Dread clutched at his throat. “You are not dying.”
He was acquainted with death, having lost his grandfather and then his father a number of years ago. His nana had lost her husband and then son, but her formidable will had seen her meandering on without wilting. Daniel knew the ravages of grief would lessen upon losing loved ones, especially when the life mourned had been well lived, but he was not ready to lose his nana.By God, not yet.
“It is inevitable, my boy. I do not fear it. But I would like to see you settled…a great-grandson or a great-granddaughter in my arms before I go to my Artie.”
“I will consider a match,” he said gruffly.
“Truly?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Your mother will provide the list of ladies I would consider perfect for you.”
“Manipulative,” he said fondly.
“A family trait you possess in too much quantity,” she retorted. “Do not begrudge me my tiny amount.”
His nana started to breathe evenly, and he slipped from the bed and tugged the coverlet to her chin. Seeing her, swallowed by the large four-poster bed, a dark fear washed through him. His mother touched his shoulder lightly, and he departed the room with her. They walked in silence down the hallway, then down the stairs.
“How long has Nana been sick, Mother? And why was it kept from me?”
“She has been feeling out of sorts these last few months. Your absence did not help,” she said tartly. “Your grandmother fainted twice upon reading the news in the scandal sheet that you might be dead.”
A cold feeling gripped him. “Has she seen any physicians?”
“Yes,” his mother said with a small sigh. “Dr. Andrews said it was worry that had caused it. I am very thankful you returned. You know she dotes on you to an alarming degree.” She pulled something out from her pocket. “Here is the list we made.”
An emotion he couldn’t quite identify twisted through his gut. “Been planning my demise long, have you?”
“For the last five years,” she said smugly. “You are already over five and twenty, and it is an essential duty. Your nana is not getting younger, Daniel. She does not have the time to wait for you to marry and have children…and you do know it is her fondest wish to have great-grandbabies to dote on.”
His mother pressed a sheaf of paper into his hand. “I will send for you when the physician arrives.”
He nodded and went into the library, taking a seat by the fire.
Daniel assessed the list of potential brides his nana and mother had made for his perusal. Instead of tossing it into the fire, he considered all names mentioned. His grandmother’s list was terribly concise.
Lady Katherine Winslow, Daughter to the Duke of Leighton
Lady Emeline Prendergast, Daughter to the Earl of Wakefield
Lady Sarah Walcott, Daughter to the Earl of Stanford
The ladies were all from fine families, with suitable dowries, impeccable bloodlines, and spotless reputations. Daniel was familiar with them all and knew none had lush lips and brilliant, golden-brown eyes.
“Damn it to hell,” the snarl ripped from him. “Will you forever haunt my damn thoughts?”
Of course, there was no answer, and as he folded the letter, he recalled the unexpected frailty of his grandmother who had almost been swallowed by the large four-poster bed. Daniel accepted it was time for him to find a countess and fulfill his duty as the Earl of Stannis.
Chapter Nineteen
Georgianna’s arrival at the earl’s townhouse had been met by a housekeeper, Mrs. Chambers, who directed her to a lavish guest quarter fit for a lady. She had felt the housekeeper’s curious stare but had been grateful no question had been asked. Georgianna had been allowed to rest and freshen up after her long journey before receiving a summons from the earl to meet in his library.
Taking a steady breath, she knocked on the large oak door and opened it when she was bid entry. She closed the door behind her with a snick, her gaze unerringly landing on the earl.
“Ah, wife, you made it.”
A ripple of awareness kissed over her skin, and her mouth dried. She dipped into a quick but elegant curtsy. “Lord Stannis, please, my lord, do not refer to me as such. I shall not be able to explain if you are overheard.”
