Page 13 of Tempting a Lonely Lord
“Yes. That’s Bella,” Stephen said with a gulp. The man had a strange glint in his eye.
“She is already out in Society, no?” Darkmoor queried.
“Yes… but she has been in mourning for her father,” Stephen said.
“Ah! Her father. I knew the former Lord Bridgewater. Never set foot in my establishment. A very responsible and respectable gentleman. He would have generously provided for his daughter. Perhaps her fortune could be your gain.”
Stephen didn’t miss the insult and was appalled at the direction the conversation was taking. He could not steal from his niece, not even to save his own skin… could he?
“He did, and even though I am her guardian, I do not have access to the funds her father set aside for her.” He hoped that would end the conversation.
“Then you might have to sell an unentailed property. May I suggest you come up with a solution to your dilemma, as I will be calling your debts due in two weeks,” Darkmoor said.
“But you can’t. I… I mean, surely there is an amount we can agree on in the interim,” Stephen said, frustrated at the way this man made him feel. “And my niece owns…” He realized what he was saying and closed his mouth, suddenly angry that his father and brother had left him out of their business dealings. He was the second son and should have been included in the various duties and holdings of the estate. While his late brother had left everything secure, it was under the helm of the blasted solicitors.
“Ah. Perhaps we are onto something. I assume your niece owns this property.”
Stephen was surprised that Darkmoor had guessed correctly, but nodded, thinking if he opened his mouth to speak, he would dig a deeper hole.
“And she comes of age… when?” Darkmoor demanded.
“When she turns twenty-one, according to my brother’s will,” Stephen said, suddenly realizing where this might be going.
“I’ve had the pleasure of seeing your niece in the village. A rare beauty. And quite spirited, from what I have observed.”Darkmoor smiled broadly. “A man would be lucky to have such a splendid young woman as a wife.”
A chill went up Stephen’s spine. He knew full well what the baron meant.
“I would like to marry her. I will court her, and we shall become betrothed. My ball is perfect for the beginning of our… relationship.”
“No… that won’t do. She intends to marry for love,” Stephen said. When he saw the scowl on the baron’s face, he wished he hadn’t.
“No, itwilldo. I will woo her first, of course. But once we are married, perhaps I will forgive some of your debt—depending on the value of her dowry,” Darkmoor said.
“The house is not part of her dowry,” Stephen blurted.
“Ah… but when she weds, whatever she owns becomes the property of her husband.”
Stephen had seen the paperwork. It specified that the house would belong to Bella, whether she married or not. But he held his tongue. “Only if my niece agrees,” he said. He couldn’t bring himself to force her against her will, if there was anything he could do about it. What a mess. Now he was dragging everyone he loved into the same hole he had dug for himself.
“Then I must make sure she falls under my spell.” Darkmoor smiled that predatory smile once more as he got up from the chair. “I will hold off on demanding full payment. We will work on the betrothal, instead. Do we have an agreement?” The baron held out his hand and, shocking himself to his core, Stephen gripped it.
~*~
The next morning
The town of Dover
The black lacquer Bridgewater carriage pulled up in front of the Sweet Shop, and a small group disembarked. Bella was excited and a tad nervous. She had never met a gypsy before. She looked down at the adorable boy who had insisted on being her escort. Master Michael Dudley had been a delightful companion as they drove into town from the manor house—and was full of questions.
“Do you think the lady will be here, Gwand-mare?”
“Honey, I think so,” Lady Harrington said, giving a gentle pat to his golden curls.. She rents a room at the back of Abernathy’s Tea Shop. That is where she tells her fortunes. I thought she might come here for her midday meal. This is where I encountered her last. Let me ask the proprietor. If she’s not here, he may know where to find her,” Lady Harrington said, giving a gentle pat to his golden curls. “We are glad you and your brother joined us today.”
As the small group entered the apothecary, Bella’s mouth watered from the aromas of chocolate, citrus, almond, and cinnamon swirling in the air.
“And she will tell us about the pirates?” Michael asked.
“She may know a lot about pirates in the area,” Bella said, in awe of her grandmothers, both enjoying showing this little boy a good time.
