Page 67 of Lords, Ladies and Love

“Well—”

She jabbed a finger at the book. “Concentrate.”

“Fine,” he muttered, but she heard his amused tone.

It was hard to fathom why the man did not want to find an answer to this. When he had first come to this library, he’d been desperate indeed. Had he found someone he wanted to marry? No, surely not. He would have told her.

Her heart gave a painful jab at the idea. Which was foolish indeed. She would rather he remained a bachelor all his life thanher having to witness him marrying someone. But how likely was that to happen? One day he would settle down. It was simply the way of things. And she would be alone…or most likely with her mother’s fifty dogs by then.

She drew in a breath and pressed a hand to the back of her neck. For now, her only solution was to prevent any need for an engagement. That would at least save her some heartbreak for now and perhaps buy them some more time together until he decided to move on from her.

Because that was how it worked, was it not? She stole a peek at his handsome profile and the way the golden lamplight made his hair look almost angelic. Men like Seth Templeton were the ones who moved on—not women like her. They usually pined, and how illogical that was.

Straightening, she set her gaze on the pages in front of her. A piece of the text grabbed her attention and she leaned closer to read it properly, mouthing the words. Something ignited in her brain. It was not the solution but a spark of hope began to work through her body. This could be exactly what Seth needed, but she needed to delve deeper first.

She looked his way but he hadn’t noticed her excitement so she schooled her expression back into one of boredom. It would not do to get his hopes up too soon, but if this was what she thought it was, she might very well be able to get him out of his obligation to marry.

Chapter Thirteen

Seth glanced at his timepiece when the doorbell rang and shoved it back into his waistcoat pocket. That was odd. Pru was never early. Or late. She was always precisely on time and they had not arranged to meet for another half an hour.

He grinned to himself. Maybe the woman couldn’t stay away. He sure as hell had hardly slept thinking of all the wicked things he would do to her when she arrived.

He strolled out of the drawing room and stilled. “Marianne?”

Lady Marianne De Courcy handed over her coat and hat to the butler and smiled demurely at him. Dressed in vibrant colors and the latest fashions, she was a picture of beauty. Despite being nearly a decade older than himself, she showed little sign of ageing. She certainly lived up to her reputation of being a beauty.

However, as lovely as she was, he could not help but be disappointed. He’d rather hoped she was Pru.

“Good morning, Seth. I hope you do not mind my turning up unannounced.”

“Not at all,” he lied smoothly. He didn’t take Pru for being the jealous type. It was far too illogical an emotion for her, but he didn’t much fancy her running into his ex-lover either.

“May we speak in private?”

“This way.” Seth indicated to the drawing room and followed her in.

Seating herself on the edge of the chaise longue, she twined her fingers together. He frowned. Marianne had to be one of the most confident women he knew. What was making her so nervous? He dropped down onto the chair opposite.

“What’s wrong, Marianne?” He leaned forward and grasped one of her hands before she could tug it away.

She bit down on her lips and drew in an audible breath. Then she lifted her gaze to his. “Seth, I am…” She sighed. “I am in the family way.”

An icy chill ran down his spine before sense kicked in. “It’s not mine,” he blurted out.

She gave a light, dry laugh. “No, of course not.”

“No. Forgive me.” He shook his head to himself at his insensitivity. They had always been careful and it had been some time indeed since they’d last been lovers. “Whose is it? Do I need to call someone out?”

“No, no.” She waved a hand. “I am happy in a way. I never thought I was even capable of having children. But the father…well, he will not want anything to do with it.”

“Do you know that for certain?”

She nodded and straightened, drawing her hand from his. “I do.” She gave a strained smile. “Obviously I do not want my child growing up without a father. So I have a proposition.”

“Oh?”

“Obviously you are in need of a wife.” She fixed him with a look. “I’m assuming you have yet to find a solution to your problem?”

---