“I am happy to help, my lord. The search for love is a worthwhile endeavor.”
Lord Howell looked across at his friend, the earl. “I had not expected love to play a role at all. A degree of compatibility would be sufficient. Someone I did not detest before the year was out.”
“Forgive me, sir,” Tobias objected, “but that is a poor outcome indeed. If the intention is to have an heir…well…surely, it is not enough simply to tolerate your bride? If you’ll pardon my bluntness for saying so.”
The viscount tipped his head in Tobias’s direction but addressed the earl. “Passionate fellow, isn’t he? Probably wouldn’t do to tell him that my entire ancestral line was made in this fashion.”
Tobias was far from discouraged. Despite his lordship’s wry humor on the subject, everything was proceeding swimmingly. One or two more details, and the deal was done. They might even find the viscount the perfect wife in the process. He was almost giddy with the thrill of it.
“I feel optimistic that your hopes will fare better than your expectations,” he told Lord Howell. “We shall certainly give it our best effort. Needless to say, my uncle and I will attend to offer you courage and support.”
He had slipped it in quickly, hoping to sound casual, counting on Lord Howell to accept their loyal presence before his uncle could protest.
There was a brief, pointed look from Lord Carthige. “I would thank my nephew to let me speak for myself.”
Tobias froze. His head filled with a roar of blood.
“However, he is right.”
The pounding in his ears subsided.
“There is no question. We will accompany you, of course. Especially if the occasion is to be stimulating to the mind.” He glanced at Tobias. “What, exactly, were your thoughts on this?”
Tobias steeled himself. His uncle was going to have definite opinions about this.
“I had in mind a poetry reading by Miss Sophia Grant.”
Lord Carthige clenched with obvious disapproval. “Really, Tobias, I hardly think his lordship…”
“No, hear me out, Uncle. I…”
“We are all aware of your enthusiasm for Miss Grant and her artistic skills, but to use my friend’s predicament to further her career…”
“That was not my intention at all!”
At Tobias’s raised voice, Lord Carthige grew stern. “I am not accustomed to being shouted at in my own home. And in front of a guest, no less. You forget yourself, Nephew.”
Tobias fought to control himself. He should apologize. Pace himself. Speak calmly. It was just so infernally frustrating! He loathed the meandering route of polite speech. He wanted to say what needed to be said, work out the practicalities. Not bob and weave through social niceties.
Lord Carthige was still waiting.
Tobias took a bolstering breath.
“I am sorry, sir. I only wanted to assure you that I would never abuse your kindness or hospitality for the sake of Miss Grant.”
As he said these words, an immediate heaviness of conscience descended upon him. He half-expected a cockerel to crow at his betrayal.
“I accept you at your word,” his uncle replied.
Instead of bringing peace to Tobias, the conciliatory speech was bitter to his ears. He did not deserve it. He burned with shame. But there was to be no reprieve. For he must forge ahead with his plan. He was almost there. And, if it worked, Miss Sangford and the division she wrought would be a thing of the past.
“Actually, Carthige,” said Lord Howell, chiming in, “a poetry reading is just the ticket. And if Miss Grant is willing, that is an added blessing. Her caliber of writing will only attract the most discerning audience. I don’t know about you, but I hardly havethe time to be corresponding with poets and such to see who might be available. This is awfully convenient.”
“Yes,” Tobias added with happy relief, “we could have the letters sent out tomorrow. Shall we set the date for two weeks hence?” He crossed his fingers inside his coat.
“Two weeks!” His uncle spluttered. “We don’t even know if Mr. Grant will allow visitors in his home!”
“Miss Grant has the matter in hand.” Tobias spoke boldly, but the truth was that he hadn’t the foggiest idea how she would manage it. All he knew was that they had a finite amount of time and everything had to fall into placejust so.
