“My Lord, we will not be in a position to repay any loans for some time. Not until we produce at least the first–”
The Earl waved a hand. “Not to worry, Mister Newmont. My investor will not hound us for the money. He has a vested interest in the success of this venture. He is about to be family, after all.”
The grin widened and he beamed, looking around the room before settling his eyes on Rowena.
“My Dear, it appears your future husband is more generous than we knew. He has offered, of his own volition, to put up the money to repair the winery. Isn’t that splendid?”
Christopher’s entire body froze as he locked eyes with Rowena.
“The Duke of Thornmouth is offering the money?” she said in a quiet, defeated voice.
“Isaac. He requested we call him by his Christian name. And yes. He has already set the transfer of the funds in motion. In fact, he and I have been discussing the matter via messenger for the past two weeks, ever since he departed for Cambridgeshire. That, and the other pressing matter, of course.”
“The other matter?” Rowena sounded meek, as though she might pass out.
“The betrothal. I am pleased to say that His Grace has made an offer, and I have accepted. You are to wed, my dear. It is official at last.”
Before he knew what he was doing, Christopher jumped up as the chair fell onto the ground behind him with an almighty bang.
The eyes of the entire table swerved to him as he stood, hands balled in.
Chapter 22
Rowena’s heart raced as she watched Christopher stand at the table. He looked as though he were about to protest her father’s statement. A part of her wished he could. She envisioned him standing there and telling her father that he loved her. That he wanted to marry her and that the Duke of Thornmouth was wrong for her.
Yet, another part of her knew this wasn’t the way to have that conversation with her father. Not in front of all these people. She wanted to jump up, to do something, but was frozen in her chair.
“My Lord,” Christopher said, a tremble in his voice. She looked at him and shook her head, terrified of what he might say next. To her great relief, Henry Newmont jumped up and quickly stepped next to his brother.
“Topher, has the sun got to you again?” He placed a hand on his brother’s forehead, but she saw that he was also squeezing his arm. Hard. Certainly, to keep him from speaking. “You are hot as a hearth.”
“His Grace has been out in the sun a lot,” Catherine nodded eagerly beside her.
“And it has been ever so hot,” Rowena agreed. “Perhaps it might be a good idea for His Grace to lay down and rest.”
Suddenly, Christopher exhaled and relaxed his body, uncurling his fists. He seemed to fall into himself, as if he’d just realized the gravity of his action.
“You are right, Henry. I had a sudden onset of feeling terribly unwell. It must be the sun.”
“By Jove, Your Grace. Rowena is right, you best retire for the night and take your rest. We can’t have you getting seriously ill,” Rowena’s mother said, with concern in her voice.
Henry Newmont shook his head. “This is just like in India, Lady Hazelshire. Christopher was so concerned with exploring the area he ignored the sun and before you knew it, he took ill. Hallucinated as well. It was dreadful.”
Despite the seriousness, Rowena had to smile at the young Mister Newmont’s inventiveness.
He can surely be counted on in a crisis. Just like Catherine.
She glanced at her little sister, who’d so eagerly assisted her and Christopher in their clandestine courtship. She watched as Henry led Christopher away.
For a few moment’s nobody spoke, then Margaret cleared her throat.
“The poor Duke. I know just how he feels. I find this heat ever so vexing. And he is riding around in it all day long, making connections. Just this morning he rode all the way to the village to see Lord Waxworth.”
Lady Hazelshire raised an eyebrow. “He rode into the village? In the heat? It is no wonder he is so perplexed this evening. Poor man. He was acting rather peculiar, but now I understand. I shall have the cook bring him a meal later.” Her eyes settled on Catherine. “Perhaps you and Margaret could pay the Duke a visit later, check on his well-being.”
While Margaret nodded eagerly, Catherine sighed, and Rowena swiftly kicked her under the table, prompting her sister to eagerly nod.
“Of course, Mother.”
