Page 29 of My Lord, My Rogue
She opened the package and stared at him. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the peppermint sticks. He remembered. “I do not know what to say. Th. . .thank you!” she managed, holding the package close to her.
“I saw them and thought of you. They are your favorites, correct?” A smile curved his lips.
She nodded, unable to stop looking at him.
“I wish I had recalled them earlier. Perhaps they are a perfect ‘thank you’ for a lovely afternoon, dearest Honora. I had resisted attending the ball. Now, I shall struggle with anticipation,” he said, cupping her face in his hands. He bent his head down and softly kissed her. “I will walk you to the door. I have need to speak with your father.”
Her curiosity was piqued, but she merely nodded. Papa would tell her what she needed to know.
He helped Honora from the carriage, holding her by the waist and gently placing her on the ground. The two walked up the steps, side by side.
Bentley held the door open as they approached. “Good afternoon, Lady Aster, Lord Willington. Lord Radcliff asked if he might have a word with you upon your return, my lord.”
“Of course,” Benjamin said, handing his hat to the butler before following him to Radcliff’s study.
Honora smiled and dipped her head as she watched him follow the butler to her father’s library. Shrugging it off, she forced herself upstairs. Oliver and Riggs would be eager to see her. Papa would tell her later. She felt sure.
* * *
Bentley closedthe door to the library, leaving the two men alone. Benjamin walked to the desk and took a seat in front, instantly sinking into the chair. “I say, this chair makes a man feel like staying! Do you find your guests not leaving?” he chuckled. “Were they in my study, I might spend more time with the books!”
“I agree. Thank my lovely wife. Guests often comment the first time they sit in them. I believe goose down is mixed in the seating. She told me once. Lady Radcliff took particular interest in making this manor a true get-away. I would never say it to her, but I love her selections. They are comfortable, but I have asked her not to change all of the chairs for these,” he jested, waving his hand towards the fireplace on the opposite side of the room. “Should she, I fear that I would lose my study to afternoon teas.” He laughed heartily.
“Yes. I could see that possibility,” Benjamin conceded with a smirk. “Does your daughter have her mother’s penchant for decorating?” He hoped so, imagining her remaking his homes into theirs.
Radcliff’s blue eyes twinkled. “I am not sure. However, I might imagine she would.” Opening the cabinet next to his desk, he withdrew two decanters. “Would you care for a scotch or a brandy?”
“I would welcome more of your brandy,” Benjamin replied.
The earl passed Benjamin a glass before pouring one for himself. He took a sip and sat back, seeming to consider how to start the conversation. “I received a communication from His Grace, the Duke of Lancaster. It appears he did as he promised. They approved the guardianship for Oliver. I also received this.” The earl offered a second missive. “The Marquess of Aster also wrote.”
“It is possible, a friend informed that a decision was reached,” supposed Benjamin. “May I read it?”
“Yes, please. I would like to hear your thoughts.”
The earl appeared worried. “You have not opened it?”
“It arrived moments before you and Honora returned. You go ahead.”
Benjamin unsealed the letter. “It seems he plans to visit next week, asking to speak with you about pressing business.” He passed the documents back.
“How solid do you feel the guardianship decision is? I do not want to build up Honora’s hopes.” The earl leaned forward, clenching his hands.
“Very. The regent himself was involved. I have known him to promote desired outcomes with the court in the past. This was no exception. The previous marquess and his mother. . .” He paused, thinking of the right words. “His court knew them well, but not for their charity. The new marquess, regardless of his person, was a distant relative and therefore would not have a history with the regent.”
“I see.” The earl visibly relaxed. “I had hoped you would say that. It has eased my mind. Thank you.”
“I also have something to ask,” interjected Benjamin before taking a deep breath.
A slow smile creased the earl’s face.
“I let a life with your daughter slip through my fingers. I thought I would never get another chance for a life with her. Yet, I do have a chance.”
The earl reached across the desk and refilled Benjamin’s glass before adding to his own.
“I appreciate that. I find myself suddenly parched,” he said nervously before sipping the amber liquid. “I am courting your daughter to see if we suit. So far, it appears we do.” He cleared his throat. “I am here to ask you for your daughter’s hand.”
It was the earl’s turn to clear his throat. “My daughter’s life, as you know, has been less than her mother and I would have wanted it. When we promised the match with His Grace, she did not appear as we would have hoped—which would have been giddy, or even happy. I suspect, she has always cared for someone else,” he said, eyeing Benjamin. “As a result, she made some rather impetuous decisions and has suffered for those life choices. I fear she will want to be sure. You have our blessing, Lord Willington; however, it will be Honora’s answer you seek.”
