Page 37 of The Pleasures of Passion
She cast him a sharp glance. “I’m surprised that Papa even told you about the . . . er . . . true state of affairs in my marriage.”
Uncle Toby shrugged. “Oswald says that you avoid him because he’s the one who introduced the two of you. And you blamed him when it didn’t end well.”
She suppressed a snort.Introducedthem.Right. She studied her uncle’s features, but he gave no sign that he knew the truth of that cursed transaction.
Then again, how could he? Aside from the fact that he’d lived in France for years, her father would never have told him. Papa had always resented his successful younger brother, who had more character in his little finger than Papa had in his entire body. Who looked down on Papa for his incessant gambling, and would never have countenanced how she’d become part of repaying Papa’s debts.
She had half a mind to set him straight about how her marriage had come about, but if he happened to mention that to Niall, the scoundrel would become even more stubborn about trying to get her into his bed.
And no matter what Niall thought, she didn’t need a lover. Especially one who made her heart flip over with a heated look. An intimate kiss. A blatant caress that made her feel so . . .
Oh, curse him to the devil. Why had he come back? He was ruining everything.
Meanwhile, her uncle was still watching her with great concern. “Have you not considered that you might be marrying a fortune hunter?”
Remember the plan. Niall wants you for your beauty; you want him for his title.“Of course I have, but honestly, it doesn’t matter. Last time, I married for . . . er . . . affection, and that, as you pointed out, ended badly. This time, I’m marrying for more practical reasons. Granted, his lordship has few funds to commend him. But my first son by him will be an earl. I can’t discount that.”
Her uncle gaped at her. “When did you become such a cynic about love?”
Withering under his clear disapproval, she murmured, “I’m not marrying himjustfor the title, you know. Lord Margrave is attractive and engaging and, well . . .” She didn’t have to fake a blush. “I could do worse.”
“You could do better.”
She sighed. “I’m a widow with a son. I have few enough good matrimonial prospects even with the dowry.” Remembering the picture Lord Fulkham wanted painted of Niall, she added, “Besides, he’s a clever fellow. He has big plans for the future for both of our estates. With my money and his resourcefulness, he will do whatever it takes to achieve them.”
“Will he?” Uncle Toby looked troubled. “Then you must take care, niece. That sort of fellow can make a dangerous husband.”
“I know. But Aunt Agatha will ensure that our marriage settlement protects me.”The way my father couldn’t ensure it the first time.“So for very little risk, I’m gaining an exciting husband who will make me a countess.” She pasted a smile to her lips. “How could I not find that appealing?”
“Hmm.” He glanced up the stairs. “Well, if you wantmeto look over the settlement, don’t hesitate to ask. Even if your father thinks to do so, he’s rather heedless about legal matters.”
To say the least.“Thank you, Uncle.” She stretched up to kiss him on the cheek. “It’s much appreciated.”
Fortunately, she wouldn’t be needing his services. Because the one thing she and Niall wouldneverbe doing was getting married.
Seven
Niall had come here prepared for anything. Except this.
Sir Oswald was clearly in a bad way financially. Aside from the obvious signs of neglect in the town house, the man’s study was the kind of wreck only achieved by a dearth of servants—dirty dishes piled on a corner of the desk, dust settled upon all the surfaces, and candle wax caked on every sconce. If Sir Oswaldwasa criminal, he wasn’t very good at it.
And so far, rather than proffering the usual questions about Niall’s prospects, the man was more intent upon making sure that Niall didn’t expect him to pay for the wedding. His concern for his daughter’s future was decidedly lacking, and Niall was biting his tongue half off trying not to comment on that.
It was even more difficult not to ask directly about the estrangement between father and daughter. No point in dredging that up while things were going well—Niall didn’t wish to make the man wary of him.
But perhaps he could find out more about Bree’s marriage from her father. Surelythatwas an innocuous subject.
“Forgive me, sir, but I’m curious about your daughter’s previous husband.”
Sir Oswald’s dark gaze arrowed in on him, alarm flickering in its depths. “Why? What has Brilliana told you?”
That gave Niall pause. Until he remembered that Bree had hinted at her father having gambled away her dowry, substantially lowering her prospects. “She says she doesn’t like to speak of her marriage.” When Sir Oswald looked relieved, Niall narrowed his gaze on the man. “Was it not a good match?”
“It was abrilliantmatch!” her father blustered. “Reynold Trevor was a man of property, with substantial wealth. I oversaw the settlement myself. All the advantages were onherside. And he was mad for her, too.”
“Too?” Pain crushed Niall’s chest. “So she was mad for him as well?”
Sir Oswald paled, then glanced away. “I’m sure she was. What young woman wouldn’t be? A handsome fellow in raptures over marrying her? It’s every young girl’s dream.” It finally seemed to dawn on him that he was speaking to her present fiancé, for he forced a smile. “Not that Trevor was anything compared toyou, my lord. I’m sure she is even more delighted overthismatch.”
