Page 74 of Touched By a Traitor
Nodding, Andrew sat back, a look of satisfaction crossing his visage. “That aligns with my own assessment. He seems a decent man, not prone to fits of temper. To my knowledge, he has no vices. He is well-connected, and his wealth should ensure your comfort.”
Shaking her head, Daisy sighed. “I need more time to find the right man. I don’t expect a love match, but at the very least, someone with whom I can cultivate a friendship.”
“That will come once you’re married,” he said, turning away from his sister’s misery.
*
Andrew stepped intothe gentlemen’s club, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Lord Bridgewater. The viscount’sself-assured countenance contradicted his slight frame as he sat stoically, a cigar in one hand and a document in the other. With a nod to a passing waiter, Andrew ordered a drink and settled into the plush leather chair across from his acquaintance.
“Good afternoon, Bridgewater,” Andrew greeted pleasantly.
Bridgewater glanced up from his papers, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. “Good day to you, Carlisle. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company? I don’t recall having a meeting scheduled.”
Andrew took a sip of his drink, leaning back in his chair and crossing his legs with an air of nonchalance. “No, we don’t have a meeting, but I wished to discuss a matter of some importance with you.” He paused, studying the viscount’s reaction before continuing. “I’d like to propose the formation of an alliance between our families.”
A frown creased Bridgewater’s brow. “Am I to understand you’re suggesting a matrimonial alliance?”
“Indeed. I assume a man of your age and station must be considering settling down. You’re only a year my junior, after all.”
Bridgewater shrugged, his expression noncommittal. “I’m in no particular rush since my previous betrothal ended in humiliation.”
“So, you’re not currently courting anyone?” Andrew pressed, his voice carefully neutral.
“No, I am not.”
“Excellent. I believe you’ve been formally introduced to my sister, Daisy.” He brought his glass to his lips, his eyes never leaving Bridgewater’s face as he gauged the man’s reaction.
“Yes, before the lady’s betrothal to Lord Byron,” Bridgewater remarked.
Andrew bristled at the mention of Byron, the callous reference to his sister’s past a clear indication of Bridgewater’snegotiating tactics. He sharpened his gaze, watching as the viscount set aside his document and focused on his cigar.
“I read that the judgment was in your favor,” Bridgewater said, exhaling a plume of smoke.
“That’s correct. Byron was found to have falsely accused my sister to avoid fulfilling his promised investment.”
Bridgewater nodded, a calculating look in his eyes. “Regardless of the judgment, I trust you understand my reservations.”
“I have no doubt as to Daisy’s innocence,” Andrew said firmly.
“Of course, of course,” Bridgewater murmured, waving a hand dismissively. “I assume you’re eager to see Lady Daisy betrothed once more, to put this unpleasantness behind her.”
Andrew leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “On the contrary, Bridgewater. My eagerness stems from the fact that I’d like to take my new bride on an extended honeymoon.” The lie rolled smoothly off his tongue, a necessary evil in the game of negotiation. “I’d like to take her for at least three months, and naturally, I want to ensure my sister’s protection in my absence.”
Bridgewater considered this, tapping his cigar against the ashtray. “And how does Lady Daisy feel about this arrangement?”
“She is amenable,” Andrew assured him. “In fact, she has quite a positive impression of you.”
A smile ghosted across Bridgewater’s lips. “I’m grateful for her kindness.” He paused, taking a long drag on his cigar before fixing Andrew with a piercing stare. “Tell me, Carlisle, are you in search of new shareholders?”
Andrew caught the underlying meaning in Bridgewater’s words. “Capital is not a necessity, but I am seeking to add a name to approximately a thousand shares.”
He suppressed a smile, pleased that Bridgewater had broached the subject of shares first. It was a clear indication of the viscount’s eagerness to negotiate the terms of the marriage contract. And why wouldn’t he? Daisy was quite the prize—beautiful, healthy, charming, and wealthy.
Bridgewater leaned back in his chair, studying Andrew with a calculating gaze. “Of all the women in the world, it’s intriguing that you chose such a complex lady.”
A wry smile tugged at Andrew’s lips. “The heart wants what it wants, unfortunately.”
“I must say, I find your sister to be quite amicable. If I’m not mistaken, she has studied medicine, has she not?”
