Whitehall’s gaze bored into him. “I could hardly do less.”
“You realize I’m not much of an earl, Whitehall. My reputation isn’t exactly that of my brother’s, despite his obvious deficits. It is doubtful that becoming my countess will elevate your daughter,” Jordan stated bluntly. “Or allow her to be received.”
“You’re trying to weasel out,” Whitehall snapped in a guttural tone, showing a flash of the refuse-strewn alley he had no doubt been born in. “I assure you, my lord. That would be a terrible mistake.”
“You misunderstand, Whitehall. I merely wish to manage expectations. Thetonhas a long memory.”
“You mean they haven’t yet forgiven your father for wedding his mistress?” A bark of laughter, curt and brittle, escaped from Whitehall. “A woman known more for being a bit of a lightskirt than her acting abilities. You’re no better than I am, in many respects.”
Jordan didn’t consider himself much better than most, but he was leagues ahead of Whitehall. His jaw hardened, the only indication the insult to his mother bothered him. But far worse had been said about the late Lady Emerson.
“I only wished to be made aware of the inevitable challenges that will be faced by you and your daughter. And my inability to stop them.”
“What isinevitable,” Whitehall slammed down his fist, “is that you will wed Odessa. You will make her a countess. Guide her into society. Show her every ounce of courtesy and respect. Make her feel as if you suit. Her happiness is important to me, Emerson. You will take the time to court her.” He waved his hand. “Or I’ll ruin you and your bloody family. Bring you to your knees. Do we understand each other?”
Jordan picked up the brandy and took a sip. Expensive. French. “You hold my bollocks in your fist,” he said crudely. “There isn’t any need to continue with your threats.”
Whitehall sat back. “Good.”
“Were my mother here,” Jordan said, glaring at him, “she would tell you that you can be poor as a church mouse so long as you arewell-bredand from the right family.”
“You take me for a fool. But I am not. You see, my lord, one day,mygrandson will inherit an earldom.Mygranddaughters will be ladies. Accepted. Sought after. The memory of society is indeed lengthy, but eventually, they’ll forget.”
Whitehall favored a long game. Just how did he expect to have these grandchildren conceived? Hold a pistol to Jordan’s head to ensure he performed his marital duties?
“I’ll bestow an additional sum on you for each child born. Put it in the contract.”
Ah. That was how.
Thank goodness. Jordan didn’t perform well under pressure. “How generous.”
Did Whitehall realize he resembled a crocodile when he smiled in such a toothy manner? He had no intention of siring this man’s grandchildren or even living with Odessa once they were wed. Under no circumstances would Jordan give Whitehall that which he most desired. At first glance of the marriage contract, there didn’t seem to be any provisions for Odessaafterthe marriage. No references to Jordan and Odessa even residing in the same city, let alone the same house. Whitehall assumed bribing Jordan with money for each child would be enough. It would have been for Bentley.
“You’ll be wed at the end of next month.” Whitehall continued, now that he was assured Jordan had been put properly in his place and he would get what he wanted. Instead, he’d just doomed his daughter to a life of loneliness. A countess without an earl. No one bearing Whitehall blood was going to inherit Jordan’s title. He had two brothers.
“You aren’t nearly as stupid as your brother, Emerson. I didn’t care for him.”
And yet you were willing to give him your daughter. Just as you are me. For your own ambitions.
“I amnothinglike Bentley.” Jordan swallowed the brandy and set down his glass on the desk. “You would do well to remember that, Whitehall. I’ll see myself out.”
Chapter Six
“Emerson will arriveany moment, Odessa.” Aunt Lottie turned her about. “Are you sure you wish to go through with this farce once more? Your luck in deceiving each of your suitors will only last for so long. Angus will be furious if he finds out.”
“Then I will have to be extra careful that he does not find out. Papa met with Lord Emerson and has assured me that his lordship agreed to a courtship of sorts, in order that we may know each other better, just as the others did. He seems to be certain Emerson will find me suitable.” A short laugh came from her. “But if Emerson isanythinglike his brother, or Lord Malfrey, he’ll be so disgusted by my appearance and so self-absorbed, deception will be the last thing he guesses. The onion will keep him from getting too close, at any rate.”
Odessa stared at the peeled onion sitting on the table beside the mirror. The smell emanating from the small, white ball was so strong her eyes watered. She took up the onion, hesitating only for a moment before taking a bite. The acrid taste burned her tongue as she chewed.
“Dear lord, that is pungent.” Aunt Lottie waved a hand in the air.
Odessa made a face as the pulpy mass slid down her throat. “My mistake, aunt, was not indulging in an onion the first time the previous Lord Emerson visited. It might have put him off that much quicker. He never listened to anything I said, and thus I wasted several of my more lurid observations on him.”
“Yes,” Aunt Lottie drawled. “You’re a great observer of human nature, particularly the more horrid bits.”
“The point is, I had to tolerate Emerson for several visits before he was properly dissuaded. I see no point in prolonging the process with his brother.”
Odessa regarded herself in the mirror, checking to make sure her usual slender form was hidden beneath rolls of wool. “Do you think I need a larger bump along my hip? I want to appear as stout as possible.” She pulled up her skirts, toying with the fabric tied along one thigh. “Fleshy, even. That’s sure to repulse him.”
