“Thank you for your frankness, Mrs. Elsom.” Adelaide smiled with genuine gratitude, though her ignorance had only lessened slightly. At least she had someone in whom she could confide and ask for advice on the subject, and she had no doubt Mrs. Elsom would respect her privacy on the subject.

Mrs. Elsom seemed almost surprised by the thanks. “Of course, ma’am. I am at your service, should any other questions or concerns arise.”

Adelaide nodded at the offer. “I shall keep that in mind.” She rose, as did Mrs. Elsom. “I think I’d best be about informing his lordship as to the situation. No doubt, he would be most anxious for an heir to be born.”

“I think his lordship would welcome any child, boy or girl, if I may say so, my lady.” Mrs. Elsom smiled rather fondly. “Being the heir himself, he understands the pressures there and how it can divide siblings.”

“Divide them?” Adelaide repeated. She frowned at the notion. “Was Lord Basset divided from his brother?”

Mrs. Elsom’s warm expression turned a trifle uncomfortable. “Forgive me, ma’am, I should not have said so.”

“Oh, please.” Adelaide stepped forward, expression earnest. “Lord Basset does not speak of his family, and I know so little. Is there great strain between the brothers?”

“Yes,” Mrs. Elsom confessed on a sad sigh. “I fear so. Mr. Richard was so bitter at the favor Lord Basset received in being their father’s heir. He was never permitted the same honors, nor was he able to forget that he was the spare, in their father’s eyes. He has become very wild, and it pains Lord Basset greatly. He does what he can to offset the damages, but Mr. Richard continues to live outside of his means and fall into greater debt. One would suspect he aims to bring down his brother, but his lordship would never say so.”

It was unlike anything Adelaide had heard about any sibling, let alone Basset’s. She had not even known the brother’s name, let alone of the strain between them. Basset was so very private about such matters, and his attention on family was entirely upon Emblyn. Was that because Richard had lost favor? Was it residual from being so divided as children?

It was the sort of thing Basset would never discuss, but exactly the sort of thing that Adelaide would like to know everything about.

She and Basset were not close enough, or respectful enough, to discuss anything so personal as yet. Perhaps someday, she would understand the nature of the relationship between the brothers and the strain that kept them apart.

“Again, thank you, Mrs. Elsom,” Adelaide told her, nodding thoughtfully. “Lord Basset is fortunate to have you as the housekeeper at Trevadden.”