“I know. It’s far beyond anything I ever imagined my boy would reach one day, Jazmina. I don’t feel comfortable talking about him in his absence, but keep in mind that what you see of Rodrick is only what he allows to surface. Inside, there’s a lot of anger and pain.”
“I know he doesn’t like his father.”
“Did Rodrick tell you that?”
“No, but he showed me pictures of his mother, and when I asked about his father, he said there was nothing good to tell.”
“I don’t know if he’ll ever tell you everything, Jazmina. That’s his decision, and it’s not my place to interfere. But I can tell you that he blames himself for his father Donell’s death.”
“How is that possible? He was just a child.”
“I can’t say more, lass. I’m sorry. But I do believe in love, and that it changes people. I don’t know if that’s what you two feel, but you’re the first person he’s ever allowed to get this close.”
“All right. I won’t insist. I don’t want you to betray your friend’s trust because of me. But at least . . .can you tell me about Gilroy?”
He frowns. “What about him? How did you meet him?”
“I didn’t. He barged into our dinner on the day we got engaged.”
“What? Rodrick didn’t tell me anything.”
“The man called him brother, and then they started insulting each other. There was a moment when I was sure they were going to get physical.”
“My God. Why can’t Gilroy just stay away? Nothing good can come from association with him,” he says, sounding troubled.
“I know Rodrick doesn’t have brothers, so who is that man, Athol?”
“Your fiancé didn’t tell you?”
“No. And I didn’t push because he became very . . .I don’t even know what word to use. Enraged, maybe?”
“Yes, I can imagine. Gilroy was the son of Rodrick’s nanny. The woman who married his father when Rodrick was still a baby.”
“Oh. So they are brothers, in a way.”
“No. They hate each other. When Donell died, one of Rodrick’s first actions was to expel the boy from his lands.”
I try to process all that information, but it’s like putting together a flawed puzzle. “I didn’t like him. There was something bad in his eyes.” I sigh, frustrated. “I suppose you can’t tell me more, can you? Something tells me everything is connected. His father’s death and this hatred toward his foster brother.”
He stares straight ahead and says nothing more.
I understand the conversation has ended there. Anything else would feel like betraying his former ward.
I pretend to focus on the contract in front of me so I don’t have to look at anyone. I know Rodrick is watching me closely, and my face is burning.
In addition to the properties scattered around the world that I’ll receive upon marrying him, as well as a generous lifetime allowance, my fiancé has included an absurd number of shares in his distillery in the event that he becomes involved with another woman during the marriage.
I understand the message: he has no intention of cheating on me. I know how much he loves his company. He wouldn’t put it at risk by offering up such a large portion of shares if he didn’t intend to follow this prenuptial agreement to the letter.
“Good enough for you, my princess?” There’s sarcasm in his tone.
“You didn’t have to do all that.”
“But I did,” he says, and now I know for sure he’s enjoying himself.
“Given your history, Your Grace, I think a fidelity clause is highly recommended.”
I hear Athol stifle a laugh.