The crackling fire cast a warm orange glow over the dark wood-paneled walls of the study. Norman leaned back in the armchair, one leg crossed over the other, a tumbler of brandy in hand. Across from him, Andrew lounged with a glass of his own, a smug little smile playing at the corner of his mouth.
“Well?” Andrew prompted. “You’ve had that self-satisfied smirk since you walked in. Don’t keep me waiting.”
Norman exhaled through his nose, trying not to smile too obviously. “The textile shipments from the northern mill came through earlier than expected. And the warehouse lease I picked up last year? Tripled in value. My agent sent word—there will be more than enough to cover what’s owed.”
Andrew’s brows lifted. “You’re certain?”
“Two weeks left. If the next shipment arrives on schedule, I’ll have the full amount, plus enough to make a show of it.”
“Well, I’ll be damned.” Andrew took a sip of brandy. “So you won’t be walking into your marriage neck-deep in debt. I’d call that a win.”
Norman’s mouth tightened. “It was never the plan to saddle her with it.”
“No, of course not.” Andrew’s voice was dry. “You’re far too noble to be practical.”
Norman shot him a look.
Andrew held up a hand, grinning. “Joking. Mostly.”
The fire crackled between them, casting long shadows on the floor.
After a beat, Andrew swirled the liquid in his glass and said, “I like her. Kitty…I mean.”
That caught Norman off guard. “You do?”
“Oh, don’t look so shocked. She’s spirited. A touch peculiar, yes. But clever. Pretty. Quick-witted.” He paused. “She reminds me of every woman you avoid.”
“I don’t avoid anyone,” Norman muttered, finishing his drink.
“You avoid emotion. Or at least you did, until she got under your skin. Admit it—she rattles you.”
Norman didn’t respond. He stared at the fire, jaw clenched.
Andrew leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “You’re drawn to her, and she gets under your skin because you can’t control her. That’s why this match bothers you more than you care to admit. It’s not the marriage. It’s her.”
Norman refilled his glass, slow and measured. “I’m not here to be analyzed.”
“No, you’re here to be advised. Lucky for you, I’m generous with both.”
Norman offered a withering glance, but Andrew only grinned.
“You’ve done the honorable thing,” Andrew went on. “You’ll have the money. You’ll make good on your promise. But you’re missing one critical step, Norman.”
“And what’s that?”
“Discipline.”
Norman blinked. “Discipline?”
“Yes. She’s testing your boundaries because you haven’t set any. You haven’t once put her in her place.”
“I don’t intend to start ruling her with an iron fist.”
“Not with an iron fist, no,” Andrew said, shrugging. “But you’re her future husband. She needs to feel that. She needs to see it.”
A tense silence stretched between them.
Then Andrew added, far too casually, “Consummate the marriage early. Mark your claim.”
