“Ihavesettled upon one woman, Lindsay. Marguerite Easton. I came here today with an offer of marriage, if she’ll have me, and to speak to Donovan, Corie, and Jared as well—”
“Oh, no, you can’t do that!” Lindsay blurted out. “Speak to Jared, I mean. I saw last night how you looked at Marguerite—and she at you—and told him the two of you were meant for each other, but he’s fully against it! I’m sure his view would sway Donovan and Corie, too, and Reverend Easton, at least at first. Jared insisted that Lady Belinda was more suited to become your wife because she’d turn a blind eye to any mistresses—”
“Damnation!” His fists clenching, Walker turned away from Lindsay to the window, not trusting himself for a moment to speak.
Furious with Jared, he nonetheless knew in his heart that he’d never given him any reason to think otherwise about his actions when it came to women. Yet he’d never once led an innocent astray—and God forbid, no virgins!—but had diverted himself with those of the fairer sex more eager for a night’s tumble than anything lasting.
“First my father forbids me to marry anyone outside theton,” he muttered more to himself than Lindsay, who he sensed had drawn closer. “He’s a dying man, maybe within weeks or even days, so I gave my word to abide by his wishes. He said a noble bride would help to ease my path into this new life—and now Jared, too, thinks Lady Belinda would be the most suitable wife for me!”
“But it doesn’t matter what any of them think, Walker,” came Lindsay’s soft voice behind him. “I didn’t care in the least that Jared was the hated Phoenix with a price on his head. I loved him, which is all that matters. And right now, the only one that matters is Marguerite. Perhaps you might go find her and see what she has to say about your offer of marriage.”
Sighing heavily, Walker closed his eyes and shook his head. “There’s no use. If Jared and her family are dead set against me—”
“Ah, now, Mr. Burke, I’ve never known you to give up without a fight.” Standing at his elbow now, Lindsay gazed up at him earnestly. “You’re one of the bravest men I know…and as steadfast as the day is long in your friendship for my husband. He will come around in time if this is something both you and Marguerite wish for together.” Lindsay smiled now with a hint of mischief in her lovely eyes. “I can be very persuasive, you know.”
Walker couldn’t help smiling either, though he wondered if Marguerite might be more inclined to throw something at him than to consider his proposal. As if reading his mind, Lindsay laughed and began to pull him with her to the doorway.
“She’s deemed you a rogue, remember? And from what I’ve heard of them, rogues can be very persuasive, too. See what she has to say while I put my mind to what comes next. There’salwaysa way, Walker.”
He had no idea what Lindsay might have meant, but already she had gestured for the footman to leave his post by the front door.
“Lead Lord Summerlin to the rose garden, Sims.”
