Not Always a Saint Read Free

smiled reluctantly at how well Laurel and Kirkland knew him. He opened the bottom drawer of his desk and retrieved the flask of brandy he kept for unusually trying days. “I’m still reeling at the news. I’m only a third cousin once removed. But there were only a few intervening heirs, and all died at that damnable house party.”
    â€œA tragedy.” Kirkland accepted the glass of brandy Daniel poured, then settled into the only other chair in the small office. “Not least for you.”
    Daniel sighed. “There’s no way I can refuse the inheritance, is there?”
    â€œUnfortunately not,” Kirkland said. “The noble title and entailed property go to the nearest male heir of the Herbert bloodline, and that’s you. You are now responsible for the estates and all the tenants who depend on them.”
    â€œI feel as if Atlas just dropped the world on my shoulders. You were raised knowing you were the Kirkland heir, but I barely knew Romayne existed, much less that I had any chance of inheriting.” His father would have known, and would have been delighted if the inheritance had fallen to him.
    Kirkland swirled the brandy in his glass thoughtfully. “A change of this magnitude is intimidating, but being a lord is well within your capabilities.”
    â€œNo doubt.” Daniel’s face tightened at the thought of his greatest fear. Realizing Kirkland would understand, he added tersely, “But can I still be a doctor?”
    â€œYou will have more demands on your time,” Kirkland admitted. “But you can hire good people to manage the properties. You’re now a peer of the realm! Other lords spend large amounts of time collecting fossils or writing papers on mathematics or drinking themselves into a stupor. You can find time for your work.”
    â€œI hope so.” Daniel tried to estimate how many hours would be consumed by managing people and property and his seat in Parliament. Too many. “I won’t be able to help as many as I do now.”
    â€œI’ll say the same to you as I did to Laurel. Your new honors are a burden, but also an opportunity, and a fortune makes it possible to help a great many more people.” Kirkland smiled. “Your sister is spending my money with wild abandon as she helps open more women’s shelters like Zion House. You can establish more infirmaries. Sponsor the education of promising young surgeons and physicians.”
    Oddly, Daniel hadn’t thought about those possibilities. “I like those ideas, but I already have the life I want. Inheriting Romayne is a burden and a complication.”
    â€œIs it still the life you want?” Kirkland asked quietly. “Or is it time for a change?”
    Daniel started to reply that of course his life was exactly right just as it was. Then he shut his mouth and reconsidered.
    Damn Kirkland for being right! Here in Bristol, Daniel had valuable work and daily challenges, but he’d been lonely since his sister had reconciled with Kirkland and moved away. He needed more friends and different challenges.
    â€œPerhaps it is time,” he said slowly. “I’ve been in shock ever since the lawyer delivered the dread news. I need to think about what I want, and what is now possible.”
    â€œCome to London and stay with us,” Kirkland suggested. “Laurel and I would love having you, and I can help you sort the practical and legal issues of your new position. You also need to be introduced to society. The little season will start soon, and the network of Westerfield Academy old boys will help you establish yourself to whatever extent you want.”
    Daniel’s tension eased. London seemed more manageable if he stayed with Laurel and Kirkland. “I’d enjoy seeing old schoolmates, but I have my doubts about entering grand society.”
    â€œWise of you to be wary,” his friend said, amused. “Particularly in light