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Across from him, the duke smiled benignly, leaning forward to explain in a low voice. “Ridley informed us of the young prat’s intentions toward Miss Davis … and the implied delights of London. We concluded that he will no longer be included on future guest lists.”
Barclay sat back in his chair to stare at the cornices. He had never realized it was a nervous trait he had until he arrived at Saunton Park and found himself doing it constantly. “That is …. good news. But no, it is not the topic I had in mind.”
He swallowed hard. This was deuced awkward, especially after he had been here while the two men had discussed the inquiry from the older lord in London. Lord Lawson, was it? Barclay felt like a green youth as he tried to find the words to declare himself. Not to mention, he had not expected an audience when he did this.
“I think Barclay wishes to discuss a different aspect.” He looked over at the countess, who was smiling at him across the room. She kept her stormy blue gaze on Barclay as she addressed her husband, her red-blonde hair lit from behind to form a fiery crown. “I believe Barclay would like to announce his intentions regarding our Jane.”
He frowned. How could Sophia know that?
The countess shrugged at the unspoken question. “It did not escape my attention that Jane has seemed quite taken with someone since we reached Saunton Park. I asked my lady’s maid, Miss Toussaint, to find out from the servants who had captured her attentions to ensure I approved of the match.” She tilted her head. “I do.”
Barclay froze. From the corner of his eye, he noted that Richard’s jaw had dropped. Flitting his eyes over to his cousin, he saw the Viking duke was suppressing a smile, pressing his lips together firmly.
“What?”
Sophia rolled her eyes at her husband. “I was just happy she was not besotted with that Adam Dunsford. He is charming, but he struck me as rather shallow from the outset. I needed to be sure she was becoming attached to someone worthwhile.”
Richard turned to Barclay. “You and our Jane?”
Barclay grimaced while the countess turned her gaze back to the window, settling back into her seat. “I … know … you … were hoping she would make a match with a younger man, but … we are quite taken with each other, and I wish to offer for her.”
Richard shook his head, causing Barclay’s stomach to roil in anxiety. His brother was going to refuse his approval? Agitated, he fidgeted with the sleeves of his coat. Then he would visit the Davises to offer for her directly.
“Why do you say I hoped for a younger man? You are hardly ancient.”
Barclay released his breath. He had misread the earl’s reaction.
“I believe Barclay is thinking of the discussion we had about Lord Lawson a few days ago.” The duke spoke in his baritone, adding solemnity to the moment.
“That? How is that relevant?” Richard appeared genuinely perplexed.
“We discussed Lawson’s age and the fact that he had grown daughters.” The duke gestured to Barclay. “I think your brother drew conclusions about their similarities.”
“They are hardly in the same category. Tatiana is only nine years old, and Barclay is … He is Barclay. He is hardly … old. He is the same age as you, Halmesbury.”
Exhaling in relief, Barclay decided he needed to be more his customary assertive self. This had been an unprecedented week at Saunton Park, but now it was time to revert to his usual state of decisiveness, which had made him the success he was. “Then you find it acceptable if I offer for her? We have discussed it, and we wish to wed.”
Richard stood up to extend his hand to Barclay, which he clasped. With that, his brother hauled him to his feet to embrace him hard. “I would be delighted for Jane to make such a magnificent match. Congratulations, brother!”
While the countess rose to her feet to join them, the duke also stood, leaning over to shake him by the hand. “Congratulations, Barclay. We shall help make arrangements right away.”
Sophia came over to clasp him by the upper arms. Reaching up on tiptoe, she pressed a kiss to each of his cheeks. “I am so happy for our Jane. You are a good man, Barclay.”
It was at that moment that Barclay realized what he had not yet accepted. His family had grown these past few weeks. It was not the four Thompsons versus the world any longer. He had gained brothers and cousins and in-laws. Adversity would present itself in the future, but he and Jane would have many warm relations to stand by their side as they began their new life together. If Natalya had lived to this day, she would have been overjoyed on his and Tatiana’s behalf.
Now all that remained was to meet Jane’s parents and ask her father for permission to wed. Barclay swallowed hard, tension forming in his gut at the realization that he still had one more obstacle to overcome.
How were her parents going to feel about Jane marrying a by-blow? Who worked for a living?
Bloody hell, he hoped Mr. Davis was not too close to him in age.
Chapter Nineteen
"There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart."
Jane Austen
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