“Yes, if you will,” Tothill said heavily.
He picked up the crystal decanter and removed the stopper andit gave Ash a few minutes to think things through.
The letter in this morning’s post from Dr. Granville, his grandfather’s doctor, left Ash deeply saddened and in no doubt of the seriousness of his grandfather’s health. While it was unnecessary for him to hurry to the earl’s side, the doctor assured him, Ash must prepare himself for the worst in the coming months. While the earl forbade him to write, Granville admitted, he took it upon himself to do so.The earl is far too adept at ignoring the seriousness of his condition, the doctor wrote.I know you would want me to tell you, as neither of us wish him to be unsupported at such a time.
Ash decided to drop everything and leave for Meadows the following day, shocked and more than a little guilty at how cavalier he’d been. He had expected some years to pass before he lost his beloved grandfather, but apparently, this was not to be. It changed everything. He wanted above all else to see his grandfather leave this earth content in the knowledge his estate would be secure for years to come when he took over the reins, preferably with a wife and the promise of an heir.
“So,” Tothill said, taking the crystal glass of brandy from Ash, his eyes cold and suspicious. “You seem on remarkably close terms with my daughter, Lord Grainger. Surely you must acknowledge people would view this secret meeting with suspicion. It could damage my daughter’s reputation. What was so urgent that you should take such a risk? Or are you merely toying with her affections?”
Ash sat and took a hearty swallow. He buried a sigh. There were good reasons for what he was about to do. This, or tell Tothill the truth. He decided against the latter. He wasn’t entirely sure why. While he could not bring himself to think badly of the man before him, the fact that he used the same snuff as found in the room and appeared to be a fast friend of Farnborough gave him pause. And there was the chance that Tothill, in all innocence, might alert Farnborough to Ash’s investigation. He wasn’t ready for that yet.
But Ash needed a wife posthaste after receiving such grim news from his grandfather’s doctor. He gave no thought to how compatible he and Thea might be. His plans hadn’t included marriage for years, and he doubted he would marry for love even then. A love match was too confining. He wanted a wife who would seek her own interests and allow him to continue with his work for the crown, which might take him away for days or even weeks. Thea appeared to be of an independent nature. He could offer her more freedom than other men, and, better still, a safe life, which she now desperately needed. And if progeny resulted from the union, well, that would surely please them both. Perhaps they might have good news before his grandfather passed away. As Ash examined it, his decision seemed better and better.
He cleared his throat and looked into Tothill’s gray eyes, which, despite him quaffing half the brandy in the glass, smoldered angrily.
“I wish to seek your daughter’s hand in marriage, sir.”
Tothill’s eyebrows shot up. “Isn’t this rather sudden?”
“A trifle hasty, I admit. But I’ve just learned my grandfather, the Earl of Highworth, is seriously ill. As I am his heir, when the time comes, I shall require my countess at my side in my new role. I like and admire your daughter. I believe we shall deal well together.”
Tothill nodded, the flare of anger in his eyes softening into one of surprise and then approval. “A sound decision, Lord Grainger. I have the highest regard for your grandfather. This is indeed sad news.” After placing the empty glass down on a low table, he and Ash rose to their feet. They shook hands. “I can offer no objection to the marriage, should the marriage settlement be satisfactory. But I gather you are yet to ask my daughter. It will depend on her answer. I shall leave you and Thea alone to talk.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Left alone, Ash faced what he had set in motion. He waited for the crippling despair he anticipated at the thought of giving up his bachelorhood, which allowed him to be free of the strictures marriage would impose and live life to the full. Oddly, it did not come.
Considering it further, he became more in favor of the marriage, having found little to make him hesitate. It was not a lie when he said he liked Thea; he did, very much. She was attractive, brave, resourceful, and somewhat unusual, standing out from the run-of-the-mill debs he might choose from. And more importantly, he doubted she would try to stop him continuing with his work.
Thea was not unlike Letty and Jo, who were both independent women, and she would fit well into his circle of friends. She may not accept him, of course. It appeared she was also avoiding marriage, although he was yet to discover the reason. She appeared to desire something else from life. He struggled to envision her content to be at home embroidering cushion covers or hosting card parties for other women. Her lovely green eyes glowed with intelligence, and she expressed an eagerness to involve herself in the intrigue surrounding Farnborough, despite Ash warning her of the danger.
But somehow, he knew that Thea would want an ardent suitor on bended knee and the promise of a high passion. And this was not to be that kind of marriage. While attracted to her physically, he did not believe himself capable of a towering passion. He had many affairs over the years, but no lover affected him beyond friendship and desire. Caring deeply for someone meant risking his heart. He would much rather risk his body in the dangerous work he did. He must be honest with Thea and make her aware of it from the start. A marriage of convenience could suit them both. After all, such marriages were more common among thetonthan a love match. His motives, to save Thea’s reputation and to ensure her safety, were enough. He did not hope for more.
He rose as the door opened. Thea slipped inside, casting him an anguished look.
Ash was suddenly struck by her beauty in the white and gold gown, which complemented her coloring and revealed the delicious curve of her breasts. Of course, he’d been aware she was pretty, but now he gazed at her with new eyes. A wife to be proud of, certainly.
With the option of marrying Farnborough or him, she had little choice. It suited him, but was he being fair to her?
Chapter Eight
Her face burning,Thea greeted Grainger as she entered the room. With a smile, he took her hand and drew her to the sofa. Deeply ashamed and barely able to look at him, she sat without a word and arranged her skirts.
A few moments ago, in the passage outside the library, her father, with a broad grin, had told her of Grainger’s proposal.
“It cannot be,” Thea had responded, numb with shock.What had she done?
“Thea, don’t be foolish.” Her father’s smile faded. “I expected you to do as well, even better, perhaps, than your sister, but I did not expect two gentlemen of high rank and fortune to seek your hand.” He gave her a gentle push toward the library door. “Choose which of them you wish to marry. An opportunity like this may not come again.”
“But Papa. This is my first Season,” she said, her voice trembling.
“You’re a new, pretty face. You will not be in such demand as time goes by. Is it to be Farnborough?”
“No!”
He nodded. “Then tell Lord Grainger you will marry him.” He frowned. “Or I will accept Farnborough on your behalf.”
She had never seen her father so coolly determined. It was as if all her past transgressions worked against her. Though she had charmed him around to her way of thinking before, this time, she knew she could not.
