The baron gazed into his brandy, swirling it absentmindedly. “Lady Sophie said earlier today that she believes another woman at this house party might like to marry me. The only person I can think of is Miss Bloombury.” He caught Nicholas’s eyes. “Do you think Miss Bloombury is interested in me?”
“Ah….” Nicholas wasn’t certain what answer he wanted to hear.
Sylvestor tossed back the rest of his brandy and grimaced through the burn. “I ask because I know you won’t lie out of self-interest. You have no desire to marry her yourself, since you’re already engaged to Lady Sophie.”
“I see.” Nicholas tapped his finger against the glass thoughtfully. “I believe Miss Bloombury holds you in high regard. Perhaps she even has a level of affection for you.”
Sylvestor huffed, his frustration clear. “Of course she has affection for me. We spent a great deal of our childhoods together. But that’s an entirely different thing than being open to my suit.”
Nicholas sighed. Apparently, he’d have to be direct. “Yes, I think Miss Bloombury would be delighted to marry you.”
“She’s a pretty woman,” the Baron mused. “Sweet too.”
“And you already have a strong relationship with her family,” Nicholas pointed out.
“I don’t know why I never considered her before.”
Probably the same reason Nicholas had never viewed Sophie as a genuine marriage prospect. It simply hadn’toccurred to him. Well, and there was that whole thing with him and Theo being twins….
Suffice it to say, nothing was straightforward.
By the time the baron left, Nicholas was half convinced he’d end up marrying Miss Bloombury.
He returned to his desk, knowing that his temporary reprieve was over. He had to write a letter to Theo.
He just hoped he wouldn’t lose his brother because of his recklessness.
CHAPTER 25
“Mr. Blackwell,a letter has arrived for you from London.”
Nicholas’s stomach plummeted as he took the missive from the footman. “Thank you.”
He recognized the handwriting on the front. The letter had come from Theo. He must have sent it by express courier, the same way Nicholas had done with his own letter a couple of days ago.
The footman bowed and strode away. Nicholas closed the door behind him, made his way slowly over to the writing desk, and broke the seal on the back.
Nicholas,
I was disappointed to learn the manner in which you became betrothed to Lady Sophie Carlisle.
I’d have thought that after ruining my wife’s reputation, you would have been more careful when entrusted with the protection of another young lady’s good name.
Of course, I am glad to learn that you and Lady Sophie are to wed, but you should be forewarned that Mother is less pleased. She was most upset when she read the note you included for her.
She instructed her maid to pack her things this morning, andshe is bound for Nunhaven with all possible haste. I’m uncertain whether she has plans to rectify the damage or if she simply wants the opportunity to scold you properly.
Whichever the case, I advise you to tidy up your mess as quickly as possible—preferably before she arrives.
Yours,
Theodore, Lord Blackwell
P.S. I wish you all the happiness in the world. It may not seem like it from this letter, but I do. You and Sophie are well suited, and I’m sure you will enjoy many years together.
Nicholas dropped his head to the desk and groaned, torn between relief and horror.
Fuck, his mother was coming here.
