“I only wish…” Marcus shook his head and shoved a bite of meat into his mouth.
“What?” Regina queried.
Washing his food down with some wine, Marcus regarded his sister. “Losing the damn title never mattered to me as much as it does now. Hell, I was still admitted into medical school, gained respect from other surgeons, and managed to make a career I’m proud of. Now for the first time since Papa’s arrest, not being the heir to a damned earldom is threatening to ruin my life. So I wish we didn’t live in a world where rank and appearance and birthright made such a difference. It’s idiocy, and yet it is standing in the way of my having the right to court Lady Louise as she deserves. Without censure or ridicule, or her father ready to issue threats at every turn.”
“According to what you’ve told us, there’s no need to worry about him,” Guthrie said. “As I understand it, your lady and I are of similar minds when it comes to turning things in our favor. I rather admire her for that.”
“She did it out of desperation. As a last resort.” Marcus sighed. He was so bloody worried this whole thing would spiral out of control and leave them worse off than they’d been before. Nigel was a decent fellow at heart, but he’d never been especially smart. In fact, Marcus had always beaten him at chess. And at cards.
Christ.
They never should have struck a deal with him.
“You’re looking slightly green about the gills,” Regina said, her voice filled with concern.
Marcus glanced at her. “I’m beginning to think it might have been best if we’d gone off to Gretna Green, tied the knot in secret, and been done with it.”
“That’s the coward’s way,” Guthrie said. “And besides, it would have caused a permanent breach between Lady Louise and Grasmere because of the unavoidable scandal. What you’re doing, while risky, may ensure her reputation remains intact. Until she marries you, that is. At which point she will have forfeited it forever.”
“Guthrie,” Regina snapped. “That’s a terrible thing to say.”
“He’s not wrong,” Marcus told her. “But Lady Louise is prepared for that. While I did try to convince her otherwise, she is determined to choose me no matter what she stands to lose.”
“I like her more and more,” Regina said, her voice softer than it had been moments earlier.
“Well, if there is anything I can do to assist either of you in any way, you must let me know,” Guthrie said. He set his knife and fork aside and picked up his glass. “To overcoming all odds in the name of love.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Regina said, her eyes warming as she gazed back at her husband from across the table.
“Hear, hear,” Marcus intoned. He downed the remainder of his wine and savored the fruity flavor. Hopefully, by this time tomorrow a notice announcing Nigel’s intention to wed Lady Deidre instead would go to press in preparation for the following day’s paper.
After that, they’d just have to wait and see how the situation unfolded.
The morning paper shook between Louise’s hands as she read the headline.
Mr. Fairbanks chooses love instead of convenience.
She stared at the bold lettered text. It was done. Mr. Fairbanks was now engaged to Lady Deidre instead. She took a deep breath and met her father’s thunderous gaze. “It’s for the best.”
“Did you have something to do with this, Louise?” Papa seethed while Mama sipped her tea.
“Of course not,” Louise said. “I cannot dictate how someone else feels. But if Mr. Fairbanks truly loves Lady Deidre, he obviously ought to marry her instead of me.”
“How many times must I tell you, a marriage is an alliance. Anyone who enters into such a union without thinking strategically is a fool.”
“Love is all well and good,” Mama said, “but it can sour if life becomes too much a struggle. Making sure you consider your spouse’s reputation, connections, and financial situation can ensure a more comfortable future.”
“It’s not as if Lady Deidre has no dowry,” Louise said. “It may not be as big as mine, but I’m sure it will keep her and Mr. Fairbanks out of poverty.”
“Provided he doesn’t throw it all away,” Papa grumbled. He shook his head. “That boy cannot resist the temptation offered by the gaming tables.”
Louise was not aware of this. All she knew was that he wasn’t very capable when it came to saving money, though she supposed gambling it all away qualified.
She looked at her father. “And yet you were fine with me marrying him?”
“My lawyers were in the process of crafting the contract in such a way that his spending would have been hindered.”
“Perhaps Lady Deidre’s father will do the same,” Mama suggested.
