“Really?” His eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
“Yes.” She pushed off the sideboard and stood in front of him. “But you must end your multiple affairs. I won’t be the laughingstock of London.”
“Am I allowed one mistress?” He raised an eyebrow at her. “With my mother’s funds and your dowry, we will be wealthier than I ever imagined.”
She thought for a moment, holding up her forefinger. “No, not one.”
“Are you willing?” he challenged her, indignation clear in his voice.
She blanched slightly, quickly looking everywhere but at him. “Yes, once we’re married. I-I would be agreeable.”
“Very well. I assure you I will respect you as my wife and my friend.”
“That is all that I ask.” She nodded, not wanting to be subjugated to the same gossip and scrutiny she went through three years ago. “We will have to court first, you do understand. I suspect a fortnight will be enough for my family to believe us. Then we announce our engagement. I don’t want a scandal. I have Livie and the children to think of.”
“Very well, but I ask that if at any time during our courtship and engagement that you fall back in love with Heartford —”
“That will never happen!” she cut him off in outrage, then took a calming breath. “If the mysterious woman who you were involved with decides to forgive you, promise to tell me and not let me learn of it from the ton?” Her voice was quiet, her palms sweating in the confines of her gloves. Just the thought of the ridicule and shame she had felt caused panic to rise in her.
“I will always be honest with you, little bird. You are my friend, but I assure you that particular lady is lost to me forever.” He walked over to her and took her by the elbow. “Now let’s get you home before Karrington comes banging on my door. I suppose I should try to like him if we’re going to be related.”
“Yes, you should. I don’t want to pressure you, but perhaps you should try to get to know Emily. The children are a large part of my life. I love them all. They are my family and that includes Emily who is like a daughter to Livie.”
St. Clara hung his head in shame as he ran his fingers through his brown hair. “I want to know her … it’s just … I treated my sister so poorly because of my father that I’m ashamed, Julia. I don’t deserve to know her daughter.”
Julia walked over and took his hand. “Don’t you think it’s time for that to change?”
“Yes. Now let’s get you home.” He began walking toward the door.
“St. Clara?”
“Yes, bird?”
“What is your first name?” She realized that she had agreed to marry him but didn’t even know his first name even after all the years they had been friends.
“Chauncey.”
Eager mamas have a reason to celebrate! The Marquess of H is our new bachelor of the Season. He may be penniless, but he sure is an impressive gentleman.
Henry sat in Mr. White’s pristine parlor with Elijah and Karrington, waiting on his mother and uncle. He had come straight to Mr. White’s townhome where they were staying. The room was decorated lavishly, showing off the wealth of the owners. How much of that wealth had been from his family coffers?
“Try to remain calm,” Elijah reminded him for the tenth time since they’d left Karrington’s.
Henry turned to his friend who sat beside him on the uncomfortable sofa. “You’re not the one who came home to nothing.”
“I am positive there is a reasonable explanation to your uncle’s actions.” Karrington sat forward and placed his elbows on his knees.
“I appreciate you staying informed of the situation. I know you’re very busy with your family and your own estates.” Henry massaged his temples, trying to ward off a headache that had been threatening to form since last night.
Before Karrington could respond, footsteps echoed in the hall. Henry’s mother and uncle appeared, both looking pristine.
“Henry, is that you?” His mother sounded happy, but the smile on her face was forced and familiar.
She was not happy with him.
“Mother, Uncle, you both look well…in spite of our current situation.” Henry stood to greet his mother, but he felt a prickle of annoyance at how unaffected by their situation they both appeared to be. He kissed his mother’s cheek before he took a step back to assess her overall person.
There were no signs of poverty or sadness in her appearance. In fact, she held her usual air of contempt as her gaze went directly to Elijah then back to Henry.
