“I never thought that even once—unlike you.”
“Then why would you keep that from them? They might have heard through common acquaintances.”
“As I’ve mentioned before, they do not socialize in the same circles you do. They never go to London at all.” He hesitated. “Frankly, I thought the news best delivered in person, so they could understand why I would enter into such a ... contract.”
“They would expect that I bring a dowry to the family,” she answered flatly.
“Not at all. My father and grandfather were fortune hunters, Cecilia. I vowed to finance our family through my own efforts, and if I married at all, it would not be for money. But, of course, now it looks like I did exactly what I swore I never would—married a wealthy heiress, sight unseen.”
“You’ll explain things to them.” She lowered her gaze, her cheeks flushed. “I’m surprised to find that I feel guilty for not granting you the dowry every man should have when he marries.”
He strode to her, unable to keep himself from cupping her face and lifting it until their gazes met. “You didn’t buy me, Cecilia, and that’s important to me. Our marriage arrangement suited us both, and my family will understand.”
He couldn’t help himself—he leaned down to kiss her. He wasn’t surprised when she ducked away.
“The sun is up, Michael,” she said primly.
He smiled. “And you think a husband and wife should not touch each other in the light of day?”
“I have so many things to do to prepare the Hall for the arrival of your family. I will be glad to meet them, and I won’t embarrass you.”
He stared at her. “Embarrass me? You could never do that, my sweet.”
She flinched from his endearment, but he wouldn’t stop using it. She could try to keep her distance, but he didn’t plan to allow that. However long they had together, he would make the most of it. If he could win her over, perhaps they could have some sort of married life.
“I should go talk to Mrs. Ellison,” she said.
“No, we have our own plans to make.”
“Then come into my room, where breakfast is probably getting cold waiting for us. We’ll ring for a servant.”
They passed the news of guests to Mrs. Ellison, then sat down at the small table in Cecilia’s room to a meal of lobster and ham, eggs, and hot rolls. Michael was ravenous, but he noticed that Cecilia picked at her food.
“I hope this disinterest isn’t worry about my mother,” he said. “She’s going to think you’re wonderful.”
“I’m glad,” she answered softly. “I don’t wish to make things more difficult for you than I already have.”
“You mean by thinking I’d try to murder you?” He smiled at her.
She didn’t smile back. “I saw you interrogating my former suitors last night. Did you learn anything?”
“I don’t think our villain is Carrington or Nash. It would be simple to discover if Nash had returned secretly before yesterday. Too many people talk. And Carrington is obsessed with a young lady he’s been pursuing for nigh on a year.”
“Oh.” The worry lines in her forehead eased with relief. “That is good to hear.”
“Not that I appreciated how they all flocked around you like gulls,” he added darkly.
Her blue eyes sparkled. “According to you, they’re harmless.”
“Well, revenge because a woman didn’t marry you is a poor motive for murder unless you’re insane. They don’t seem insane. As for other neighbors, unless you’ve specifically harmed anyone or his reputation...” He let that drag out.
Wide-eyed, she insisted, “Of course not! I am fond of all my neighbors, and they always seem fond of me.”
“And if it weren’t true, your servants would know from other servants. Both Talbot and Mrs. Ellison insist they’ve heard nothing disquieting. As for Lord Doddridge, he is leaving this morning, so I suggest we examine the account books after he’s gone, looking for any irregularities.”
She stiffened. “I go over those books every day. I would see anyirregularities.”
“I know, but he is Appertan’s guardian for the moment, and we don’t know what agreement they might have negotiated that you know nothing about.”
