But he fully intended to give her enough to leave her a very wealthy widow. Of course, he hoped to be around for a long time, but he meant to keep her safely independent should he no longer be there to protect her.
Of course, if she did inherit the Broadingham dukedom, she would be one of the wealthiest peers in England.
Another matter to be discussed was where they were going to reside. They had two homes on Duchess Square and needed to decide which one they would occupy. Both were more than he had ever thought to obtain in this lifetime. His preference was toreside in the one he had just purchased and been spending the summer fixing up to his ideal specifications.
It wasn’t just a house to him. It was the realization of a dream. Something of his very own.
His sanctuary.
But perhaps Berry felt the same about her home. Well, they would come to some agreement on it. Ultimately, he would go along with Berry’s wishes. He was marryingher. She was the one who would make whichever house they chose a true and happy home.
But what would they do with the other townhouse?
Chapter Nineteen
“I’ve asked Suzannato marry me,” Bonham said, obviously waiting up for Gideon when he returned to the Musket Club after the ball. “I figured if you could take the leap and propose to marry someone who was obviously too good for you, then so could I.”
Gideon had just walked into his chamber and was ready to toss off his formal attire, but stopped and turned to stare at his friend. He shook his head and laughed heartily, for Bonham’s smile was as wide as an ocean. “Did she give you an answer?” He had just seen Suzanna at the Stanhope ball, and she had not said a word.
“Do you think I would be floating on air if she hadn’t? Yes, she accepted me.”
They were both laughing now, amazed that any refined lady would ever have anything to do with them, much less actually agree to marry them. Gideon understood exactly how his friend felt, for he was experiencing the same elation. “Congratulations. She’s a fine lady.”
“So is Berry,” Bonham said with all sincerity.
They embraced each other as brothers would, for they had been on this life journey together. Brothers in friendship since around the age of three. Growing up together, leaving the orphanage together, and building a successful business partnership. In all those years, never once had they consideredending up married to actual ladieswhose fathers held titles and were peers.
In truth, Gideon could not recall their ever talking about marriage at all, because it simply had not been a consideration. Perhaps it was a result of growing up completely on their own that they had expected to die that way, too.
But his business brain began whirring, and an immediate solution to his and Berry’s issue of having two houses presented itself. Bonham and Suzanna would require a marital abode, would they not? Bonham could not bring Suzanna to live above the Musket Club, nor would Gwendolyn appreciate the pair setting up residence in her home. But Gwendolyn would be thrilled to have them as her neighbors on Duchess Square, would she not?
This was the perfect solution. Gideon and Berry would have to choose which one of their homes to keep, and then they could offer the other to their friends.
He would discuss the idea with Berry when he saw her later today. He could not think of a better outcome, although it saddened him to think he might be giving up this new home of his. She had done such a beautiful job of turning it into an inviting abode. Much of the furniture had already been purchased, as well as drapes for each room.
Well, they would figure it out. He would not mind so much if Bonham ended up with his home. After all, Bonham had helped repair the guts of the house, upgrading the shaft mechanism and putting in the drainage pipes that were extremely convenient to have.
But Gideon would sorely miss the new ballroom, the refurbished study with that glorious cherry shelving, and that malachite entry hall.
Truly, it was a pity he might have to give it up.
Ah, but he would gain Berry, and that was worth everything.
Anyway, Berry had not voiced her opinion and might surprise him with her choice.
He and Bonham were still chuckling when Gideon asked, “How about we leave the inventory and accounts to Joss and Pudge tomorrow?”
“All right, but why?”
“You and I are going to obtain marriage licenses.”
Bonham clapped him on the back. “Excellent plan. I am going to bust if I don’t marry Suzanna soon. What a mind that girl has.”
Gideon looked at him askance. “Her mind? Seriously?”
“Yes, it is all part of the package. Beauty and brains. She’s a lot smarter than me, isn’t she? Look at the way she picked up those mechanical concepts as though they were as simple as darning a worn pair of socks. I’m sure she will have some interesting ideas on our wedding night, too. She is quite knowledgeable about the laws of physics. You know, bodies in motion. Forces of attraction.”
“Gad, Bonham. I have no idea where you are going with this, nor do I wish to know.”
