The taut line of Papa’s mouth eased. “Your mama will be happy to hear it. She has been worried about you.”
“As I recall, Mama was not the one who reminded me repeatedly of my brotherly duty to check up on Ethan,” James said dryly.
“I was concerned, as any father would be,” Papa said. “However, I had full confidence that Ethan would see that things turned out for the best.”
Papa was a gentleman, and it would take a lot for him to say a word against a lady.
But Ethan read between the lines.
He arched a brow. “You didn’t approve of Constance either?”
“I thought she was charming,” Papa admitted. “Your mama, however, suspected all was not as it seemed with your former fiancée. She believed that you deserved better, and as usual, she was proved right.”
“It seems like Ethanhasfound better,” James said with a smirk.
Papa frowned. “There is no need to be crass, James.”
Ethan didn’t know if it was a lifelong habit or a flaw in his nature that made him enjoy the impeccable heir’s chastened expression. His enjoyment proved short-lived, however, for he found himself under paternal scrutiny.
“However, I must ask.” Papa fixed him with a severe look. “What are your intentions toward Mrs. Wood?”
“They are honorable, sir,” Ethan said readily.
“I assumed as much.” Papa’s matter-of-fact response was that of a man who knows he has raised his sons to be gentlemen. “You have considered the consequences of such a match? Mrs. Wood, lovely though she may be, comes from a different world.”
“That is not a problem for me. Is it for you?” Ethan asked.
Papa frowned. “I judge a person based on character and personal merit, not on factors beyond his or her control. When it comes to making a match, your mama and I care only for your happiness. I daresay we have been rather modern parents, encouraging our children to marry for love.”
Ethan knew this, and he felt guilty for doubting his father for even an instant. He noted that James turned his head to stare out the window, his expression unreadable. Ethan wondered how James’s wife Evie was faring; despite her reclusive tendencies, she usually made an effort to attend family gatherings. He hoped things were well between her and his brother.
“However, my view and that of society differs,” Papa went on. “If you and Mrs. Wood marry, you must be prepared to face the consequences of what many in our sphere will label amésalliance. It will be your duty as her husband to protect her and help her find her place in society.”
“We haven’t addressed the matter yet,” he replied.
“I’m surprised to hear it. This is important, Ethan. You must consider how marriage will affect your future wife.”
“The truth is…Xenia and I haven’t discussed marriage yet.”
Papa lowered his brows. “I thought you said your intentions were honorable.”
“They are. I am not the one who is dragging her feet when it comes to marriage.”
“I do not understand.” His father looked genuinely baffled. “You are a gentleman of sound character, with excellent means and prospects. You come from a family who will welcome her into the fold. What is the cause of her prevarication?”
Ethan felt as if he’d entered a field of tarpits. Warily, he said, “There are things in Xenia’s past that she fears will affect our future.”
“What things?”
“I don’t know,” he admitted. “She will not tell me.”
“Secrets are dangerous, son.” Papa’s expression turned grave, some dark emotion leaking through the steel of his gaze. “If they are allowed to fester, they can destroy a relationship. Take it from me: you must insist upon honestyfrom the start. Otherwise, you are gambling with your future happiness.”
Ethan swallowed. “Yes, sir.”
He was saved from further reply by the stopping of the carriage. It was just as well, for his papa’s advice had shaken him more than he cared to acknowledge. As they alighted in front of a decrepit row of buildings, he saw that James looked somber too.
“Be vigilant, lads.” Papa’s military background was evident as he scanned the environs. “This is not a place to be caught unawares.”
