Page 7 of By No Means a Gentleman
“My father’s protection I understand, but yours?” She paused, then drew back in shock. “Wait, wagers? What wagers? Why have I not heard of this?”
Damn it.
Her father must not have told her yet.
Will preferred the anger over the hurt that crossed her features. He couldn’t stand it. But he was a selfish man. When he had got wind of a list of heiresses attached to the betting book of White’s—and discovered Lady Harriet’s name was on it—he had been livid, yet strangely calm.
The list noted the good and bad attributes of each heiress, and by that content alone, he suspected the man—whoever he was, as no one had claimed ownership—hadn’t meant for it to be circulated. Only, it fell into the hands of Cromby.
Another point against the man.
Will hoped whoever was responsible for that list was ashamed. As they bloody should be.
It didn’t matter whether the attributes they’d assigned each woman had been ridiculously silly, the women listed would still suffer from it.Didsuffer, as Leeds had presently negotiated to marry one of them.
“Wagers about your ruination.”
Her brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
He didn’t hold back. “Your name made a list of heiresses, and it landed in the betting book of White’s.”
“That explains my father’s actions. I suppose.” She tossed her book on the bed. “But not why I should wedyou.”
Will froze. What did a man say to that? He chose the safest answer, one not even his tongue could stutter over. “I’m in want of a wife. You are in need of a husband.”
“Who says I’m in need of anything? Just because of the wagers?”
Will nodded.
“Haveyouplaced a bet?”
“Of course not,” Will said, stiffening. “I have my honor.”
“Then why choosemeif you are in want of a wife?” she asked. “There are many eligible young ladies who will fall at your feet if you show them even the slightest interest.”
“But not you, I gather.”
Her silence echoed her sentiment.
“You would also make an excellent marchioness.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I may have many faults, but I am not blind.” Will couldn’t help testing the waters. “I have noticed you at balls.”
Her eyes brimmed with doubt and disbelief. As expected. Still, Will felt a pinch of disappointment. He couldn’t say the words he wanted to say. Not before he had a chance to show her his sincerity.
But with the wagers, time had run out. Her father had eagerly accepted his proposal, and the betrothal agreement had been signed.
Will had believed she’d been informed.
Truthfully, it hadn’t occurred to him to ease her mind when he’d approached her father for her hand as he had thought she would be eager to marry. Were not all ladies? Plus, he met the standards of a catch according to the gossip rags. Titled. Wealthy. Good teeth.
Today was full of surprises.
And curse Cromby.
She may have considered the two men friends, but Cromby had always inserted himself in Will’s space without invitation. Will had just thought it too tiring to expel him. Not worth the breath. But the moment Will had learned Cromby had put the list in the betting book, he’d been dead in Will’s mind.
