“Wonder what?”
“What does Lady Cathryn have to say about the matter?” Charles asked. He ran a hand through his hair and waited for the answer.
“She hasn’t said a word. She’s just let her sister speak for her.”
“I thought a male member of the family was in charge for such a claim. What does she want?”
“Her father, brother, and mother are on the Continent and there are no other male relatives nearby to take charge.”
Charles responded quickly. “Can that be done?”
“It’s rare, but in cases like this, yes, it can.”
“What does she want besides money?”
“Marriage to Lady Cathryn.”
Charles felt his heart skip a beat. “I don’t understand.”
“It’s simple. You took advantage of Lady Cathryn. You’ve ruined her. The best-case scenario is marriage.”
“No. I will not marry based on a lie.”
“Lady Agnes and Lady Cathryn will be here late tomorrow morning to go over the details. You will, of course, be present and can ask any questions.”
“No!” Charles shouted. “I will not. I did nothing wrong.”
Arthur slammed his hand down on the table in front of him. He understood and he would use Charles’s “ailments” as a way to put an end to this. “You are not going to ruin our family’s reputation and good name. If all else fails, you will marry the chit.”
“You know what I think? I think the entire incident has been planned.”
“What are you saying, Charles?”
“That Lady Agnes and her sisters planned this all out. Don’t you think it odd that Lady Cathryn’s incident happened when I was the only one around?”
“It’s a moot point.”
“No, it isn’t. I thought her parents had their sights set on someone else. A duke’s son or something.”
“You’re right. I remember that from the concert.”
“That must not have panned out the way her parents intended. But why choose me? I’m a second son and one some call mad.” He snorted at the description.
“Why don’t we do this. We’ll meet with them tomorrow. In the meantime, I’ll see if I can find out anything about this gentleman Lady Cathryn’s parents wanted for her. I’ll also send word to my solicitor in London and see if someone can find out about the family makeup. See if there are or are not any male relatives who should be making these decisions.”
“That sounds fair enough. Perhaps we’ll be able to put them off long enough for you to hear back from your people.”
“That’s what I’m counting on,” Arthur replied. “I suggest we go downstairs. Daphne was going to have something light for dinner.”
“She doesn’t have to take care of me.”
“What are you going to do? Hire your own staff?”
“I haven’t decided.”
“Well, don’t. I think you’d hurt her feelings if you did.”
“Very well,” he replied.
