‘Nothing at all, Augustus,’ Christian responded. In fact, as always, you’ve arrived just as things are hopefully about to get interesting.’ He turned towards Nate with raised eyebrows. ‘I trust you came to a decision overnight?’
The Viscount automatically glanced over at Mercy. What would she think about what he was about to say? She coloured up under his regard, and for a second, he found himself bereft of words.
Bringing his breakfast back to the table, the Reverend looked at the Viscount in exasperation and muttered, ‘Spit it out lad. We haven’t got all day.’
Nate gritted his teeth, something he was beginning to realise most people spent much of their time doing when dealing with the clergyman. With difficulty, he forced himself to relax.
‘You have my word that I will do everything within my power to ensure Mercedes remains safe,’ he said evenly. The Earl closed his eyes in relief, and Nate couldn’t help wondering if his lordship would be quite so content after his next words.
‘However, I do have one more condition…’ Nate left the sentence hanging for a second until he was sure everyone round the table had heard. He watched the Earl glance towards his wife and frown slightly, before turning back and nodding his head in an invitation to speak.
Taking a deep breath, Nate looked over at Mercy as he spoke, knowing it was her reaction he needed to see.
‘I wish my betrothal to Mercedes to stand once Reinhardt has been apprehended.’ He waited and saw the moment she understood. Her eyes widened and she smothered a gasp. Then,turning back to the Earl, Nate continued, ‘As soon we are certain Mercedes is safe, I would like us to be married.’
Chapter Fifteen
Reinhardt had spent the last week pacing the floor of his lodgings in an agony of impatience. Everything was in position. He had men watching the Earl of Cottesmore’s London townhouse round the clock and was confident he’d know the moment his lordship took residence.
In a matter of weeks, he’d be on his way back to Boston and then to Mexico with his new wife.
Throwing himself into a chair, he gave himself over to the pleasurable thought of finally having Mercedes Alfaro’s daughter in his clutches. What was even more delicious was the thought that Christian Stanhope had absolutely no idea of theinheritance waiting for his daughter.
Of course, once the chit’s identity had been confirmed – and given she was the absolute image of her mother, it shouldn’t prove too much of a problem. He had the key, and she had the locket. Indeed, all his sources confirmed that she never removed it.
He felt himself harden as he imagined the young Mercedes in his bed – so much like her mother in every way that mattered. Naturally, the chit wouldn’t yet have acquired her mother’s skillsin the bedroom, but he was looking forward to teaching her exactly what he liked…
***
The Earl of Cottesmore’s reaction to what was essentially a request for his daughter’s hand in marriage did not include pistols at dawn. In fact, it had to be said his response was remarkably restrained. After regarding Nate silently for a moment, he coolly asked if the Viscount would object to waiting outside as he discussed this latest turn of events with his wife and daughter.
Nate swallowed and nodded, climbing to his feet. ‘With your permission my lord, I’ll take Ruby for a turn around the garden while I await your decision.’ The Earl gave a clipped nod, and Nate abruptly wondered if he was shortly about to be thrown out. Not that he would take his request back. All of a sudden, being able to keep Mercy safe for the rest of her life had become the most important thing in his.
The Reverend, on the other hand, was not quite as reticent. ‘Thunder an’ turf, Harding, you’ve got some deuced nerve, I’ll give you that.’ He bent down, picked up his dog and thrust her unceremoniously into Nate’s arms. ‘While you’re at it, you can give Flossy a walk too.’
The next hour was the longest in the Viscount’s entire life. As he walked along the paths meandering towards the Forest edge, he was afraid he’d completely undone the Earl’s trust. There was no doubt his demand had been unexpected. Indeed, Stanhope’s offer to set him up in society had been more than generous.
But Nate was also well aware that, unexpected or not, there would be no wedding without Mercy’s agreement.
Throwing a stick for the two dogs, he ground his teeth in frustration. Was his demand so preposterous? At the end of the day, he was a passable match - if one looked past his hideous face and wretched finances… Abruptly, Nate stopped and seconds later, found himself laughing, though there was nothing humorous in the sound. What the bloody hell had he been thinking? He must have been completely addled to even put such a proposal forward. What possible reason could Mercy have for even considering him for a husband?
‘I hardly think our situation cause for amusement, my lord.’
Nate spun round to stare disbelievingly at the subject of his fantasies standing no more than five yards away.
‘I … what are you doing here?’ he said, his words coming out more brusquely than he intended.
‘I told my father that I needed to speak with you privately before I made my final decision.’
They stared at each other. ‘Why do you wish to marry me?’ she asked finally in a small voice.
Nate’s heart gave a dull thud. ‘In truth?’ She nodded jerkily. ‘The absolute truth is, I don’t know,’ he bit out. ‘All I know is that I’ve never met anyone like you before.’ He threaded his hand through his hair, trying to find the right words. ‘I’ve spent nearly all of my life alone, but no one in their right mind would call itliving. When you came to Carlingford … something inside me broke free, and … and …,I can’t put it back.’ His whispered voice was tortured, and instinctively she stepped closer.
‘I swear I’ll take care of you,’ he growled. ‘I’ll never let anyone hurt you… I…’ He stopped, the words he wanted so badly to say dying in his throat.
‘Will you love me?’ Mercy asked softly, cocking her head to one side.
There was a silence. Then, ‘I don’t know how.’ Nate’s whisper was anguished.
