“Mariel, I can easily see you with a line of youth following you about wherever you go.” He leaned in. “And I would battle every last one of them to keep you mine if I could.”
She felt her cheeks heat, but she didn’t look away. “I have no doubt you would win.”
Chapter Twelve
Marcus, not alittle confused, followed Channing down the corridor of Craymore Hall, the Mabry’s London home. When he’d said he was calling on Lady Beaumont, the man had not led him to the parlor but past the main stairs. Could it be that Channing was going deaf?
It had only been two days since he’d taken Mariel to Tattersall’s, but he wished to have as much time with her as possible before she ended their pretense. He was about to ask Channing where they were going, when the butler opened the doors to the library.
“My lord. Lord Blackmore has arrived.”
Mariel’s father, Lord Wakefield rose from his chair behind a large desk, a wide grin on his face. “Lord Blackmore. It is a pleasure to see you hale and hardy.” The man’s graying hair appeared mussed as if he’d run his hands through it multiple times.
He moved into the room. “Lord Wakefield, it is an honor to be in your presence again.”
The older man stepped around the desk, strode forward with purpose, and clapped him on the shoulder. “Yes, yes. Channing, have Joanna join us please.”
He was about to remind the older man that he was calling on Mariel, but didn’t have a chance as he was ushered forward and offered to sit in one of the two wingback chairs before the desk.
Lord Wakefield took the other chair, his rounded belly making the perfect place for him to set his folded hands. “I must say, I was quite pleased to discover that you not only lived, but sought out my daughter straightaway.”
Someone had obviously not told the man the true timeline, but he didn’t feel impelled to do so since the betrothal would be broken in just a couple more weeks. Even as the thought filled his head, an ache started in his chest. He would never love another, but he could not put his heart before Mariel’s happiness.
“We will get started as soon as Jo arrives.” Lord Wakefield leaned on the arm of his chair toward him. “Tell me, was the battle truly bloody? How many men did you command? How did you fair at the surgeon’s tents? I have so many questions. It is not every day a man brings a war hero into the family. I do so want to know what strategies your battalion officer chose for each position. Did he follow some of the ancient formations from Alexander the Great? He was called great for a reason as I’m sure you know.”
Not having any idea what formation the ancient commander had used, he attempted a change in subject instead. “Is Lady Beaumont receiving today? I hope she’s not ill.”
“Mariel, ill? Hah. That young woman is never ill, and if she were, my Jo would make her better. Do you know that she saved my daughter Belinda?” The man crossed himself and for a moment the liveliness left him. “But she was too sweet for this Earth and left us far too early.”
While he didn’t remember Belinda, he did remember Mariel talking about her when first they met. “I am sorry that you lost your daughter at such a young age.”
The older man looked away, and Marcus felt like a heel for unintentionally bringing the subject to bear. Maybe another distraction would help. “Is the Duchess bringing Lady Beaumont as well?”
Lord Wakefield turned back to look at him, his hazel eyes lost for a moment before his face lit again. “The duchess. Yes, I would have never expected Jo to marry a duke. Don’t tell my wife, but I was secretly hoping she would never marry so we could continue learning together. Now, she is focused on her school and educating all the young women there. I can tell you, I’m quite proud, even if I have to share her with all of them.”
“Father, what are you going on about?” The Duchess spoke from behind them.
He quickly rose and bowed. “Your grace.”
She waved her hand, much like her father did. “No need for all that, Lord Blackmore. We are soon to be family after all.” She continued past him to pull out the chair behind the desk and sat.
Confused, but assuming he would see Mariel soon, he resumed his seat.
“Now, has my father explained why we asked you to meet with us?”
He looked at the older man, who seemed to find everything else more interesting than meeting the gaze of his daughter. Seeing no help for it, he admitted the truth. “Only if discussing Alexander the Great’s military maneuvers was your quest.”
“Father.” From her tone, she sounded like the man’s mother. “How many times have I told you we need to do business first before learning more.”
Lord Wakefield sat straighter. “Yes, of course. It was just that you arrived before I could explain.”
She gave her father the side-eye before returning her attention to himself. “Lord Blackmore, I apologize. We have asked you to meet with us because I went over the betrothal agreement you made with my father and found some areas that I think could be improved upon. Since your relationship is your second with my sister, her having married thereby nullifying the former agreement, I suggested to my father that we draw up a new marriage settlement.”
“Yes, that’s right.” Lord Wakefield nodded seriously. “I did not think I would be giving my daughter up twice, so it’s important that she is well endowed.”
With his chest tight at the ruse he played, he addressed his comment to Lord Wakefield. “My lord, I assure you no dowry is required.”
The older man smiled before looking to his daughter. “See, Jo. I told you he would say that. He is a man in love indeed.”
