Damnation, could his family not take things into their own hands without even consulting him? Kidnapped? His scowl deepened and he motioned the man in. "I may be angry at our children, but I can assure you I had nothing to do with any kidnapping. All I did was cut her off monetarily. I don't know if you are aware of this but I gave your son permission to marry my daughter in time, but not like this." He led his way into the drawing room, stopping to tell a butler to get some fortification for his new guest.

He was not angry at Mr. Blacke, he was angry at his own brood and his wife, and a lot at himself for the secret he'd been holding onto from the children that his youngest wasn't their mother's child. He motioned for the man to sit down and soon, a decanter was brought over, and a splash of fine brandy was poured into the crystal tumbler before being pressed toward William.