Page 13 of Wicked Is the Duke
Chapter Five
Henry found himself, the following morning, daydreaming about the evening he’d shared with Anna. He sat behind the massive oak desk unable to concentrate on the figures in front of him.
Having sent word to Robert Grover earlier asking to call on him later, Henry instead stared out at the rain hitting the window. He was astute enough to know Carlisle was probably doing the exact same thing. The old earl would do whatever was needed to ensure a marriage to Anna. The man didn’t take no for an answer. Robert Grover was no fool; he’d seen right through Carlisle.
Still, the thought haunted Henry. His options were laid out. All depended on what, if anything, Carlisle did. He'd promised Robert a short courtship with the promise of asking for her hand in marriage. Perhaps the time to have such a discussion with her brother was now rather than later.
A bold step, but he was determined to not have the woman who held his heart, his future duchess, distressed by the earl and his unwanted advances.
A knock at the door caused him to pause. The butler came through the opening carrying a silver tray. "This just arrived for you, Your Grace."
Henry fingered the paper as he slid it off the tray. "Thank you. I'll let you know if I have a reply."
He waited until the butler had closed the door behind him before opening the missive. He looked at the writing, rereading it twice. Robert was amenable to a meeting but wanted to meet at Henry's townhouse. He specified the time he would be arriving.
Henry sat back in his chair. Grover obviously didn't want to chance the earl might show up unexpectedly. That made perfect sense, given the reaction the older man had shown upon finding Anna in his box. Alone with him. With a chaperone, of course, but the earl would see it differently.
He glanced at the clock and noted Grover would be arriving in less than an hour. Rising from his chair, he made his way over to the small sideboard where he kept a variety of liquor. He picked up the crystal decanter of whiskey and poured a splash. He threw it back and began to pace the room. What he did today would be the start of a chain of events. Courting Anna took both of them off the marriage mart, which was exactly what he wanted, but how would this curtail his carnal activities?
He needed to marry, needed a duchess. Anna would fill both quite well. He was certain, given time and his skill, he could turn her into a warm-blooded tigress in their marriage bed.
Henry already had plans ready to put into motion. He would contact his sister, Jane, and have her invite Anna and her brother to visit their country estate. It would be proper, especially since they lived on the neighboring estate. He'd clear it with her brother, of course, to make sure Robert had no qualms about him calling on Anna and taking her for rides across both estates.
A second knock on the study door caused him to turn as Robert Grover strode through the door.
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me here," Robert said.
"I understand your reasoning," Henry replied. "Whiskey?"
"Yes, please," Robert drawled as he neared the fire to warm himself.
Henry poured two glasses and returned to where Robert was standing. "I'm sure you know why I wanted to meet with you. Normally, under any other circumstances, I wouldn't be so demanding."
"Go on."
"You wish to court my sister, as does the Earl of Carlisle. I thought the matter settled." Robert chuckled as he lifted the glass to his lips. "He's already requested to see me. Quite urgently I might add."
"I'm sure. He's a man used to getting what he wants."
"Be that as it may, he won't be courting my sister. No matter what he offers. He's broke from what I've been able to find out. He's been selling off his lesser estates, keeping only the ones that are entailed," Robert replied. "I had my man look into him when he offered some property in exchange for my blessing his marriage offer," Robert drawled. He took another sip as he looked at Henry. "I, of course, declined, told him my sister wasn't something to be bought and sold."
"I'm sure he didn't like that since that's what he thinks women are for."
"He's desperate," Robert replied. "As we have agreed, you have my permission and blessing to court my sister. Just don't make it a long courtship, Blackmont. I fear Carlisle isn't going to stay away for long. If you haven't offered for her soon, he'll be back."
Henry finished his whiskey. He and Robert were thinking alike, and neither of them cared for the Earl of Carlisle.
"Would you have any objections to Anna visiting my sister, the Countess of Norwood? I'm aware they're friends, and Jane would make a proper chaperone."
"I have no objections. Your estate is nearby as I recall."
