David chuckled. “Sapphire with some diamonds set in gold filigree. Alexander Tennison made it,” he stated proudly.
Adeline gave a start. “I can hardly wait to see it,” she said. She turned her attention to Ertugrul. “Alex is the heir to the Everly earldom, but he likes to make jewelry, so his father bought him a shop where he and his wife, who is some sort of expert in gemstones, can practice their avocations.”
Ertugrul nodded his understanding. “What will you be doing today?” he asked.
“Adeline will be joining me at the charity,” Elizabeth said. “We have some new clients who need employment,” she added. “Oh, and I have a final fitting for my gown for tomorrow night’s ball at a modiste in Oxford Street, but we’ll be home well before dinner and the time we need to leave for the theatre.”
Adeline gave Ertugrul an apologetic glance, well aware he was looking forward to touring another museum. “We can drop you somewhere if you’d like,” she offered. “Since father will need the phaeton for Parliament.”
“We can take a Hansom cab,” David said. “I’ll go with you. Haven’t played tourist since we were in Sicily last year.”
Ertugrul shook his head. “I believe I should like to work on the designs for the palaces we spoke of last night,” he said.
“Suit yourself,” David said. “I’ll go to the townhouse then. Get started on my own designs.”
When George left the breakfast parlor and headed for his study, Ertugrul followed.
“Might I have a word with you, sir?” he asked, his nervousness returning.
George waved him to a chair in front of his desk. “If it’s about last night, I... I don’t hold you responsible for my daughter’s impropriety.” When he took note of Ertugrul’s expression of guilt, he arched a brow. “Maybe I should—?”
“You should, sir,” Ertugrul stated. “That is, I didn’t discourage her from sleeping on me when I could have done so. In fact, I am looking forward to her doing it again. Every night, should she wish.”
Straightening in his chair, George was sure the sehzade had chosen the wrong words. “I think you… you might have mis-spoke.”
Ertugrul furrowed his brows as he replayed his comment in his mind. “I wish to marry your daughter, sir. If I understand correctly, I must seek your permission first and then offer what I must to complete the deal.”
George blinked. “I understood the first part,” he said, a combination of elation and dread making it hard for him to breathe. “But it is I who must offer you a dowry to wed my daughter. Seven-thousand pounds... to ensure she has a decent settlement for her and the children upon your death.”
Frowning, Ertugrul considered the viscount’s words and shook his head. “I do not require money to wed your daughter, sir, since she will have much in the way of wealth upon my death, but I do think your viscountess will require recompense for losing her assistance at the charity.”
Inhaling to respond, George let out the breath in a combination of surprise and frustration. “I suppose if you’re inclined to provide a donation to the charity, Elizabeth would accept that as recompense,” he said. “Adeline works there as a volunteer. She is not paid.”
Ertugrul seemed to think on this a moment before he held up a finger. “Very well. A donation then,” he agreed. “Does that mean I have your permission to wed Miss Bennett-Jones?”
George swallowed. “You’re going to take her to Constantinople, aren’t you?” he asked in a quiet voice, tears brightening his eyes as the reality of Ertugrul’s words sunk in.
“I will. I plan to build her a palace where she can run her own charity, should she wish.” Ertugrul noted the viscount’s demeanor, and he slumped in his chair. “Did I say something wrong?”
George shook his head. “No. Not at all. I’ll miss her, though. More than I miss her older sister,” he admitted as he sniffled. “You have my permission to propose, but... it will be up to her to decide,” he warned gently. “I cannot force her to marry you.”
“I understand, sir. I intend to make her an offer she cannot refuse.”
Displaying a watery grin, George said, “It will have to be a very good offer, indeed.” He glanced at the clock. “I apologize, but I must depart now, or I’ll be late for Parliament.”
Ertugrul stood and bowed. “Thank you, sir.”
George nodded as he rushed out of the study, barely acknowledging Elkins as he accepted his hat and greatcoat and headed out the door.
When the Bennett-Joneses had all departed Bostwick House, Ertugrul found Elkins and asked where he might find transportation. The butler explained how Hansom cabs operated and where he could locate one nearby.
Drawing architectural plans required large sheets of parchment, rulers, and pencils. A betrothal apparently required a ring. Armed with his list, Ertugrul took his leave and hurried off to find a cab.
