She knew her father had tried to discover whether she had any family in Mexico but had given up long before they travelled to England. Mercy certainly didn’t feel any urge to learn about her Latin heritage. She was more than content in the bosom of the unconventional family her father had married into.
Swivelling onto her back again, Mercy’s thoughts finally turned back to Viscount Carlingford.
Her father’s declaration that the truth would be made known once Reinhardt was out of the picture had changed everything. Both she and Nate would be free to go their separate ways, though in truth, the charade was far more likely to adversely affect her marriage prospects than his. If the Viscount did what was asked of him, he would come out the whole affair a hero and be fighting the ladies off – scar or no scar.
Mercy didn’t quite know how that made her feel. He certainly deserved to find happiness, and a wealthy wife would undoubtedly bring him rewards he’d likely never dreamed of.
Including children.
But where did that leave her? Whatever happened, Mercy knew this season would be her last. Suitor or no suitor, she would not be playing the marriage mart again. She would simply turn theproblem over to her father who would undoubtedly find her a match. It might not be one made in heaven, but she knew he would do his best to choose someone with whom she could rub comfortably along with.
Was it possible that someone could be Nathaniel Harding…?
***
By the next morning, the snow was completely gone with spring finally returning to the New Forest. Standing at the window, Nate marvelled at the beauty of the scene in front of him. The formal gardens led down to the forest’s edge, gradually becoming wilder until they finally merged almost seamlessly. The Viscount knew that Cottesmore had been a smouldering ruin when the Earl first inherited it, and the beauty of the house, and grounds now was a testament to what hard work and money could achieve.
For the first time since he’d stepped foot in Carlingford, Nate wanted the same thing for his own house. He’d been indifferent to his surroundings for so long, this sudden desire to create an actual home was disconcerting to say the least. Part of him was terrified to return to the real world and the fragile hope that happiness was not only to be found in the bottom of a bottle.
But then much would depend on his conversation with the Earl when they met at breakfast. Of course, he would play the part of a besotted fiancé – as Stanhope must have known he would. Nate would do whatever it took to protect Mercy –whateverit took.
A small snore came from the bed behind him, pulling him out of his reverie. He turned to regard Ruby with amused exasperation. Though Nate was entirely certain she would live with him on thestreets if needs be, the little dog was clearly not averse to the finer things in life, and in truth, Ruby had given him much more than he’d ever given her. But then, hopefully, her loyalty was about to be rewarded.
Yes, he would willingly give his life for Mercedes Stanhope, but first he and the Earl needed to discuss one more condition.
***
The conversation during breakfast was purposely kept to mundane matters such as the uncommon weather after the Earl declared equivocally that he preferred his bacon and eggs to be business free. This time the whole Stanhope family were present at the table, and Nate found himself holding a conversation with two ten-year-olds for the first time in … well ever. It was certainly an eye opener – especially the questions.
‘What did you do to your face?’
‘Does it hurt?’
‘Will it come off if I touch it?’
‘Are you a pirate?’
‘I’ve got a scar like yours.’ This from Olivia who had no compunction about hoiking her skirt up to show him the miniscule scar decorating her knee.
‘We’re going to stay in London while Mercy looks for her husband.’
‘I don’t know what she’s done with him, but he must be very good at hiding.’
‘You’re not Mercy’s husband, are you…?’
‘Don’t be such a ninnyhammer, Mercy hasn’tlosther husband, she hasn’t found one yet. That’s why she’s going to look for one.’ The scathing comment was from Christopher – or Kit as the rest of the family called him. Clearly, the heir to the Earldom, he was a serious boy of around thirteen and fortunately for the future of Cottesmore, nothing at all like his twin sisters.
Before a row could ensue, their mother put down her napkin and rose from her chair. ‘I’m certain Miss Horsham will be waiting for you in the school room,’ she declared, the tone of her voice more hopeful than anything else. ‘So bid Viscount Carlingford goodbye as he will be leaving after breakfast.’
The twins simply waved before chasing each other out of the room. Christopher, however, gave a very creditable bow and politely wished him a safe journey before walking sedately to the door.
‘Don’t pay too much attention to his impeccable manners,’ the Earl murmured drily when the door finally shut behind him. ‘If you hadn’t been here, he’d have delivered his last remark to his sister alongside a kick.’
‘Which would undoubtedly have led to a full-scale battle under the table,’ Mercy added. ‘Truly you’re honoured, my lord. They do not usually show so much interest in a guest.’
‘I doubt many of them look like me,’ Nate retorted without rancour.
Before Mercy could find a suitable riposte, the door was thrown open again and her grandfather stomped into the room, Flossy trotting happily behind him. ‘Have I missed anything?’ he demanded, going over to the sideboard to help himself to some devilled kidneys.
