Page 16 of A Spinster's Unexpected Marriage
“If I can find her another match, then she will end our engagement and marry this other gentleman,” James clarified, as light began to build in Lord Radford’s eyes. “Then I will be free of her, you see? Though I must, for the moment, pretend that I am deeply committed to her and that means I must turn from all that I have been doing these last few years.”
“So that, when she ends the engagement, you can pretend to be broken-hearted and will have thetonoffering you nothing but sympathy and understanding.”
James chuckled. “You understand me very well, my friend.”
“That is an excellent idea!” Lord Radford slapped him on the shoulder, beaming at him as he did so. “You say that Lady Newton came up with the notion?”
“Her friend, Miss Stockton, was the one responsible but clearly, Lady Newton was more than eager to accept it. What a relief it is to me to know that my betrothed has no desire to remain attached to me! I do not know what I would do if the lady was determined to marry me. It would be unthinkable!”
Lord Radford chuckled, then tilted his head. “So you have a way of escape. Lady Newton’s father will permit her free of the engagement so long as she has a suitable gentleman to marry her, yes?”
James nodded. “And Lady Newton will declare herself in love with him and the gentleman, whoever he turns out to be, will do the same. He must be convinced to do that, of course.”
“Though he may find himself in love with the lady and that will not require any encouragement on your part,” his friend put in, though James immediately snorted at the idea.
“I hardly think love is a notion which any gentleman with good sense would take into himself,” he declared, a little caustically. “Now, this is where you play your part. I require your assistance in finding this gentleman, whoever he may be. Miss Stockton will also be helping in that regard.”
“She will indeed.”
James turned, blinking in surprise as he looked into the face of his betrothed. Next to her stood a young lady whom he presumed to be Miss Stockton but, for some inexplicable reason, James found that he could not bring his gaze towards the lady. Instead, he found himself almost transfixed, looking into Lady Newton’s green eyes and wondering why he should find them so entrancing. Red curls danced lightly as she turned to introduce Miss Stockton to them both, her curls pulled back so they could cascade from the back of her head. A light flush touched her cheeks and the gentle green of her gown suited her perfectly. James could not stop his gaze from lingering on her figure, noting silently that his betrothed was rather comely.
Whatever are you doing?
That question snapped him back to the present moment, making him clear his throat and frown heavily as he bowed to Miss Stockton, realising that he had not taken in even a moment of introduction.
“A pleasure to meet you, Miss Stockton.” Lord Radford’s voice was warm as he bowed and James looked at him sharply. Was his friend going to attempt to flirt with Miss Stockton, the lady who was meant to be assisting them in securing Lady Newton another match? He could not permit that, for all their efforts had to be fixed on his own circumstances.
“I was just informing Lord Radford that you were to aid our search for a gentleman for Lady Newton,” he explained, as Miss Stockton turned icy blue eyes to his. “I am very grateful for your assistance.”
The lady laughed, though it held a mockery in it which James did not like and shook her head. “Do not think that I do this for you, Lord Granton! I do this solely for my dear friend, for I do not want her to be attached to you for the rest of her days. A scoundrel would hardly know how best to treat a young lady now, would he?”
James hesitated, then forced a smile which he did not feel. “You are quite right, of course,” was all he said, seeing the frown which settled on Lord Radford’s forehead. “I am grateful nonetheless.”
“Do you have any suggestions, Miss Stockton?” Lord Radford asked, that smile back on his face which chased away his frown. “Any gentlemen that you think we ought to consider?”
Miss Stockton considered him for a moment, her eyes searching Lord Radford’s face as though she were looking for an answer in his eyes. “You seem very eager indeed for Lord Granton to find a suitable match for Lady Newton, Lord Radford. Is there a reason for that?”
The gentleman blinked as James folded his arms, finding himself rather amused at Miss Stockton’s questioning of his friend. Lord Radford blinked, looked away and then frowned.
“I – I am good friends with Lord Granton, that is all,” Lord Radford explained. “I want to make certain that he is contented, that is all.”
“Or could it be that you want your friend to be returned to you in the same capacity as he was before? From what I understand, both Lord Granton and yourself are just as much a rogue as each other.”
Lord Radford’s mouth fell open, perhaps as astonished as James himself was over Miss Stockton’s bold words. One glance towards Lady Newton told him that she was not as astonished as they and seemed, in fact, to be enjoying it given how she was smiling. James found his own lips curving upwards, delighting in how Lord Radford’s shock spread right across his face. He did not mean it to be mirthful, of course, but James could not help but chuckle, earning him nothing more than a scowl sent in his direction.
“I think you are quite correct there, Miss Stockton,” James said, when Lord Radford said nothing. “I think that Lord Radford would very much appreciate a return to the enjoyment of the Seasonwithout LadyNewton’s presence being a burden.”
“I am not a burden, I thank you.” Martha’s smile had faded, her eyes flashing as James looked to her. “I believe thatyouwere the one who took on this engagement when you accepted the bet my father placed on the card table. Is that not so?”
“There is no reason for argument,” Miss Stockton interrupted, hastily. “In answer to your question, Lord Radford, no I have not thought of any gentleman as yet, though my eyes have only just now fallen upon Lord Billington.” She gestured to someone behind James’ shoulder and James turned quickly, seeing a tall, rather slim fellow smiling at something another young lady was saying.
“Lord Billington is an Earl, I believe,” Miss Stockton continued, looking next to Martha as James turned away from the fellow, finding himself frowning. “He is not engaged and from what I know, not courting any young lady either.”
“What say you, Lady Newton?” James cleared his throat, wondering why he was frowning at the thought of Lady Newton becoming acquainted with Lord Billington. “Are you already introduced?”
Martha nodded slowly. “I am, yes,” she answered, though there was a hesitation in her voice. “I am aware – as you all must also be made aware – that there is bound to be some hesitation on the part of some gentlemen. Perhaps with them all.” She sighed, her shoulders dropping and James’ frown quickly returned. “This may be a very difficult task but I do think that it is worth attempting.”
“Because of your father’s reputation, yes?” James found himself saying, as Martha’s eyes went to his. “That is why people will be a little more concerned about your company?”
