.”

Tobias struggled to answer — he was not able to articulate his words properly.

Anthony pulled Simon back. “You’ve gotten the message across, Simon. Let him go now.”

Simon gave him a glare. Tobias stumbled on his words.

“I will be expecting to hear back from you soon,” Simon said, his words ringing with an air of finality. “The sooner you are able to do this, the sooner you shall get your allowance resumed.”

With that, Simon walked away without so much as exchanging a goodbye with his brother. Anthony was right on his heels, but the two men did not speak again until they were back in the carriage.

“I have never seen you this angry before.” Anthony broke the silence. His expression was a mixture of awe and horror.

“Let us pray that you never have to again,” Simon replied, settling back into his seat in the carriage.

“Do you really believe that he is going to get his act together now?” Anthony inquired.

Simon thought it over it for a moment. “From what I know of my brother, he is not one to listen — to anyone. But he is far too attached to his lifestyle to simply let it go.”

“That was genius,” Anthony reached over and patted Simon on the shoulder. “It would have never occurred to me to cut out his allowance. It is bound to work.”

“Now all we can do is wait,” Simon pressed his lips together. “If I know Tobias, the answer will be with us very soon.”