Holsworthy did have some thoughts, but ultimately had suggested Michael leave it alone. “You don’t know this Ferrell.”
“I believe what he is telling me,” Michael had said.
“That is your mistake.”
Except weeks ago, Steele, whom Michael explicitly trusted, had assured him the funds were indeed missing, giving credence to Ferrell’s suspicions. How Steele knew was a mystery, just like everything surrounding the man. He’d sent that information at the same time he’d suggested Michael keep his eye open for three Irish lasses ready to make their mark on Society. It had not been a hard favor to perform... and one that had led to Michael’s current circumstances.
He looked at his great-uncle. He trusted Holsworthy. The man had always kept his confidences. Then again, Michael hadn’t offered many. He was also beginning to wish he hadn’t brought up the embezzlement with the earl. The fewer who knew, the better.
“There hasn’t been more information.” Michael shrugged. “Perhaps Ferrell was just being overzealous.”
“Such is the life of a government clerk,” his lordship quipped.
Rogers arrived with overfull glasses. Michael accepted his and set it on the table beside his chair. “So, I have news—” he started, but Holsworthy overrode him, as he often did.
“The time has come for you to marry.”
This extraordinary statement gave Michael pause. Could sharing the news of his impending marriage with his great-uncle be this simple?
“I agree,” Michael said.
“The question is, to whom?” Before Michael could open his mouth, Holsworthy continued, “I have decided that Lady Henrietta Georgeham would be best. Georgeham is a powerful voice in the Lords and, of course, has the correct political persuasion. Very important, you know. When I suggested something, he informed me that he is not fond of lawyers. Your time before the bar is a liability. He’s that stubborn on the matter. However, I knew his father when we were—”
He would have gone on and on. Holsworthy had a full glass of brandy and an audience. Many a time, Michael had had to use all of his political prowess to extricate himself from his mentor’s soliloquies.
“Marriage isexactlythe subject I came to share with you,” Michael injected neatly into the conversation before the earl could go on too much longer.
His great-uncle frowned. “Subject?” Holsworthy had already forgotten the topic, something he was doing more and more lately. He took a huge gulp of his brandy.
“Marriage,” Michael dutifully reminded him.
“Ah, yes,” Holsworthy said and launched into it as if they hadn’t been discussing the topic. “I believe you should offer for Lady Henrietta Georgeham. A dark-haired chit. I like dark hair. They say she is fairly good-looking. I haven’t seen her, of course—”
“Lady Henrietta has pleasant looks,” Michael confirmed dutifully—however, she was not as attractive as Dara Lanscarr.
In fact, to his mind, few were as lovely as Dara. Elise and Gwendolyn had stunning looks, but there was something about Dara’s character that set her apart. And her opinionated ways. He could picture her meeting his great-uncle. He chuckled just thinking about it—
“What is so humorous?” Holsworthy demanded.
“Humorous?” And then Michael laughed when he realized he was the one who had lost a bit of the thread of the conversation. He leaned forward eagerly. “My lord, I hope you will wish me happy. I have asked Miss Dara Lanscarr to be my wife. We shall be married posthaste.”
The earl pulled back his head, giving himself several chins, and then uttered one word.“No.”
Michael frowned and then said quietly, “I have asked her. We are marrying.”
“You will not,” Holsworthy said. “I don’t know her.”
“The Lanscarrs are from County Wicklow—” Michael started. In truth, he didn’t know every detail about his bride-to-be. Furthermore, if Holsworthy had heard of Captain Sir John Lanscarr, then he might truly balk. All sources claimed he was a rogue. A fun one, they would add, as long as you watched your pockets.
But his great-uncle took the conversation awayfrom him. “Nothing good comes out of Wicklow.” Holsworthy sat up, his gout forgotten. “Furthermore, you will not have an Irish wife. Especially this one. I know everyone of importance in Ireland, and I have never heard of the Lanscarrs. What wedoneed is for you to marry a young woman with dark hair, a fortune, and connections. AnEnglishfortune and connections,” he amended as if there was any doubt. “This is about the future of my title. I want alliances. We almost lost the game until I tracked you down. I do not want my title reverting to the Crown. Damn monarchy.”
“You needn’t worry,” Michael said.
The earl ignored him. “Holsworthy is an old, old title. I wouldn’t let just anyone wear it, and that goes for your children as well.” He sat back, and with a dismissive wave of his hand, he picked up his brandy and said, “You will not marry this Lanscarr person. You will talk to Lady Henrietta. I’ve already discussed it with her father, and he is pleased with the match.” He drained his glass.
Michael was usually good at holding his temper. Holsworthy was of that generation who were often arrogant and domineering. He’d been extremely stern when Michael had been a boy, but those days were long past. And while Michael, out of respect, always took his benefactor’s opinion into consideration, the decision of whoma man should marry was a personal one. Michael reserved it for himself. After all, he would be sleeping with the woman.
He did not wish to sleep with Lady Henrietta.
