Marchmere’s chest inflated like a rooster about to crow and he readily agreed to meet next morning at Dalton House.Jonathan thanked him and went off to find members with whom he preferred to spent time.
Chapter Twenty-four
JONATHAN GREETED WILLIAMBrody when he arrived at Dalton House early the next morning.He explained that William would be under the instruction of Stevens, but his role would be to support Jonathan’s political duties, separate from the running of Jonathan’s estate and his social calendar.
Within minutes, William sat at a writing desk in an alcove set at the far end of the large library.He was to read over Jonathan’s attempt at a speech while Jonathan completed his morning tasks with Stevens, his elderly man of business.
The ebony bracket clock on the mantelpiece struck the hour.Jones, the butler, showed Lord Marchmere into the library.William looked up but remained reading at the other end of the room.Jonathan greeted his visitor warmly before dismissing Stevens for the morning.
Hale and hearty as always, Marchmere greeted Jonathan and took the proffered seat near the fireplace.They discussed forthcoming debates in the House and the Tory stance.In his booming voice, Marchmere outlined a few topics Dalton could talk on that would “be for the good of the nation” and “do Dalton’s credit no harm.”
After half an hour of such discussion, Jonathan blandly enquired where Marchmere had got the idea that his forthcoming marriage to Miss Brody was a ruse to silence her politically.
He blustered.“Why, from you, my man, from you.”
Jonathan’s voice was even and firm.“If I allowed you to have that impression, then I am very sorry to hear it.At no time have I set out to gag or discredit the views held by Miss Brody.While I may not agree with all that she lectures and writes about, I have no intention of ever stifling her views...for your or anybody else’s purpose.”
“What was your aim then?”Marchmere didn’t wait for an answer.“Travener was onto you.Told me about your monopoly of Miss Brody at Mrs.Courtice’s ball.You must have been compromised to have offered marriage.I spread that about when I heard about her school.That woman shouldn’t be educating anyone’s children.”He appeared triumphant about his deceit.
Anger roiled in his gut.“My intentions toward Miss Brody have always been honorable.”
“More fool you!”
White hot with anger, Jonathan couldn’t hide his contempt of Marchmere any longer.“Just so we know where we stand from now on, I am not your man.I hope I make myself clear.”
There was no sound from the far end of the library, and Jonathan hoped William continued to stay silent so his presence was unknown to their visitor.
Marchmere’s face was turning scarlet with fury, and his voice became louder.“Then you’re a fool, Dalton—and you deserve the mayhem the ideas of that bluestocking you have affianced yourself to will rain down upon you.”
“I’ll take that risk” was Jonathan’s surly reply.
Marchmere looked at him with disgust.Without another word, he left the library with a resounding bang of the heavy door, and Jonathan could hear his butler’s quiet voice as he politely but firmly showed him out of Dalton House.
“William, might I speak with you?”
William walked the length of the room to stand before him, looking curious after the interview he had overheard.
