Page 22 of Courting the Country Miss

Lord Petre made a sound of disgust. “Reformers. I thought so. Although, I’m as surprised as I am disappointed to find a reformer in a Tory. Are you trying to start a revolution here, too? Complete with Madam Guillotine?”

“No, of course not,” Richard said.

Petre addressed the Duke of Suttenberg, “What do you think, Suttenberg?”

All eyes turned to the Duke of Suttenberg, who’d been quiet throughout the exchange.

The young duke sipped his wine and set down his glass as if placing it in a precise location. “Education and reform are one of the many ways we can prevent a revolution—help them raise themselves up out of poverty so the privileged and the impoverished aren’t so far apart. In medieval times, landowners were duty-bound to protect serfs from invaders and ensure they had adequate crops and shelter. Today, our duty is to help raise them out of poverty. Allowing them at least a rudimentary education seems a reasonable method.”

Lord Petre’s face reddened and he started to rise out of his seat. “You can’t be in earnest. Why—”

“Let’s all agree to disagree, shall we?” Richard waved at a passing waiter. “Another round of brandy for these fine gentlemen, here.”

The duke and Richard exchanged glances, and by the time the brandy had arrived, the conversation turned to less volatile matters such as stories of card games, outrageous dares and wagers, fencing, riding and the hunt. Tristan had more in common with these men than he’d assumed. Except for the overly pompous Lord Petre, they were a likable set of chaps—for a bunch of stuffed shirts, that is.

Later, as the others dispersed, Tristan remembered his reason for coming. Over two hours had passed since his arrival, and he’d actually enjoyed his time in the club. As he sipped his drink, he scanned the main room, noting those of the proper age and rank for Leticia.

Richard leaned in, a teasing smile playing around his mouth. “Why are you here? Really? Surely not to help me debate the Luddite issues?”

Tristan shifted. “Can’t I enjoy food and drink with my brother and his peers?”

“Now? After all these years?” Richard’s eyes conveyed disbelief.

Tristan sighed. He’d rather go for a swim in the Thames than confess to his brother, but dash it, he needed Richard’s help; he had the right kind of connections. Tristan offered a wry smile. “It appears I’ve taken on the job of matchmaker.”

Richard gaped.

“For Leticia,” Tristan clarified. “I feel after my involvement in the house party last year that I, er…well, I owe her a husband.” He cleared his voice and resisted the urge to loosen his cravat.

“I…see…” Richard said.

“Since none of my friends are good enough for her, I’m searching for someone high in the instep and disgustingly respectable—like you—so she won’t have to live out her life as a spinster. She seems to have made up her mind that such is her future.”

A small crease formed between Richard’s eyes and he stared down at his drink, his shoulders slumping ever so slightly, but enough to reveal his dismay at the future of the girl he’d once planned to marry. In a low voice, Richard asked, “What would you ask of me?”

“Not much—a few introductions so I can assess their suitability, then perhaps present one or two of them to her. She seems to think this is a game. She doesn’t know how determined I am to clear my conscience.”

Richard looked up then. “Your conscience will be clear once she’s wedded?”

Tristan kept his tone light. “Of course. You and Elizabeth are sickeningly happy, and Leticia deserves that, too.”

“Yes, she does.” Richard didn’t smile but rather took on an intent expression.

“I, on the other hand, consider wedded bliss akin to a fate worse than torture, but each to his, or her, own.” Tristan smirked.

A grin tugged at the corner of Richard’s mouth. “Trust me, nothing about wedded bliss is torturous.”

“As I said, to each his own.”

“Very well, come to our dinner party Tuesday next. Perhaps you can find someone there who satisfies your requirements.”

“Thank you. I shall, if you don’t think that will upset the numbers.”

Richard grinned. “I don’t believe finding one more lady to even things up will be a problem. Getting enough men to attend is always Elizabeth’s biggest concern.”

“Very well, Tuesday then.” Tristan stood and turned.

“Tristan.”