With his stomach in knots, Angelo first went to White’s, hoping that a brandy and conversation would calm his nervous state.
Bloody hell! Did all gentlemen suffer from such anxiety when approaching the father or guardian to ask for a daughter or ward’s hand?
One would think that once a decision was made that it would be easy.
As he stepped into the gentleman’s club, Angelo allowed his eyes to adjust to the dimmer light and looked to see who was about and who could offer a distraction. That is when he spotted his brother-in-law, Zachariah Radburn, Marquess of Lydell, sitting at a table with Jordan Trent, who happened to be married to a cousin. As both had taken wives, then surely, they must understand everything he was suffering.
They each had an ale before them. Angelo ordered a brandy. He needed something stronger before he faced Lord St. Mullin, though he had better not have above one because it wouldn’t do well for him to ask for Lady Briana’s hand in marriage while inebriated.
“Brandy so early?” Trent asked.
“Fortification,” Angelo answered.
“For what?” Lydell asked.
“I am about to approach a father.”
The two of them nodded in understanding. Except, neither of them had been in this predicament. Trent had ruined Audrey before they wed and asking the permission of Angelo’s uncle had been nothing more than a formality.
Further, it was already settled upon that Angelo’s sister would marry Lydell before he ever had any discussion with their father. Angelo had no idea what St. Mullin would say to him. He hadn’t even asked to formally court her, simply called on her and took her about and danced with her.
What if St. Mullin rejected him?
Though, Angelo couldn’t think of a reason why the gentleman would. Angelo was an earl and would be a marquess, likely far sooner than he wished. The family was respected and wealthy, so there was no reason. Besides, Lady Briana was already two and twenty, with no other gentleman courting her, so it was likely his suit would be accepted.
“You have the look of a gentleman who is facing the gallows,” Trent said.
“The gallows are a permanent end to a life. Marriage is a permanent end to freedom. They are much the same.” Angelo took another drink and enjoyed the burn down his throat, warming his belly.
“No, they are not,” Lydell argued.
“Marriage is the opposite,” Trent added.
Angelo looked at Lydell. “You would not admit to me if you were miserable as you are married to my sister.” He then looked to Trent. “And you are married to my cousin, thus I am not certain how much I can trust your statements.”
“If you are not looking forward to marrying this woman, then do not,” Trent insisted.
“I have little choice,” Angelo ground out.
Lydell leaned close. “Did you ruin someone?”
Angelo glared at him. “I did not ruin anyone, unlike the two of you.”
They both grinned, not the least bit offended or regretful.
“Then why do you not have a choice?” Trent asked.
He first looked at Lydell, who did know the reasons. Otherwise, he and Gaia would not have arrived in London a few days ago. He then explained to Trent. Only afterwards did he have misgivings. Had father not told his sisters of his health? If he had, Trent would already know. If his father had wanted it to remain a secret, Angelo had gone and ruined that plan because he was certain Trent would now say something to Audrey who would in turn speak to her mother, who would likely descend on his father’s home. Given the woman was overbearing, Angelo was beginning to understand why his father may not have wanted to tell anyone. Besides, his aunt gossips like no other. “Would you please ask Audrey not to say anything?”
Trent snorted. “She tells her mother only what is necessary and avoids her whenever possible.”
Though, Audrey may feel it necessary to tell this bit of news.
“Your father cannot want you to enter into a marriage that will make you miserable regardless of the fact that you need an heir.”
“He would want me happy,” Angelo said. “But I do not have the time to find the perfect wife, and Lady Briana will suit nicely.”
“If so, then why are you not at St. Mullin’s home right now?” Lydell asked.
