Page 18 of Their Brazen Countess
Was she cursed in marriage? Would she never be allowed to marry for love?
Arthur cleared his throat. “I’m not wealthy. I’m rebuilding my fortunes. But I am capable of taking care of a wife. And Linc—“
“No. No, I couldn’t do that to Becca.” Jo’s heart swelled with emotion even as she shook her head. She dared not name it—it was far too early and pointless besides. But that these men might attempt to come to her aid and offer to marry her was overwhelming. She reached up to cup Arthur’s cheek in her hand. “You.” She did the same to Linc’s with her other hand. “And you, you are both amazing. How could I be so fortunate as to stumble upon such wonderful men, and in the woods, no less?”
Linc grinned and winked at her, dark blue eyes sparkling. “Fortune has always favored me.”
Arthur chuckled. “I was just lucky enough to be standing next to him.”
Jo laughed softly. “Thank you both for your wonderfully gallant offer. But no, I cannot marry you.” Then she reached up and kissed Arthur, letting her tongue tangle with his.
As their kiss deepened, Linc pulled her hand from his face and pressed in behind her. The three of them got lost in their burgeoning new feelings and the bittersweet moment.
Chapter Eight
Arthurwasnervous.Infact, he thought he might cast up his accounts at any moment. After all, it wasn’t every day that a man called on the father of the woman whose hand he intended to ask for. Especially one who had—strictly speaking—rejected his offer.
But he couldn’t sit by and do nothing. What if they lost Jo forever?
He looked over at the man with whom he had shared the beautiful woman—thank God he had him by his side. If they did indeed lose their Wood Sprite, he wasn’t sure where that would leave him and Linc. At least as friends, if nothing else, though he fervently hoped for more.
Hand shaking, Arthur reached up and knocked. The sound of the knocker rang out loud and true. Perhaps there was a bit more echo than there should be? He chuckled at his own flight of fancy as they waited for someone to answer their call.
Eventually the door opened, revealing an older woman who was tidy in appearance, despite her harried expression. “What can I do for you, gentlemen?”
“Please tell Mr. Marshall that the Earl of Dunmere and Baron Lincolnshire wish to call upon him.” Arthur waited a moment. Then a few more. But the woman hadn’t departed to search out her employer to alert him to his guests. “Is there a problem?”
“Mr. Marshall expressly stated he would not be receiving visitors today. Besides which, it’s far earlier than his normal receiving hours.”
“Well, I must insist you go find him. This is a matter of the utmost importance.” Arthur stared at the woman, who simply stared back at him. The insolence!
“I’m afraid I cannot do that, my lord. The family is very busy this morning and are not to be interrupted.” She seemed dead-set against delivering his message.
Linc stepped forward. “Good morning, my lady. Do be a dear and tell us where Mr. Marshall might be found just now.” He unleashed a dazzling smile on the poor woman.
Arthur had to fight back a snicker at how quickly she was bamboozled by Linc’s smile and good looks. Women always seemed entranced by him, he thought as he shot his gaze heavenward in exasperation. All the same, he was not unwilling to take advantage of the man’s ability to charm the ladies.
“Oh well, I’d dare say he’s in his study, my lord.” She smiled at him for a moment, but then quickly snapped back to herself. “But you still can’t go in there, my lords.”
Linc dialed up the blinding smile. “Surely you cannot mean to keep us from our very important business?”
“I—I’m sorry, my lords. But I’m afraid I must.” Her voice rose in pitch and she started wringing her hands.
Linc moved closer to her, closer still. “I’m certain he would wish to hear what my friend Lord Dunmere has to say.” Suddenly he was easing her away from the door as they moved into the house. “In fact, I’m positive he would wish to speak to us.” By that point, they were in the hall and Arthur was able to brush past the maid-cum-butler in search of the study. “You’ve been a gem. Now run along, so you don’t get into any trouble.”
With that, Linc fell into step just behind Arthur as they wandered down the hallway. After knocking on and opening a couple of doors only to find empty rooms, they knocked on one and gained a response.
“I said I was not to be disturbed,” a gruff voice barked at the closed door.
Arthur utilized Linc’s more brazen approach, opened the door, and stuck his head inside. “There you are. Right where one would expect you to be.”
A startled man looked up. “Eh? Who the devil are you?”
Arthur stepped inside and allowed Linc to join him. “The Earl of Dunmere, at your service.” He swept a bow, straightened up, and waved a hand toward Linc. “And this fine gentleman is the Baron Lincolnshire.” Linc bowed as well and then rose. “I’ve come to speak to you about your daughter.”
A speculative gleam came into the man’s eye. “Have you now? I imagine you spotted my lovely Rebecca in the village and have come to inquire about her availability?”
“Actually, I am here about Mrs. Josephine Fulton. I should like to ask for her hand in marriage.” Arthur decided to get to the point, since the man was both mistaken about which daughter and had yet to offer them a seat.
