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“I think it’s best you tell us what you have to say,” Clara said with a warm look.

Vivian lifted her gaze and looked to him with curiosity. Her right brow rose in question.

“Vivian, upon your parents’ arrival, I will ask for your hand in marriage. Not because I am forced to, but because you are right. I have sabotaged every man who has tried to court you. I did it because I’ve always wished to court you myself. However, I wished to wait until all the mess with my father’s estate was over.”

“And that no one is trying to kill you,” Penelope, ever helpful, added.

“Since you’ve decided to speak now, may I remind you of what else you should do?” the duke prodded.

“Reginald, let him eat,” his aunt said, patting his hand. “He needs some sustenance.”

“Miss Vivian, I owe you an apology for my lack of control over my passions,” Alex said.

His aunt gasped, Clara and Vivian gawked, and Penelope laughed.

His uncle began to cough after choking on whatever he was drinking, which prodded William to hit him on the back rather hard.

“I will say,” Clara said. “We are certainly an entertaining family.”

Once breakfast was over, Alexander asked Vivian to speak in private. At this point, his uncle had given up waiting and gone for a walk, claiming to be in dire need of fresh air and nature. Clara and Penelope also disappeared, and William was promptly ensconced in his study.

His aunt was somewhere in the house, but Alexander couldn’t find her.

They walked into a small sitting room that had a view of the meadow and corrals where the horses were kept. Vivian went to the window and peered out. “Did you mean to apologize or to shock?”

“Apologize,” he insisted. “Although, arguably, my choice of words should have been different.”

She turned to look at him. Vivian was always beautiful but dressed in pale blue with her hair pulled into a simple style, she was breathtaking. Everything about her from her pouty lips to the slight lift of her nose called to him.

“Yes. Although memorable, I would not call it a proper apology.” There was a buttery hoarseness to her voice that seemed to reach out and caress his face. “I accept it, although I must admit that I too lost control of my senses.”

“How do you feel about us marrying?” His heart thudded at uttering the question, and he took a breath. “I know it’s not quite planned.”

Visibly swallowing, she seemed to search for what to say. “This may sound unbecoming, but I am pressed to find the words to say it any other way.” She hesitated. “As much as I’ve tried to fight my feelings, I am quite enamored of you, Alexander Yarnsby.”

Vivian continued, “That is to say…” Her lips twitched, but she managed a smile. “I am not averse to the idea of marriage.”

“I am glad to hear it.” He replied and took a step forward, only to stop when his aunt entered the room.

Theresa Torrington beamed. “I remained outside the doorway, even though your uncle insisted I enter. I am so pleased,” his aunt exclaimed, wiping a tear and rushing to him. “I love you so, Alex, and wish you to be happy.”

Vivian sniffed, and his aunt hurried to her. When he moved closer, Duchess Torrington held out an arm. “Go see William. I believe he has a plan for when you go to London next week.”

William looked up when he entered, then returned his attention to his ledgers. Alex sat at his own separate desk, listening to the scratching of William’s quill over the paper.

The writing on the documents before him went in and out of focus. He could not concentrate long enough to read an entire sentence. In truth, his mind was split between wishing to be alone with Vivian and going to London and ensuring his father’s money was not stolen.

“The ledger from your father’s office in London listed household expenditures and the bank account your father had here locally, correct?” William asked.

“Yes,” Alex replied. “I have since informed the local banker of what occurred.” He straightened. “I should go see if anyone has contacted him.”

William pushed away from his desk and stood. “Exactly what I was thinking, which is why I had two horses prepared for us.”

“The bank is not open today. It is New Year’s Eve.”

“I am sure Mr. Brown will not mind us stopping by his home for just a moment to inform him of the situation.”

Alex considered it. “If they spoke to him lately, it may be evidence against them.” They walked out. “I will go fetch my coat while you inform Clara and Aunt Theresa. I would like to make inquiries about the dead man while we are there.”