Although his posting to duty in India had caused her many a sleepless night, she was proud that he was in service to his country.
“Mama, must we always do what is expected of us?”
“Robert, we have a duty to lead by example. To be a member of the Nobility carries much responsibility.”
“Well, it is one I don’t care for,” he replied in a tired voice.
“Like it or not, Robert, you are now the Earl. Now, I will leave you to ruminate on your new responsibilities as I have much to attend to. I realise this has hardly been the homecoming you envisaged, but we must carry on as best we can. I will see you in the drawing room for tea at half-past three, I hope?”
Sulkily he nodded his head.
As the door banged behind his mother, he suddenly felt a wave of grief threatening to overcome him.
He had
