Samuel

"What's happened to your face?" Frederick looked at his brother from across the room and grinned. "Did some irate husband find you in bed with his wife?"

"No," Samuel chuckled. "I don't do that anymore."

"Since when?" Fred laughed again as he put his tumbler down on the table. "Sam, you've got the worst reputation around town. You're what is referred to, as being in the petticoat trade. No mother of the ton will let you anywhere near their daughter for fear you are going to deflower her." He tweaked his head and added, "That's not entirely true. They'll throw their daughters at you." Fred chortled and poured them both a glass of brandy. He handed one to Samuel saying, "It always makes me laugh. The more a man sleeps around, the more women want him. Us poor nice fellows are brushed aside."

"You. A nice fellow." Sam took a swig. "You've sown your fair share of wild oats, as father calls it." Samuel finished his drink and stood up to pour another. He pointed at his brother. "You should be married by now and have an heir on the way. After all, you will be His Grace the Duke of Irvine one day, and an heir you must produce."

Frederick pointed back at Samuel and pinned his eyes with identical ones. "Don't worry I'm working on it."

"Really?"

"Yes. Really. Now tell me what's happened to your face."

"I'm learning to box. Tim, my trainer hooked me a good one."

"Why?" Fred frowned at him.

"If you're asking why he hooked me, it's because I didn't duck." Sam laughed and lifted the decanter. "If you're asking why boxing, well, now that I've given up other men's wives, whores, gambling and heavy drinking, I need something to fill in my time."

"Ah, I see, getting beaten black and blue is filling in time?" Fred shook his head in dismay. "Have you really given up whores?"

"All except one." Sam smirked, sat down with his glass, and then leant forward in his chair. "What are we going to do about Caroline and George?"

"Are you still on about that?" Fred peered at his brother and sighed. "It's not our concern, Sammy.  I don't understand why you keep going on about it.  The best they can do is steal the silver.  They have no access to money, unless father has decided to give them an allowance."  Frederick paused in thought, and then added, "He probably has done so for George, but certainly not Caroline since she is his wife."  He faced Samuel fully, took a mouthful of his drink, and before Sam had a chance to reply, he opened his hands to his brother and said, "As far as peerage, deeds, or anything to do with the House of Irvine, they have no power, Sam.  William is fourth in line, a viscount.  You and I stand to gain more than he, when father dies, and then William's trust would be overseen by our uncles and me."

Samuel stood and paced before turning on Fred.  "I just have a gut feeling, Fred.  Those two are up to something.  It is true what you say, they'd have many hurdles to get their hands on the money, but for some reason I fear they are usurpers, and I have this intense feeling that they are  not brother and sister."  He stabbed his finger through the air at Fred.  "And I can guarantee the child is not father's." He sighed and slumped back in his chair. "I think I'll go back to the Hall for a bit. I'm going to prove they are lovers, even if it kills me to do it."

"You and this obsession. Do you really think father is that stupid, he wouldn't see a swindle right under his nose?"

Samuel set his empty tumbler on the occasional table and pushed himself up out of the chair. "Yes, I do. Get your man to pack you a case. We're leaving tomorrow to sort this out once and for all."

"I'm not going." Fred shook his head as he lifted the decanter to pour himself another drink.

"Yes. You are."

"Look at you being all authoritative." Frederick laughed. "Anyone would think you're the future duke. What does your mistress think of this side of you?"

"She loves it." Sam pointed his finger at his brother and smirked. "And now you've mentioned her, I have a duty to perform." He turned his back and headed to the door. Sam took hold of the knob and faced his brother once more. "I'll see you in the morning, ready to leave."

*

The carriage rumbled through the large iron gates that displayed the Denyer family crest.  Samuel looked out of the window at the winding road, which was lined with oaks.  He leaned back against his seat and let out a heavy sigh.  "We need to form a plan Fred."

"Let us see how the land lies first, Sam.  You may have a completely different feeling about the two this time."

"I won't," Samuel spat.  "My gut feeling tells me otherwise.  I just know they aren't who they say they are."

Before Frederick could reply the carriage pulled up at the foot of the wide staircase at the front of the house.  The double doors flew opened.

"Oh! My Lords!" Anderson rushed down the stairs and met Frederick and Samuel at the bottom. "How did word get to you so fast?"

"Anderson?" Frederick cocked his head at the butler as he climbed from the carriage. "What are you talking about?"

"Your father, My Lord." Anderson could tell immediately that the two men standing before him had no idea what he was talking about. "He's dead, sir. The duke is dead."

*

Samuel stood with his hands behind his back staring down at his father's body. There was a band of light bruising on each wrist. He lifted his head and looked across at his brother. "They killed him."

"Oh, for God's sake, Sammy. You have to give up this obsession of yours. The physician said it was his heart. Carotid arteries or something." Frederick ran his hand over his head. "You were there. You heard him."

"Look at his wrists, Fred." Sam was so sick of Frederick brushing his theories aside. "There was nothing wrong with his heart. He was as strong as an ox the last time I saw him. I don't believe a man can weaken that much in less than a year." Sam lifted one of his father's forearms and shook it angrily. "How do you explain this? He was tied up or pinned down."

"Blood pooling. The physician said blood pools in certain areas after a person dies. You have to stop, Samuel. These accusations will do more harm than good."

Sam crossed the floor to the door, and then turned back. "I will not give this up, Fred. Believe me. They will not get away with it." As he swung the door opened, he slammed into George Somersby. Samuel lifted both hands and shoved him hard in the chest. "Get the fuck out of my way, you conniving peek!"

George stumbled backwards and slammed against the hall stand, knocking a vase to the floor. The porcelain shattered and shot in every direction.

"Samuel!" Frederick rushed to the door and watched his brother storm down the hall. There was nothing he could do. He looked back at George. "I'm sorry. Please forgive my brother. He's not himself. He's very upset over Father's death."

George bowed his head. "Not at all, My Lord. There is nothing to forgive. I completely understand. My poor sister is also very distraught."

Sam headed straight to the drawing room and rang the bell for Anderson. He was standing with his hands on the desk and his head hung when he heard the man enter.

"My Lord. You wanted to see me."

"Yes, Anderson." Samuel lifted his head and looked the butler in the eye. "Had you noticed any changes in my father's health?"

Anderson hung his head for a moment, and then looked up at the young earl. "No, My Lord."

"Do you have anything to tell me concerning our previous discussion?" Samuel could see his stance was intimidating the butler, so he tried to relax. He slumped in a chair and clasped his forehead with his finger and thumb. A dull pain throbbed in the front of his skull. "Sit down, Anderson."

"My Lord?" Butlers did not sit with the gentry.

"Sit."

"Yes, My Lord." Anderson heard the strength in Samuel's command and thought it should be he and not the older son to take the title of Duke of Irvine. He perched on the front edge of a chair and watched the earl lift his head.

"Tell me, Anderson. Since I've been away what has gone on?"

How did he say it? Anderson nodded his head slowly. Best to just come out with it. "I have seen Mr. Somersby enter the duchesses' room many times, My Lord, to then leave after spending a long period of time in her company. Late last night your father and the duchess had heated words. I am not sure what they were arguing about. His Grace threatened to end the marriage." Anderson paused. "Perhaps, it was because of the stress of this argument, that his heart gave out."

Samuel took a large breath and sighed. He rubbed his forehead again. His father had found out the truth and they had killed him, he was sure. Now to prove it. "Thank you, Anderson. That will be all." As the butler stood Sam looked up at him. "Not a word of this to anyone."

Anderson bowed. "You have my oath, sir."

As the butler closed the door and walked towards the kitchen, Caroline stepped out of her hiding place. She rushed to find George. The earl knew the truth. She tried to calm herself by taking a deep breath. George would take care of it, like he took care of everything.

Taking her in his arms, George lifted the corner of his mouth in a wry grin before saying, "Do not worry yourself, my love. He will get his comeuppance. I have plans for the young earl."

OMG!! What have these two done to poor Haliford?

I think Fred needs to start listening to Samuel :(

Peerage - Body of peers or titled nobility in Britain. The five ranks of British nobility, in descending order, are duke, marquess, earl (see count), viscount, and baron. Until 1999, peers were entitled to sit in the House of Lords and exempted from jury duty. Titles may be hereditary or granted for life

 Usurper - a person who takes a position of power or importance by force.

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