David turned to Marian. “I know it’s extremely impolite to ask a young lady her age, but might you share how old you are now, my sweet?”
“Oh, I don’t mind at all,” she said in a quiet voice. “I’ll be three-and-twenty in a month.”
Doing his best not to show his surprise—he had thought Marian might be far younger—David nodded.Two years, he thought as he struggled to keep an impassive expression on his face. They would have to live in the city for two years before he could take her to Engleston Park to live, at least when Parliament wasn’t in session. He could abide it far better if he wasn’t so damned shy. Living in the city meant he would be expected to attend certain entertainments. Spend a few nights a week at this club. Dance at balls.
“So... we’ll simply live here in the capital until you’re old enough,” he stated. “I own a townhouse in Westminster.” He winced when he remembered his mother still lived there. “Although it’s nothing special.”
“I’m sure it’s fine,” Marian replied, a prim grin replacing her look of worry. “Perhaps you could show it to me sometime during the next day or so. Mayhap give me a tour?”
“Of course. I was going to pay a call there anyway. We could go after my trip to the archbishop’s office,” he offered. “My... my mother still resides in the townhouse,” he said as he winced.
“Oh?” Marian replied. “So she wasn’t relegated to the country estate?” she asked, mimicking her uncle’s words as she glared at Richard.
“She likes living in the city,” David explained. “Her friends are here, and there’s a coach and horses for her use.”
Marian dipped her head. “I suppose she likes running her own household,” she commented quietly.
David’s eyes widened. “I’m quite sure she’d be happy to share the responsibility,” he hedged. He hadn’t even given a thought to how his mother would respond when told he was planning to marry. “That is, if you’re of a mind to want to take on a household. And Engleston Park when we’re in residence there.” He glanced at Richard and Marcus, uncomfortable by how the earl seemed to hang on his every word while the viscount merely glared at him.
“Oh, very much,” Marian assured him, her smile once again brightening her face.
Relieved, David turned his attention back to Richard. “Anything else before I acquire a marriage license?” he asked.
Richard regarded the three cards that were still face down in front of him. “Her father doesn’t want her marrying a gambler.”
Chuckling with relief, David let out the breath he’d been holding. “You know I am not,” he stated. “And if that includes playing cards for pennies, then I shan’t participate in the games you planned for today.”
“That’s not fair,” Marcus stated. “How am I supposed to win back my blunt if we’re not going to play for money?” he groused.
Ignoring the viscount, Richard reached an arm over the table, his hand held out. “Best wishes to you both,” he stated as David shook his hand.
Glancing over at Marian, David gave her a brilliant smile. “Gentlemen,” he said as he turned his attention back to the earl and viscount. “If you’ll excuse us, we’ll be off to buy a license.”
Marcus grumbled while Richard stood from his chair. “Don’t be gone too long,” he said. “The dinners here are especially good.”
David exchanged a quick glance with Marian. “We should be back in time to change for dinner,” he replied, offering her his arm.
The two took their leave of the card room. “I need to go up to my room for my redingote and a bonnet,” Marian murmured.
“May I come with you?” David asked, glancing back toward the card parlor to see if they were being followed.
Marian’s eyes rounded before a grin touched her lips. “Of course,” she whispered.
