Robert opened his hand again, finding the time on the card. One o’clock. He wasn’t sure if the short notice was a relief or a burden as his chest tightened at the thought. If only he knew what the answer was, perhaps he could settle himself. But Miss Morgan’s reaction to his proposal had not been what he expected, and thus, he did not dare make any assumptions about Lord Wood’s visit today.
Robert made his way back to his study, where time seemed to rush by and lag all at once. He accomplished absolutely nothing—besides rearranging things on his desk to give his hands something to do.
Finally, a knock sounded on the door.
“Come in.” Robert remained bent over his desk, pretending to scribble away on his foolscap before lifting his head as the door opened.
The door swung open silently and Brooks’ familiar gray mop appeared. “Lord Henry Wood is here to see you, Your Grace. Where would you like to receive him?”
“Here is fine, Brooks.” Robert dropped his quill into the inkpot on the corner of his desk, straightening in his chair.
Brooks disappeared and returned moments later with Lord Wood in tow.
Robert did not stand. “Lord Wood, please, have a seat.” He gestured to the leather club seat on the opposite side of his desk, and Wood frowned as he sat. “I can imagine what you are here to discuss. At least, I hope I can because I would like this matter resolved.”
Wood’s head jerked up, his brow tight. “Thismatterresolved? You mean my sister’s future?”
“Yes. And my own.” Robert clasped his hands on the expansive wood desk. “Let us get straight to it.”
Wood tilted his head away, but it wasn’t enough to hide the slight roll of his eyes. “I have a few questions and things to say first, if you do not mind.”
Robert nodded. “Very well.” Though he would prefer an answernow.
“Why did you ask for Louisa’s hand? Miss Morgan’s,” Wood quickly corrected.
Robert took a slow breath instead of loosing the sigh that burned his chest. “I told her this when I offered for her. Did she not inform you?”
“She apprised me of a few details, but my sister is not one to share much of herself, Your Grace. Which is why I am here. I want to be sure she is entering a situation that will be good for her future.”
Robert lifted his chin. “She has accepted then?” His heart beat a bit harder.
“Not so fast.” Wood scooted closer to the edge of his seat. “You still haven’t answered my question.”
“I will tell you what I told your sister. It is time I settled down with a wife, and I feel she would fit the role of duchess well.”
Wood barked out a disbelieving laugh. “Louisa? I’m sorry, Your Grace. I believe you are mistaken on that count. She is not going to be some docile miss to walk in your shadow.”
“Who said that is what I want?”
Wood narrowed his eyes. “Whatdoyou want?”
Robert reached forward and adjusted the quill in its pot before clasping his hands again. “I appreciate her self-confidence and boldness. As a duchess, she cannot be timid or easily pushed over by others. She needs to know her place, in that she will be giving orders, not taking them.”
Silence fell upon the room as Wood rubbed his chin. “You don’t expect my sister to cower in your shadow?”
“No. I do not have plans to dominate her. My purposes in acquiring a wife are to satisfy my mother and to make social events a bit more bearable for me. I hope she can intercede for me when I would rather remain silent. From what I’ve seen of her, she will do that well.”
“From what you’ve . . . seen of her?” Wood shook his head, squirming slightly in his seat. “Blazes, how did I not see any of this?”
“I’m a discreet man, which suits my preferences. I will allow your sister as much freedom as she desires as long as she does so in line with her station. Which, I also said to her when I proposed.”
Wood let out a sigh, shaking his head yet again as he rubbed his palms against his eyes. “This is all very sudden. I have my own thoughts, but ultimately this is Louisa’s choice. And she has decided to accept.” Wood brought his eyes to Robert’s, his gaze heavy with expectations.
“Very good.” Robert moved some papers around his desk. His life had just changed in an instant and his hands searched for something to do. “I will have a contract drawn up. Is there anything you would like to stipulate?”
Wood stood, placing his palms on the edge of the desk, his shadow looming over Robert. “I expect you to treat my sister with the respect she deserves. If I find that is not the case, I will come to the premises and remove her immediately.”
Robert stood, his head reaching several inches higher than Wood’s. “No need for threats, Wood. As I have said, I have no plans for such things. If she wishes to leave for a visit, she needs only to clear that with our schedules. Otherwise, I do not care.” He shifted several papers together, picking them up and tapping them into order. “I will have my solicitor draw up a contract. I feel you should be present to go over the details, and then we can sign it. How does that sound?” He looked up and Wood was about three shades paler. Interesting. All the fire seemed to have burned out of him.
