Marcus sighed. “I will not bore you with specifics of this particular venture, but only because even I do not have all of them. While most of my money comes from the land I own, Ido make a habit of investing. Mostly, it is all rather banal, safe investments designed to yield interest over a prolonged period. However, such investments rarely turn a large profit.”
“And this one?” She indicated the letter.
“Pertains to a fund that I am a part of. The managers of said fund are searching for further investors and have extended this invitation to several other lords whom they hope might be interested in giving them money.”
“What sort of fund?”
He shrugged. “As I said, I will not bore you. All you need to know is that there will be several dozen fellow peers in attendance, many of whom are expected to bring their wives with them…” He raised an eyebrow at her.
“Ah, I see,” she nodded in understanding.
“I told you yesterday that you and I will be expected to attend certain functions together. My hope is that in time, it will not be necessary, once our marriage is secure and no longer worth talking about.”
“But that time is not now.”
“Not even close,” he sighed. “In many ways, this here will be a test. It will be our first time in public together, and we are expected to act as we have presented ourselves.” He made sureto be looking right at her. “As a couple in the throes of early romance, desperately in love, and as happy as you like.”
“Sounds tragic,” she said with a slight smile.
“A true nightmare,” he added.
“There is just one problem as I see it.” She handed him back the letter and then folded her hands on her lap. “You assume that I will be going with you.”
Marcus blinked. “Excuse me?”
“What if I do not wish it? What if I am busy? What if I have other plans that I cannot possibly cancel?”
“I…” Marcus hesitated, not certain what to say, while careful not to rise toward anger. “I thought… as I explained already, if this marriage is to work… there are certain expectations that we must be a party to.”
“Is that so?” she said plainly.
“This will not be a commonality,” he said, his tone hardening. “In fact, by the time the Season ends, it will be easy for us to come up with excuses for why we are not together. Until then, as I made clear to you, I would greatly appreciate it – what?” He stopped short when he saw the smirk on her lips. “Why are you smiling?”
“I am joking, of course.” Her smile grew. “I heard what you said yesterday, and I agree with you. If this marriage is to have any chance of working, such events as these will be sadly necessary. At least for a time.”
He blinked. “A joke? So, you are…”
“Of course I will attend,” she said. “Just tell me what I need to do, and I will endeavor to do it.”
Marcus frowned. The anger he felt wilted and died, and while he was not quite ready to laugh, he felt as if he should do.
She is toying with me. A relief, even if it is a side of her I have not yet seen. One that I am not certain whether I should enjoy or not…
“Very good.” He narrowed his eyes and she fluttered her own. “As I said, we will need to come across as hopelessly in love. Or, barring that, companionable. People will be watching us, and it is imperative that by the time the day is done, there is nothing of interest to speak about.”
“So, I need to behave,” she said. “Smile. Laugh at your jokes. And if anyone asks, tell them how wonderful married life is so far.”
“Do you think you can manage that?”
“I suppose we’re going to find out.”
“It will not be forever,” he said, feeling a need to confirm it. “And I will do my best not to come on too strong.”
She scoffed. “Do not fear, I doubt that you are so charming that I will forget myself. I know it is all an act. And I appreciate that youaskedme, too… or at least made it appear as if I had a choice.”
“Just as I appreciate you agreeing…” He shook his head and sighed. “Even if you chose to toy with me first.”
While the conversation was not particularly difficult, it certainly wasn’t easy. Marcus had tried his best to keep his composure, again, that urge to treat this as a business meeting.
