Christian took another sip of tea. “You know Lady Alexandra?”
“Yes. She would be a good catch for you, though I hear her parents are set on Lavinia marrying first. And of course, without a title, you’d be hard-pressed to gain the favor of her father, the duke.”
Christian grinned. “No matter. I have it on good authority that Lady Alexandra already has her sights set on Lord Owen Monroe.”
One of Sarah’s fine eyebrows arched. “Lord Owen?Really?That is an unlikely pair, but I suppose he’s somewhat eligible.”
Christian grinned again. “More eligible than I am?”
“Well, he’s set to inherit an earldom one day. However, given his scandalous reputation, I daresay you’d still be a fine catch compared to him, even without a title.”
“Ah, yes. A title is important, isn’t it?”
“Quite. But don’t worry. You said you’re gentry, correct? We’ll find someone perfect for you.”
He hid his smile. “There’s a viscount in my lineage.”
“A viscount? Why didn’t you tell me? What was he? An uncle? Twice removed?”
“Something like that.” Christian lifted his cup as if to dismiss the question.
“What’s the title?”
“Berkeley.” He studied her face for any sign of recognition. There was none. “Have you heard it before?”
“No.” She bit her lip. “I haven’t.”
“Not at all?”
“I’m certain I read the name at school when I studiedDebrett’s. Unfortunately, my memory for such things is rubbish.”
“That’s my entire problem. It seems no young ladies remember me. Obviously, aside from my stutter, I have left absolutely no impression at all. I am the man to whom all the ladies lament about the men theydoremember.”
A touch of a smile graced Sarah’s lips. “It can’t be all that bad. As I said, I’ve yet to hear you stutter even once.”
“I assure you it’s quite real and it’s quite humiliating, but that’s precisely why I need you. I need you to tell me what I must do to become memorable. I’m not greedy. I don’t require a flock of ladies vying for my attention. I am only in need of one. One kind, thoughtful, happy one who won’t mind spending quiet days and nights in the country. One who is in want of a faithful, healthy, equally kind husband.”
Sarah leaned back and rested her head against the sofa. “It sounds quite lovely,” she said wistfully. “So much more lovely than anything Lord Branford has ever said.”
“Branford that awful, eh?”
“Yes.” She sighed. “The sacrifices one must make for family and lineage and all of that. As I said, you’re fortunate to not have to deal with such nonsense.”
He glanced at her, his throat tight. “Yes, of course. You and I,wecould not possibly be—”
“No. No! I mean… that is to say… my father would never consider a man without a title. Without an estate. A healthy income. All utter nonsense, I assure you.”
“Ah, yes. A pity.” He took another sip of tea.That’swhy he hadn’t told her he was a viscount. And his income was quite healthy. It didn’t matter. She could give him all sorts of advice and the belle of the Season still wouldn’t be interested in him. No. This wasn’t about Sarah. It was about his future wife.
“Don’t worry,” she hastened to add. “By the time I’m through with you, youwillhave a flock of ladies vying for your attention.”
Christian rubbed his beard. “It’s better than the alternative, I suppose. So, tell me, what do you think it will take to make me memorable?”
“Well, it’s certainly not a problem with your looks,” she blurted out, then blushed and pressed her lips together tightly. “I mean, you seem quite easy to look at.”
“I’m pleased to hear that, at least,” he replied with a chuckle.
“And your physique is also pleasing.”
