“I am sorry, My Lord. I was lost in thought.”
“I asked which church you attend on Sunday mornings.”
Christopher hesitated for a moment, for in truth, he had not attended church since the death of his mother. However, he had for many years, and it was this memory he now relied upon.
“My family has long attended St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields.”
The Earl’s eyes lit with recognition. “Ah yes, a good place to worship. I have attended service there once or twice myself. However, I do prefer St. George’s of Hanover. Our church.”
Suddenly, a thought popped into Christopher’s head. “I have heard many good things about it. I must admit, I have grown a little tired of St. Martin’s. The Vicar is somewhat repetitive. Perhaps I ought to visit St. George’s of Hanover instead one Sunday.”
He had no way of knowing if the Vicar at St. Martin’s was repetitive or not, but it had been as good a cause as any to sway the conversation. And it was working.
“Why don’t you attend church with us in the morning? Bring your brother. We shall all attend church and perhaps take the air after? I know several ladies in my family would be eager to see you.”
Christopher knew well he was speaking of Catherine and Lady Hazelshire, but in his heart, he knew that it was Rowena who really wanted to see him. And he, her. With a wide grin, he accepted the offer and arranged to meet the family in front of the church the following morning. Now he only had to convince Henry that a visit to the church was in order to further his plans.
Pleased, he bade the Earl farewell and made his way to his carriage.
* * *
He was about to board when he felt a hand on his shoulder and found himself rudely spun around. He was not surprised to find himself face to face with the Duke of Thornmouth.
Broad shouldered and with a scar above his eyebrow he was a menacing figure, especially with a scowl on his face. He leaned forward so their foreheads were almost touching.
“You would be well advised to stay out of my way, Westmond. In politics and in life.”
Christopher placed his hands on the other man’s chest and pushed him away.
“I do not appreciate your rank breath so close to my face, Thornmouth.”
He glared at him. If Thornmouth intended to disrespect him, then he would do the same.
“Is that all you have? Childish insults? You are nobody. You are a duke in name only and everyone knows it. You are on the rocks. Everyone knows that also, most of all Lord Hazelshire.”
Christopher scoffed. “Lord Hazelshire and I have engaged in a lucrative business venture together, and as much as I appreciate your concern regarding my financial situation, it shall not be a problem for much longer.”
“I have heard of this unfortunate business partnership. And I told Lord Hazelshire I wish he’d consulted with me before, as I would have strongly advised against it. However, what is done is done. So, I have a word of advice for you. Several, in fact. One: If any harm comes to Lord Hazelshire due to this business arrangement of yours, you will answer to me. Two: You will not repeat today’s display. You will not ridicule and embarrass me in front of our fellow peers. And three: You will stay away from my betrothed. If I hear that you were around her again, as you were this past Wednesday, I will destroy you. That is a promise.”
“I do not believe there is an official marriage contract between the two of you, unless I have missed the news.”
Thornmouth shoved him against the carriage, prompting Christopher to return the favor which sent Thornmouth to the ground. Enraged he scrambled to his feet.
“I have loved Rowena for longer than you have been duke. She is mine. I will make an offer in short order. She will accept and she will be the Duchess of Thornmouth by years end. There is nothing you can do about it. Now, you will heed my warning, or I will make sure you lose what little you have left.”
Christopher knew he had to retain at least some control, for he could not afford to go into an outright war with this man. He appeared rather unstable.
“There is no need for any of this quarrelling. As you well know, politics are politics and I shall continue to challenge you whenever it suits me with no regard as to whether you are embarrassed or not. If you cannot take a challenge perhaps you are not suited to call yourself a Peer of the Realm.”
He inhaled sharply, ready to attack when Christopher raised his hand.
“However, as for the other matters. The business arrangement is to my benefit as much as the Earl’s, so I would have no reason to sabotage or bring harm to it. And you do not need to fear for your union with Lady Rowena. The Earl has clear intentions for me to wed Lady Catherine, once my finances are in order.”
The lie crossed his lips with ease. He knew he had to convince him that he had no intention toward Lady Rowena. If he did, Thornmouth would certainly make an offer at once. And with a valid contract in place, breaking it and making Rowena the Duchess of Westmont would be ever so much more difficult.
Thornmouth squinted at him and shook his head. “I despise you, Westmond and the thought of having to call you family causes bile to rise inside of me. I warn you once more, stay away from Lady Rowena. Do not cross me. You will be sorry. That is a promise.”
With that, he turned around and marched off into the distance, leaving Christopher to exhale. He slumped against the carriage and closed his eyes.
