Well that was certainly news to him. Then again, his brother wasn't one to confide in him, and he doubted he wished to do so with Juliana either. What on Earth would running off to America accomplish? Zach was fairly certain they disliked social climbers just as much across the ocean as they did here. What sort of life would Rosie and the children have?

"And he thinks he'll have more success there?" He scoffed, unable to understand Hugo's line of reasoning. "I'm fairly certain it's an international truth that nobody likes a social climber. And what of the children's education? Has he not thought of that?"

Zach shook his head and ran a hand over his tired eyes. There was no logic in this. "I'll mention it to Mother and Father. Surely, they can talk some sense into him." After all, Hugo was the eldest and set to inherit. That fact couldn't be overlooked, not even by their generally understanding parents.

"I'm sorry he sprung such a thing on you."