“Need I remind you, Price, that you’re not a bastard. You are the legitimate son of my son. He was a bastard, not you.”
“Of course, I know that, but—”
“And I do have the right to name an heir. I have an imbecile second cousin who’s hoping I’ll name him, but I’d rather my estate go to the crown. In the Middle Ages, members of the nobility often passed their titles to ill
egitimate offspring. It is still an option today. But I’ll say it again, you’re not illegitimate. And you are my blood issue.”
“I’m grateful,” Cameron said, “but I have no desire to become a pampered aristocrat.”
“Trust me, you wouldn’t be pampered,” Denbigh said. “My estate is intact, but I’m afraid I’ve not been as thorough in my affairs as I should have been during the last decade. Not having an heir, I didn’t see much point in securing our holdings. If you’ll be my heir, Price, I promise I’ll get things in order before my time on earth is over. But it will take a lot of work on both our parts.”
“I have a job,” Cameron said.
“Price, don’t be a fool,” Newland said. “I don’t want to lose you, but this is an incredible opportunity.”
“But I’m finally able to work on my music full time and make a living at it. That’s been my dream forever.”
Lady Denbigh smiled. “There was a time, Beau, when music was important to you. Do you remember?”
“Yes, yes, I do. I composed music myself as a lad. My father felt his heir shouldn’t concern himself with such frivolities, so I stopped when I became a teen.”
“How terrible,” Rose said.
“I survived. Of course, had I had other ways to occupy my free time, perhaps I wouldn’t have chased after housemaids.”
“But then Cam wouldn’t be here, nor Kat and Tricia,” Rose said. “That would have been a huge loss.”
Denbigh smiled. “You’ve a bright and kind young lady there, Cameron. You’re very lucky indeed.”
“I agree.” Cam gave Rose a chaste kiss on the cheek.
“Perhaps there’s a way for young Cameron to pursue his musical interests and be your heir,” Lady Denbigh said.
“I suppose you can stay in Bath during the six months the theatre is open,” Denbigh said. “Would that work for you, Newland?”
“Of course. I’d love to have Price stay on.”
“Then for the other six months of the year, you and your family will live on my estate.”
“Where is your estate, my lord?” Cameron asked.
“In Hampshire.”
“My father’s estate is in Hampshire,” Rose said.
“Then your lovely wife will be close to her parents. What do you say?”
“I’m sorry,” Cameron said, raking his fingers through his hair. “This is all a bit overwhelming.”
“My lord,” Mrs. Price said, “tell him about the title.”
“Yes, of course,” Denbigh continued. “As my heir, you will carry the title of Earl of Thornton, and your lovely lady here will be a countess.”
Cameron’s knees nearly buckled.
“I also plan to offer you a yearly allowance. As I said, my estate is not in the best condition, but I can give you three thousand pounds per year. Plus, I’ve already talked to Newland about purchasing your townhome from him. He has agreed to my offer, and the papers will be drawn up posthaste, with the deed in your name.”
“I can’t allow you to buy me a house.”