Chapter Ten
Ramsey congratulated himself on such a brilliant plan. It seemed to work quite well! In introducing Miss Grace to eligible men yesterday, the betting book had seen no increase in wagers based on his interest. And it was a commonly known truth that the betting book had a finger on the pulse of the gossip of the ton. So, as far as he was concerned, it was a swimming success story.
He had bloody well racked his brain in efforts to find a way to discourage such gossip, and the answer was so simple, he nearly overlooked it.
And as long as he continued in such a fashion, he could neatly fulfill his honor and duty as a friend by assisting Heathcliff while simultaneously not bringing his bachelor status into question.
Today was certainly an improvement over yesterday!
He added up the sums in the book, as was his habit, and was about to quit the office when there was a sharp knock on the door.
“Come in,” he called.
Heathcliff opened the door, striding into the room with ease. “I see you are in a much better mood than yesterday. Good Lord, man. One of these days you’ll be wound so tight everything in you will snap.” Heathcliff helped himself to a chair and lounged in it.
“Well, my personal crisis is averted.”
“It wasn’t a crisis,” Heathcliff replied with an exasperated tone.
“For you,” Ramsey replied. “How may I assist you?”
“I’m not a patron, Ramsey.” Heathcliff gave a chuckle. “I was just checking on you. You seemed so out of sorts I was concerned about that snapping actually taking place.”
“Your concern is heartwarming,” Ramsey replied with sarcasm.
“I try,” Heathcliff replied. “In all truth, though, I’ve come to a decision.”
“Good Lord, do I want to know?”
“Yes. Since it pertains to you.”
“Now I’m quite certain I don’t wish to know. And who gave you leave to make decisions for me?”
Heathcliff gave a disinterested shrug. “Someone has to help you.”
“And, pray tell, why do I require help?”
“Because you’re . . . well . . . you.”
Ramsey gave a slow clap. “Your eloquence in conversation is humbling.”
“Bastard. Just listen.”
“I’d rather not.”
“Too bad. I’m absolving you of any assistance with my ward. There. That is all.” Heathcliff dusted his hands off as if washing his hands of the whole mess.
Ramsey blinked, then cocked his head. “Pardon?”
“You take things too far, and with far too serious a notion. She is my responsibility, and as such, I’m the one to take it upon myself to introduce her to gentlemen, and then scare them off when I find them unsuitable until the right gentleman asks for her hand.”
“You sound like a right and proper father, not a guardian. I thought you wanted to marry the girl off post haste?” Ramsey leaned forward on the desk, folding his hands, curious at this change of events.
“Ideally I’d marry her off quickly and to the right man, but I’m afraid I need both of those requirements met.”
“Well, I dare say you’ll be able to marry her off in a season or two, as long as no more events like what happened at the Drummels’ ball take place.”
“It’s part of her charm.”
