“Enough, Paul,” Tobias demanded. “This is meant to be a celebration and you are turning it into a trial. Henry shall not marry anyone he deems morally unfit to join this household, and for my part I am proud of that decision.”

“John Wesley should be proud of the early grave he has prepared for you,” his brother retorted sharply.

Fotherby only sat staring at the plate before him and the food that rested upon it, for his appetite had gone. Both his father and his uncle continued eating but he could not reconcile with his uncle’s words. Without raising his head, he glanced sideward at his father and considered what his uncle had said concerning his health. It was true that Fotherby had dealt with so much deat...

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