“I spoke to her of it yesterday, sir, and she was amenable.” Carruthers’ expression began to darken and Arthur anticipated his question, replying before he could ask. “I had the good fortune to meet her at Trevelaine House, when I was in the company of the baron.”
Carruthers considered Arthur for a long moment. “I must say, Mr. Beckham, that I am surprised by your attentions. Your reputation is such that it has reached even my ears and I should have expected you to choose a bride from amongst the debutantes of theton, as undoubtedly, your family also anticipates.”
“My mother has expressed her delight with the prospect of my marriage, though of course, the question of your approval remains.”
“Has she?” the other man murmured, then leaned back in his chair, his gaze locked upon Arthur. His perusal was so intent that Arthur almost felt compelled to confess all of the details leading to the arrangement, but held his tongue with an effort. “Delight in the act of marriage or your choice of bride?”
Arthur felt the back of his neck heat. “The former, sir, although I am certain that she will be enchanted by your daughter when they meet.”
The older man surveyed Arthur for long moments, then folded his hands together. “I am well aware, Mr. Beckham, of the assets my daughter might bring to a match, but I must wonder whether they are of similar appeal to you. Do you honestly desire a clever wife? A practical and efficient one? Do you truly wish for the companionship of a lady who will not decline to share her views on any subject whatsoever? She will tell you when you err, of that I am certain.”
Arthur smiled. “I welcome the opportunity of wedding such a lady, sir. Indeed, I hope for forthright speech and honesty in my marriage.”
“Do you? And what of your uncle? Does he not have higher aspirations for your match?”
“He might, but I am disinterested in his advice when it comes to marriage.”
“Indeed?”
“Indeed.” Arthur spoke with resolve. “I was taught to manage my own affairs, sir, and to ensure that my uncle, a notorious wastrel and spendthrift, had no command over me or my finances.”
“I see. I heard a rumor that he had won you a bride in a gaming den, not two nights ago.”
Arthur realized that his intended’s father possessed the ability to disguise how much he knew of a given matter. “He believes he did, sir, but I do not find the commitment binding. I also do not find the lady suitable.”
Carruthers nodded. “Had you made this understanding with my daughter before learning of this?”
Again, Arthur suspected that the man before him already knew the truth. “I had not, as perhaps you have surmised. I presented the tale of our arrangement, purely out of my admiration for your daughter, and was subsequently much relieved to learn that Miss Carruthers welcomed the possibility.”
“Welcomed?” Carruthers raised a brow. “Mydaughter?”
Arthur grinned. “She chastised me for the telling of a falsehood, sir, reprimanded me for potentially damaging her reputation, informed me that many people would have known of this tale by the time she heard of it, itemized the possibilities—and utterly captivated me in so doing.”
Carruthers smiled. “I would have thought you were already captivated, in order to present her with such a possibility.”
“I was only enchanted before that,” Arthur confessed. “Now she holds me utterly in her thrall.” Though the praise sounded fulsome, he knew it was close to the truth.
Carruthers chuckled, clearly content with that situation.
Arthur continued, while odds seemed to be in his favor. “I believe, sir, that opposites can attract, and that your daughter and I will make a good match.”
“She must have had her price.”
“I would not betray her confidence by revealing it, sir, but we have also agreed that we must have children. I intend to ensure that ours is a happy marriage.”
“She will not countenance any dalliance with another woman.”
“I have no intention of putting her to such a test. Marriage, sir, is a sacred bond.”
Carruthers fixed him with a searching look and Arthur did not dare avert his gaze. He did not so much as blink until the older man nodded. “Patience reads avidly. If you do not share her enthusiasm for books, sir, I cannot foresee a future for the two of you, regardless of any such amenable agreement. You will bore each other to the point of despair within a month.”
“Then I would appreciate your recommendation of suitable volumes, that I might embark upon the quest of holding my lady wife’s attention.”
Carruthers held Arthur’s gaze for a long moment, then shook his head and chuckled. “Ah, Patience,” he said beneath his breath, and not without satisfaction. “You may have met your equal, my dear.”
“Sir?”
“I should warn you, Mr. Beckham, that my middle daughter has a will of iron. Once she sets herself upon a course, she will not be swayed.”
