A FATHER’S ADVICE IS INCONCEIVABLE
Meanwhile, back in Hyde Park near Hyde Park Corner
His attention on his mind’s eye and his disappointment at Lady Dahlia’s apparent refusal of his marriage proposal, Anthony pulled back on the reins of his Irish walker, startled by the sudden appearance of a rather tall man standing under the Triumphal Arch, directly in his path.
The gentleman wasn’t on horseback, but Anthony hadn’t seen him approach from any of the nearby roads.
How had he missed seeing the man before he was right in front of him?
“Pardon, sir,” Anthony apologized. His eyes suddenly rounded when he recognized the gentleman. “Lord Norwick?”
“I am,” the ghost of David Fitzsimmons replied as he tipped his hat. “Am I to understand Lady Dahlia denied your proposal?”
Glancing back to where Dahlia and her groom had resumed riding, Anthony wondered how her father had already learned of his failed proposal. “She did, sir,” Anthony acknowledged. “I, of course, intended to ask your permission to court her, but when I found her here today, I thought to broach the subject. Discover her thoughts on the matter.” He dismounted as a matter of courtesy, and the two shook hands.
“Take heart that she didn’t reject you as much as she did the marriage bed,” David replied.
“Sir?”
David rolled his eyes. “She managed to find some books in the Norwick House library on the subject of sexual congress,” he explained. “The French ones,” he added dramatically.
Anthony considered this bit of news and he suddenly understood. “The ones with color plates?” he guessed, his manner guarded.
David lifted a gloved finger. “The very ones. Now she’s decided she doesn’t want to have anything to do with, well,marriage,” he explained.
Furrowing a brow, Anthony gave his head a shake. “Hard to believe, given she’s always seemed so duty-oriented,” he said. “Which is why I thought of her first. To be my viscountess,” he added. “The eventual Countess of Aimsely.”
David regarded him with suspicion. “You seem rather young tohaveto take a wife. Your father is in fine form and will live for another two decades,” he remarked, as he if knew Lord Aimsley’s future. “Your brother, I can understand. He’s heels over head in love with Lady Danielle and is determined to snag her before some other young buck can convince her to wed, but you—”
“Require a wife if I’m to continue receiving an allowance,” Anthony stated, curious if his brother had already paid a call on Lord Norwick to ask permission to court Lady Danielle.
“Ah,” David replied, his head lifting in understanding. “Got caught cheating at university, did you?”
Anthony gave a start, wondering if the earl had spoken with his father that morning. “I attempted to take a test on Andrew’s behalf. He has difficulties when reading, sir.”
“But he remembers everything he’s ever heard,” David remarked. “A skill which will come in handy for the rest of his days.”
“No doubt,” Anthony replied, once again furrowing his brows. “Regarding your oldest twin, do you suppose there’s a chance she might change her mind? About marriage... the marriage bed, I mean?”
David shrugged. “Eventually. But in the meantime, might I suggest you amend your proposal of marriage?”
“Amend it, sir?” Anthony asked, suspicious.
“Indeed. Offer her a marriage of convenience. Demand a quick wedding. In exchange, she retains her virtue but enjoys the benefits of a married lady in theton.”
Anthony blinked. “Benefits, sir?” He winced, realizing he was sounding much like a parrot.
David nodded. “Her standing in theton. You’re a viscount, are you not?”
“I have the courtesy title of Viscount Breckenridge,” he acknowledged.
“So, she would be Viscountess Breckenridge. Eventually, she will be Countess of Aimsley, should you outlive your scoundrel of a father—”
“Scoundrel, sir?” Anthony interrupted, never having thought of his father in that light. He winced again, realizing he had once again repeated something the earl said.
David blinked. “At some point, you really must learn more about Adam Comber. What he was like before he married your mother,” he said on a sigh. “I suppose she hasn’t even told you how she met your father?”
It was Anthony’s turn to blink. “Well, she’s a duke’s daughter, so I assume at some ball orsoirée—”
