“As I said, it’s time for you to grow up and do your part for this family.”
Nate snorted. “Are you suggesting I get a job?”
“Don’t be ridiculous!”
“Well, if you’re thinking of sending me off to some rural estate that Father had hidden away, think again. I won’t go.”
“Actually, I’ve decided it’s time for you to marry. It’s been two years since your failed engagement to Miss Morley—two years filled with nothing but debauchery, I might add—and I’ve decided it’s time for a change.”
“You’ve decided!” Nate laughed, although inside, he was boiling. How dare his brother mention Miss Morley? He got up and went to pour himself a brandy.
“For God’s sake, Nathaniel, it’s only ten in the morning.”
Nate downed his brandy, poured himself another, and returned to his seat, brandy in hand.
“I am not your younger sister, Edward. It’s not your responsibility to ensure that I secure my future by making a good match—or any match, for that matter.”
“Nonetheless,” Edward said, his stony expression back in place, “I have arranged a fine match for you—one that will enhance our family’s fortune and reputation.”
Nate placed the glass of brandy on a small table next to his chair. His brother was an arrogant pillock. It amused and annoyed him tothink that Edward believed he could command him to marry. But seeing an opportunity to ruffle Edward, he decided to play along.
“Is the young lady in question at least beautiful? You know how much I enjoy the company of beautiful women.”
Edward’s eyes narrowed a fraction. “She’s the daughter of Viscount Eamont—the veryrichViscount Eamont,” Edward added.
Nate laughed. His brother truly had gone mad. “You want me to marry Adelia and Lydia Eamont?”
“Not both of them. Only Adelia.”
“There’s no such thing as one Eamont sister. They come as a pair. They are identical twins in both their looksandtheir irritating personalities. Did you know they speak in unison? Have you asked yourself why they are in their third—or is it fourth—season and still unmarried, despite their large dowries?” Nate picked up his brandy glass and swallowed the contents before slamming the glass back down just to irritate his brother, which he sorely deserved. “Well, brother, this has been lovely. Thank you for considering my future, but if you don’t mind, I quite enjoy the bachelor lifestyle, so I’ve decided not to marry at all.” He started to get up from his chair.
“You will marry. Because until I am blessed with a son, you are my heir, and it’s time you behaved accordingly.”
Oh, bollocks.Nate settled back in his seat. “I’m not sacrificing my freedom lest you don’t have a son. It’s not my fault if you can’t do your duty.”
Edward’s jaw tightened, and a vein pulsed in his neck. The sight brought a smile to Nate’s lips. It pleased him whenever he could rouse any expression from his stony brother. “Don’t be unreasonable,” Edward said. “It’s not as if you cannot continue whatever you enjoy doing after marriage. You merely need to be discreet about it.”
Nate cocked his head. Sometimes, Edward disgusted him. “Is that what you do to your wife?”
Edward’s face remained stony. “I’ve arranged for you and MissAdelia Eamont to meet this Saturday. You’ll take a ride in Hyde Park at ten. She’ll be chaperoned, of course. Still, I expect you to treat her with the utmost courtesy.”
“Until we’re married, of course. That’s what you mean, isn’t it, Edward?”
“What happens between a man and his wife is no one else’s business but theirs. Now, make sure you are on time for this meeting. I don’t want Miss Eamont kept waiting.”
“No, thank you, brother.”
“What?” Edward said.
“I said,no thank you.” Nate raised his voice slightly.
“I heard what you said, but perhaps you don’t understand that this isn’t a request.”
“You’re ordering me to marry?” Nate smirked, more amused at his brother’s cheek than angry.
“I’m telling you that I have arranged this marriage, which benefits the family, and since you live entirely off the substantial allowance I give you, it will behoove you to do as I say.”
“So, you’re threatening to cut me off, are you?” Nate leaned forward, confronting his brother.
