At last, shrugging, he felt like the mischievous youth he’d once been at Harrow public school.
“Again, I offer my profound apologies. Your daughter was speaking of romance and asking many questions, and I can only say I was carried away by fleeting madness, being severely worried about the situation with Miss Waltham.”
He stopped talking as it didn’t sound any better no matter how many times he or Miss Bright discussed it. He had behaved badly, and there was no defense.
“Hm,”Sir William said, and then the maid came in with the tea tray.
When they all had a cup in hand, Philip hoped the magistrate would offer his professional assistance, but again, it was the daughter who spoke.
“Please, Papa, won’t you help Lord Major Mercer?”
Philip couldn’t help smiling at her convoluted use of his title, even when she continued prattling.
“I suggested someone speak to the other man in question. Perhaps she hasn’t told the scoundrel who ruined her, and so he along with her parents are entirely in the dark.”
“And the scoundrel is?” asked her father, looking directly at Philip.
“Lord Rowantry, sir.”
“The marquess’s son?” The magistrate frowned slightly.
“Yes, the very one,” Philip said.
“Oh my, then you are in a mud puddle, aren’t you?” And Sir William sipped his tea, seemingly unconcerned.
“Yes, I believe I am. Moreover, there are reasons I cannot simply gainsay Miss Waltham and declare her to be pulling the long bow.”
“I beg your pardon?” asked Miss Bright.
“Lying,” her father explained. “And why is that, my lord?”
“For one thing, I am not in the habit of insulting young ladies, and I would find it to be beyond distasteful.”
“Oh, very good,” Miss Bright said. “You see, Papa, even a notorious rake can be a gentleman.”
Was it possible she might choke on her tea and be rendered speechless?Philip could only hope.
The magistrate merely grunted, and Philip continued.
“Also, I have recently gone into partnership with her father and his brother. They have a fleet of cargo ships, and I’m counting upon them to bring lucrative freight from France. I have no wish to lose my investment nor my deposit, and so far, our deal has not been compromised.”
“Even though Miss Waltham has been,” Miss Bright said quietly.
Philip glanced sharply at her, but she wasn’t making fun of him. She was simply enjoying a play on words.
The magistrate sipped his tea silently and appeared to be contemplating the situation. He looked from Philip to Miss Bright a few times.
Philip could only hope the ill-advised kiss hadn’t ruined his chances of receiving the aid of this powerful man. With the court magistrate on his side, Miss Waltham and her father, Lord Perrin, would be obliged either to offer up some evidence or remove any shadow of doubt from Philip’s reputation, at least regarding this transgression.
“The family’s solicitor came pounding upon my door declaring all sorts of utter lies,” he added, recalling being dumbfounded by the false accusations.
He honestly didn’t want to confront the young lady, nor embarrass her. But with the magistrate’s help, Philip would demand she come forward to state her claim. She would have to declare before her parents, God, and Sir William that Philip was the blackguard who’d ruined her. He doubted Miss Waltham would have the fortitude to publicly vow they’d made the two-backed beast.
At least, he hoped not. He might be a rakish Corinthian, but dishonesty was another matter altogether. And he liked to believe most people weren’t duplicitous, especially not ladies of good breeding.
“I intend to have a successful import business,” Philip added, for stating it made it seem as if it were still possible. At the same time, he was loath to elucidate the true importance of his new brandy endeavor to the magistrate.
“You seem to be a determined young man,” Sir William said, still eyeing him with the same hazel-colored eyes as his daughter.
