Page 27 of The Wise Daughter
“Of course not, Carver.”
“Then let us adhere to what we initially discussed. We’ll keep you safe while we find the thieves. Once that is settled, we will find you a bride, a proper, respectable lady as beautiful as any in the country. I promise I’ll do all in my power to help Mr. and Miss Lacy find suitable situations elsewhere.”
“I believe Holmrook Castle suits them perfectly well.” Aaron understood why Carver felt protective of him, but it had never been the permanent plan for Aaron to heed every nugget of counsel Carver dispensed.
Nora’s arrival was like the sun returning after night. Even in the depths of mourning, Aaron could feel the rippling effect of her presence, lighting corners and warming hard places. Aaron had never wanted to take his father’s place, but life was easing the sting by bringing him Nora.
“I cannot believe you have fallen in love with Miss Lacy after one brief encounter.”
Aaron supposed in this one regard, Carver was accurate. Love was something deeper and time-tested, but the possibility was thick between Aaron and Nora. Of that much, he was certain.
“She brings nothing to the marriage,” Carver rambled, “no wealth, no status, no connections, only disgrace. Think how easy it would be for the Lacys to lie to us.”
“Are you suggesting they hoped to gain my favor by claiming they were destitute?”
Carver ignored this weakness in his argument. “Have you considered that they may even be part of this thieving operation? Miss Lacy might be here to distract you or gain access to your inheritance. I heard she came here bearing your signet ring. How did she come upon it? To engage yourself to a woman you have known for mere minutes…” Carver tsked. “The woman can only be marrying you for your title and wealth.”
Carver had finally done it. He had pushed Aaron so near the edge of his patience, that he tumbled off into realms of anger. How dare Carver? Carver hadn’t been there to hear Nora humbly protest, insisting she be appointed a maid instead of a duchess. He hadn’t been by the riverbank when she pulled him to safety and trusted him with her beloved horse. Surely, she wasn’t after money or status.
He quickly hushed the small, annoying voice in his thoughts that reminded him that Nora had only accepted his proposal after he had offered her a dowry if she could not go through with the marriage.
“Carver?”
“And you have yet to explain how those bruises appeared on your face, Your Grace.”
“Enough Carver!”
Carver blinked, his mouth agape.
“I beg your pardon, Your Grace?”
“Enough. We must stop this.”
Carver blinked again, then placed a relieved hand on his chest. “I’m delighted you finally see reason. I’ll speak to the Lacys at once. We’ll stop everything. I’m sure they’ll understand. No one could hold you to words so casually given. Of course, there are the papers to worry about, but perhaps I can send a messenger ahead to intercept your announcement. Yes, I’m sure it can be managed. Leave it all to me.” Carver headed straight for the door.
“Stop, Carver!” Aaron met him at the door in two long strides. “I’m not referring to my engagement with Miss Lacy. I am referring to our current arrangement. Yours and mine.”
“Our arrangement?” Carver’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t understand, Your Grace. What are you saying?”
Carver’s worried expression and his obliviousness to Aaron’s anger gave Aaron time to pause and unravel some of the tension that had been building.
“No need to look so concerned, Carver. I’m not dismissing you. I’m only saying I think it’s time I begin to exercise my authority and assume more responsibility. You were a kind friend to my father, and you’ve been a good mentor to me for the past few months.”
“Perhaps we should save this discussion for another time. As you say, you’ve recently lost your father. We’re still settling his business, and there’s Lord Bilford to reckon with. And now you are insisting on an ill-advised marriage. It’s too soon to talk of you assuming full responsibility–”
“Enough, Carver. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I am ready now.”
“Are you? Consider the magnitude of your position, your investments, your tenants, your properties, not to mention your power and influence.”
“I’ll still need your help and expertise. The only difference I am trying to articulate is that I no longer require you overseeing my actions. You will continue as steward under my authority. I will assume full responsibility for my title and my choices, including and especially my choice of bride, whom I will not hear another ill word spoken of. We will no longer have morning lectures while I dress or midday lectures while I eat and absolutely none like this one when I am reposing in the evenings. We will have a schedule that allows you time to execute your duties while I perform mine. We shall schedule our meetings at an agreeable time to discuss necessary matters, andyou will continue to seek my approval on issues when necessary. And once Miss Lacy and I are married, you will return to your cottage.”
Carver stood completely still, closed his eyes for several seconds, then shook his head. “Forgive me, Your Grace, for disagreeing with you, but it is too soon. Your hasty engagement to Miss Lacy is proof you are not ready to assume full authority. One night in the castle, barely a full day, and already her presence is agitating our friendly way of doing things. I hope you understand why I cannot approve. Why, just consider–”
“As I said before, Carver,enough.” Aaron spoke with calm control and clear emphasis. “I’m not asking for your approval. It is already my right as duke to assume command of this estate and the entirety of my possessions. And I intend to exercise those rights without further delay.”
This was the moment. If Aaron didn’t exercise his authority now, how far would Carver overstep in the meantime? Or rather, how far would Aaron let him overstep? How long could Aaron tolerate hiding behind the castle walls before he was convinced that he could not leave? How long until he cowered at the idea of taking charge? No, he could not let it come to that. He was the duke now. It was time he acted like it.
Carver stood livid, his face like stone. “So you intend to marry this girl?”
