Page 12 of An Arranged Betrothal with an Icy Duke
“Might I ask for what reason you would wish to prolong it?”
Henry lifted his shoulders and let them fall. “I have my reasons for it, Lord Tidemore, though I shall not explain them all. Let me only say that a prolonged engagement would mean that I could make certain of your daughter’s character.”
Something changed in Lord Tidemore’s expression, something that spoke of understanding and instantly, embarrassment shot up Henry’s spine. No doubt Lord Tidemore had heard of what had happened with his previous engagement and could now understand Henry’s caution.
“There will be questions amongst thetonas regards the reason for such a long engagement,” Lord Tidemore said, his frown lingering. “What would be your explanation for that?”
“I do not care what thetonthink and I certainly have no intention of giving them any sort of explanation. This is what I intend to do and society need not question it. If they do, they will not receive an explanation.”
Lord Tidemore’s frown grew darker. “And if you do not find my daughter suitable for you, then you will simply end the engagement and she will be left in disgrace?”
“I do not think that there would be any reason to do such a thing, unless your daughter proves herself to be weak in character.” Henry threw back the rest of his brandy and then waved the glass towards Lord Tidemore. “Another, if you please.”
It took a moment for Lord Tidemore to respond but he did eventually come to take the glass from Henry, his expression now a little inscrutable. Henry did not care. He had already made his mind up that whoever he chose for his potential bride would enter into a long engagement so that he could be quite certain she was not the sort of young lady who was inclined towards deceit and deception. In short, he wanted to be as sure as he could be that nothing akin to what had happened with Rachel would ever happen again.
“I suppose being a Duchess does require certain… aspects to one’s character. Mayhap I might be able to inform those who ask that my daughter is learning what will be expected of her once she is wed.” Lord Tidemore went to pour himself a second glass of brandy, having already handed Henry his own glass, refilled. “You do intend to spend time with her, I presume?”
Henry nodded. “Of course.” The notion did not fill him with delight and he certainly was not looking forward to such a thing but what else could be done?
“Here in society?”
Hesitating, Henry considered this, thinking about what it would be like to have the entirety of thetonconsidering both himself and his betrothed. No doubt there would be many whispers, many long looks and many remarks made. Was that what he wanted?
“I think that I shall invite your daughter to reside with me at my estate for a short while," he said, seeing Lord Tidemore’s eyes widen again in surprise. “With a chaperone, of course. It would be good for her to see the estate and all that she will have to manage. Of course, my mother would still be there for she will not make her way to the dower house as yet, and that would give opportunity for your daughter to learn from the Duchess herself.”
“Very well. So long as she has a chaperone, then that would be acceptable.”
“Of course.” The more Henry considered this, the happier he became with the situation.
“I would travel with my daughter, I think,” Lord Tidemore continued, clearly becoming more and more contented with the idea. “My wife and my younger daughter could remain in London for Amelia is also eager to make a suitable match.”
None of this interested Henry and so, he got to his feet and, after finishing his brandy, set the empty glass down on the table. “I believe we have reached an accord, Lord Tidemore. I will leave it to you to speak with Miss Tidemore and confirm our engagement. Thereafter, I suppose that thetonwill have to be made aware of it.”
A glimmer came into Lord Tidemore’s eyes. “I shall make certain that it is passed on discreetly, though I do not think that it will remain quiet for long.”
Henry scowled. “No, indeed it will not.” He made his way to the door, another thought coming to him. “Would your daughter be ready to take her leave of London within two days?”
Shock registered on the gentleman’s face and Henry’s frown grew deeper.
“Perhaps a sennight, Your Grace?” Lord Tidemore shook his head. “As much as I should like to be prepared in such a short amount of time, I do not think that I would be able to do so. I have business matters that must be completed first and my daughter will require some time to prepare herself for what is to come.”
A little frustrated – for he did not want to linger in London and have thetonwhispering about him – Henry eventually gave a small shrug. He could hide himself away in his townhouse for a few more days and that time would also give his staff back at theestate the opportunity to make certain everything was prepared. “Very well. A sennight, but no more, if you please.”
Lord Tidemore inclined his head. “You are most kind, Your Grace. A sennight and no more.”
“Very good. I will send details of where you are to travel. Good evening, Lord Tidemore.”
“Your Grace?”
Irritated that he had been pulled back when he had been about to take his leave, Henry swung around and heaved a long sigh to make it quite plain to Lord Tidemore that he was not particularly pleased.
“Forgive me, but might I ask if you wish to see my daughter again within the next few days?”
Henry frowned. “See her?”
“As in, spend a little more time with her,” came the reply. “Might you wish to call upon her? To take tea or perhaps join us for dinner?”
With a slight snort, Henry shook his head. “No, indeed not. I will be able to spend more time with the young lady at my estate and I can see no reason to do such a thing beforehand.” With a roll of his eyes, Henry turned on his heel and marched out of the room, aware – but heedless – to the fact that he had left Lord Tidemore rather astonished.
