Hugh Repington opened the door and was suddenly agape at seeing his brother, James standing on his doorstep.

“Hugh!” James greeted him smiling, his voice jovial.

It took him a moment but Hugh finally stepped aside saying, “James, hello. Come in, please.”

“Very good.” James looked around briefly nodding and then frowned. “Do you always answer your own door? Is there not a servant here?”

It was then that Hugh realized that this was James’ first visit to his house. It was a small house by London standards, with only a few rooms and decorated modestly, but it suited Hugh’s needs while studying at the Inns of Court. There was room enough for him to sleep upstairs and a large desk downstairs for him to tend to his studies. He led James into the small drawing room indicating one of the upholstered chairs as he sat down in the other.

Shrugging, Hugh replied, “I do not get many visitors. So, yes, I often tend to my own door. There is a woman that comes in once a day to cook and clean for me, but I seldom see her as I am either out or studying in the library.”

James seemed to take a moment and process information before giving Hugh a pointed look. “Speaking of your studies, I happened to see Mr Wright today, on my way back from Parliament.”

“Oh?” Hugh asked when James paused.

“He saw fit to tell me that you had finished your studies at the Inns of Court,” James said clearly waiting for a response.

Hugh nodded. He had been informed thusly only a few days before and had planned to notify his family by letter, but had not taken the time to do so. “It was only decided in recent days,” he explained.

“And are you to be a barrister?” James asked cautiously, his face hopeful.

Stifling a sigh, Hugh answered, “Yes, Mr Wright—”

His words were cut off by a joyous whoop from James. “Congratulations! Hugh, I am immensely proud of you.”

“It is nothing,” Hugh told him shaking his head.

“Nothing,” James repeated, exasperation in his voice. “I know more than anyone that it is not nothing. You have been studying for nearly four years for this.”

Hugh was quite aware that James knew exactly what Hugh had accomplished. James had finished his own studies and had been chosen as a barrister only the year before. It had been a bit of a surprise for all of them as James had taken a break from his studies in order to help their father with affairs at Castborough.

James, upon being chosen as a barrister, had been given a position with Parliament almost immediately, to the delight of their father, the Duke of Castborough. Hugh appreciated James’ understanding but had hoped to keep the news to himself for a little while longer.

“Thank you, James. I have only just gotten the news and still have much to think about.”

“Surely you plan on begging Father’s counsel,” James replied a frown forming on his brow.

“Perhaps, once I have had the opportunity to investigate my options further.”

The thought of speaking with their father had not crossed Hugh’s mind at all. It had been a point of pride for Hugh that he had been able to avoid the attention and interference of his family, particularly their father.

The Duke of Castborough was a well-respected man, responsible and successful. He expected no less from his children. Hugh had watched as his father had interfered and tried to control Hugh’s three eldest brothers. It had caused an innumerable amount of fights, not only between father and son but among the brothers as well. One such fight resulted in his eldest brother, Philip, hieing off to Paris for what he called an adventure. It caused quite a stir in their family for a time.

Hugh was proud that his father had left him to do things on his own. The house Hugh was currently living in was the only help he had accepted from his father. The duke, of course, already held a London residence but Hugh had put forth a strong argument that there would be too many distractions for him to study properly. The Duke could hardly argue, Hugh’s five siblings along with the duke and duchess made for quite a disturbance when they arrived in London.

James was speaking again and Hugh’s attention shifted back to his brother. “Quite right,” James agreed. “You should come with me to White’s. We shall raise a glass to your success.”

Hugh hesitated, thinking of the things he still needed to do.

James went on quickly. “Brother, you are too serious by half, come have some fun.”

With a refusal on his lips, Hugh halted. If he declined James’ invitation he would be proving his brother right, a result he cared not to accept. Although Hugh had long admired his older brother, he had recently begun to resent him as well. His return to his studies at the Inns of Court and his much sought-after position with Parliament had caused Hugh some consternation. Letting James win now seemed quite unsettling.

“Why not?" Hugh stood up and reached for his coat. "I have spent enough time at my desk. A night at the club seems appropriate.”

“I have my carriage ready if you would like to leave now.”

“We might as well,” Hugh said, trying to sound more positive than he felt.

“How is Elizabeth?” He asked once they were in the carriage. James and Elizabeth had married several months ago and lived in a fairly large house on Castborough land in Surrey.

“She is quite well. Thank you for asking.” James sat back in his seat. “Elizabeth will be disappointed that she did not get to see you. I am only due to be in London for a few days and she elected to stay behind.”

"I am sorry that I missed her. Please send along my best wishes. Hopefully, we will have the opportunity to see each other again soon."

James admission regarding Elizabeth's absence explained a lot. Hugh had thought it somewhat odd that James was wanting to visit White's and had invited Hugh to join him. It was common knowledge that James was quite enamored with his new wife and spent much of his time with her.

Hugh could hardly blame him, Elizabeth was both beautiful and charming. Most importantly she kept James from working all hours of the day and night. An annoying virtue brought on by their father's constant interference, James had developed an overly strong sense of responsibility. He was still immensely responsible, but Elizabeth simply reminded him what was truly important.

"You should visit Castborough," James suggested after they had climbed down from the carriage. "It would give you some time to think."

More like time for the family to interfere, Hugh thought to himself. "That is a thought," he agreed not wanting to argue.

"Father would be happy to help you get established in London," James suggested as they entered the club.

Hugh had figured that that was what James had in mind. He did not answer, instead acting as though he was searching out a table for them. Not surprisingly, he found one almost immediately, it was still rather early in the night and they were served their celebratory drinks not long after.

James raised his glass. "To your success!"

Hugh raised his glass and nodded at James and they both drank.

"You really should think about coming home to Castborough. Father and I will be able to aid you in your decision making."

He was already trying to think of how to tell James that he did not want his help, or their father's when their conversation was interrupted.

"Repington!" The man looked surprised when they both turned. "And Repington!" He added with a hearty laugh.

Hugh recognized the man as Timothy Sedgwick.

"Sedgwick, how are you?" James said standing up to shake hands with the younger man.

"Good! Not as good as you, though," Sedgwick told him. "Congratulations on your recent marriage."

James laughed. "Thank you. I am quite lucky."

"I would say so. Never thought you would find a lady that would actually want to put up with your sullen disposition for evermore," Sedgwick teased, elbowing Hugh.

"Yes, it was a surprise to us all," Hugh agreed dryly.

"Elizabeth is a saint and I am eternally grateful for her enduring patience and kindness," James said, a slight smile showing his amusement.

"You look well, James," Sedgwick noted. "What brings you to White's?"

Hugh spoke up suddenly. "Oh, just two brothers taking in a drink." He then added, "James was lonely all by himself at the Repington residence, as his new bride remains in Surrey."

His intention to change the subject so that their true purpose there was not revealed.

James, however, had no such qualms. "My brother is too modest. We are here to celebrate. He just finished his studies at the Inns of Court, and has been chosen to be a barrister."

"Congratulations!" Sedgwick told them.

Hugh nodded. "Thank you."

"Have you acquired a position yet?" Sedgwick's eyes shifted to James. "Perhaps a position with the government like your brother.

Hugh stiffened and fought the scowl from forming on his face. "I have not made any decisions regarding my profession. I have only learned the news in recent days. Now that my studies are finished, I will be able to devote some time into making a decision."

"Quite right," the man said nodding. "Very wise of you. In the meantime, you will have to come to our house party. Eastbridge will be brimming with London's finest."

Hugh's first thought, as always, was to decline the man's invitation. But as he himself had said, his studies were complete. For the first time in a long while, he would have time for a party.

Hugh also recognized it as a fortuitous opportunity for him too. Not only would he be seen by London society, the very people that would be his potential business associates. Most of all, it was the perfect excuse for him to avoid going home to Castborough.

"Wonderful idea," Hugh said trying not to laugh at the total shock on James' face. "When shall I plan to arrive?"

"The party starts the day after tomorrow," said Sedgwick explained. "I believe my parents are expecting guests over the next two weeks."

"Fantastic. I shall make arrangements to leave as soon as possible." Hugh raised his glass. "To Eastbridge!"