Page 58 of Deceiving an Earl
Ashland’s expression showed shock. “To Lady Sylvia?”
Oliver rolled his eyes. “Good God, man, does everyone know about her?”
“Her mother made it known that you were practically courting her.”
“Practically courting her? I don’t even know the chit. Juss met her tonight. Not for me. Girl can’t think on her own.”
“So who are you marrying?”
“Lady Fieldhurst.” Oliver made sure to pronounce her name carefully so as not to confuse Ashland. But Ashland still looked confused.
“Lady Fieldhurst? When did this happen?”
“It hasn’t. Not yet, at least. But it will. I decided. Tonight. I decided tonight that I was going to marry her.”
“And does Lady Fieldhurst know this?”
“No. But she will. Soon.”
Ashland leaned forward and was about to say something, but the servant arrived with coffee and poured it for them. Oliver was very grateful for the coffee.
Once the servant left, Ashland said, “Have you thought this through?”
“Yes.”
“But you barely know her.”
“You barely knew Charlotte when you married her, and you two married, thinking you would divorce.”
“Those were different circumstances and I was trying to save Charlotte from a murderer.”
Oliver waved his hand in the air. He knew all of this, but he was irritated at Ashland for taking the wind out of his sails.
“I know Ellen better than you knew Charlotte.”
“You said you were acquaintances a long time ago—”
“Seventeen years ago.”
Ashland sat back and contemplated Oliver for a bit. “This isn’t like you. You don’t make rash decisions like this, and you’ve always sworn off marriage.”
“Not true. I’vedelayedmarriage. I always knew I would have to marry someday. Someday is here, and Lady Fieldhurst will be my bride.”
“What if,” Ashland hesitated. “What if Lady Fieldhurst isn’t keen on this plan?”
“I will convince her.”
“She’s being courted by Needham.”
Damn Ashland for being so sensible. Didn’t he see that for once Oliver was happy, elated?He was going to marry Ellen.
“Not officially.”
Oliver refilled his coffee. The buzz from his earlier drinking was wearing off, and his head was beginning to hurt.
“Oliver,” Ashland began. “I don’t mean to pry, but how well do you know Lady Fieldhurst?”
“I’ve made love to her twice. The second time tonight.”
