Chapter 100

“If you don’t do anything to bring a halt to your son’s…deviant…behaviour, Sir John, I’ll make a scandal the county will not soon forget,” she threatened. “I promise you.”

The Fortescue-Smythes had lived on the neighbouring estate for longer than the Synclaires had been in Kent. I had no desire for Helena to drive a wedge between the two families. But neither did I have the energy to battle my wife any longer.

“What do you suggest I do, Madam? Ship him across the Atlantic?” I asked wearily.

“Anything. I want him away from that awful boy.” Her glance became sly as she considered the words I had so carelessly tossed at her. “Yes, that might be an excellent idea.”

I stared at her blankly, and she glared at me.

“Send Warrick to my family in Canada. Once he’s away from the influence of that…that sodomite, he’ll be my own loving son again. I’llgo with him to make sure he gets there safe and sound and rectify any harm that might have been done.”