Page 81 of The Wise Daughter
Oh, confound it!Not again. Of all the times to be interrupted!
Nora looked beyond him. “Is that Lord Bilford with…” Her brows scrunched together. “My father?”
Aaron turned around. Bilford strutted toward them, his chest puffed out like a cocky woodpecker while Mr. Lacy trailed behind much more subdued.
“Good evening Mr. Lacy,” Aaron said, bowing slightly. “Bilford, you have a most remarkable talent for interruptions. I’m surprised to see you here.”
He chuckled, not a whit sorry. “Thought it best if I’m here tonight since half my staff asked permission to come.”
Aaron unclenched his jaw. He wouldn’t allow Bilford to ruin another perfect moment with Nora. “Of course. I hope you enjoy your evening.”
“Oh, decidedly. I already have.” He laughed again, slapping Mr. Lacy on the back. “And it’s about to get better.”
Nora’s eyes narrowed. “Father, what does he mean?”
But Mr. Lacy wouldn’t meet anyone’s eye.
“He owes me, Ravenglass. I won. There’s no disputing it this time.”
Aaron released a heavy breath. He knew Mr. Lacy might succumb to something like this and that it might come at his expense, but what wretched timing!
“How much does he owe you, Bilford?”
Bilford shook his head. “Not how much, but what.” His grin widened.
Aaron felt Nora wilt beside him as a soft groan escaped her lips. “Oh, Father. What have you done now?”
Mr. Lacy tugged at his sleeves and cravat as Bilford answered for him.
“He owes me Raven Manor. Naturally, I wouldn’t have encouraged him to wager it if you hadn’t been such a mule about your father’s debt. And it certainly didn’t help your case that you spurned my daughter. You owe me, Derricott. There’s no denying it this time. I won’t be leaving this castle until you and I settle this.”
Curse Bilford!Aaron’s hands clenched, then unclenched. Tonight was meant for Nora. He could not let something so petty put him off course.
“It’s all right, Aaron,” she said gently. “I’m sure Lord Bilford isn’t completely unreasonable. There has to be a way to come to an agreement. Go ahead and talk with him. Then we can resume our conversation.”
Aaron could have been happy staring at her demure smile the rest of the evening, but he appreciated knowing he had her approval.
“Very well, Bilford. Come with me, and we’ll do exactly that so you can be on your way. I’ve already endured enough of your company for one night.”
Bilford patted Aaron’s back just as he had Mr. Lacy’s, striking a bruise Aaron hadn’t known was there. “Glad you’re seeing reason.”
Aaron bit back the pain, refusing to let Bilford see it. “I haven’t agreed to anything yet.”
Aaron gave Nora one last look. So many words still unspoken between them, another perfect moment passed. He would search for another chance. He would create it if he had to. No more waiting to declare feelings after this. He lifted her hand to his lips and placed a tender kiss there.
“I won’t let this delay me long.” He leaned very close and whispered, “Meet me in the garden alcove just around the corner in half an hour. Words will not fail me again.” He glanced at her lips, hoping he could warm them soon, and settled with another kiss to her knuckles.
She gave a slight nod. He could see hope returning to her eyes as it soared in his chest.
Chapter 29
Aaron led Bilford to his study. The fire was low, the room stuffy. Perhaps the chimney was clogged, and he would need Mr. Rowe’s services again sooner than expected.
“Have a seat, Bilford.”
Lord Bilford took his time pulling out the chair and settling in. Other than briefly imagining planting a facer square in the middle of Bilford’s nose, Aaron was surprisingly calm inside. He wanted nothing more than to be done with this meeting and return to Nora.
“I’ll get straight to the point, Ravenglass.”
