Page 31 of Why Do Earls Fall in Love?
“Is it? Indeed? Mr. Charrings would know, I’d wager. Are you the one, sir, who sees to the payment of the baron’s sister’s allotment?”
“I am, sir.” Charrings did not look at his employer, but held Whiddon’s gaze.
“And what is the quarterly amount that Lord Burchan thinks sufficient for his sister?”
“It’s not your—” The baron tried, but his man had already answered.
Whiddon’s own man looked up in surprise.
“A paltry amount indeed.” Whiddon raised his brows. “And when you combine it with the small bequest that Miss Charlotte Mayne receives from her mother’s estate, then I should guess that their entire household receives less per quarter for all their expenses than your cook alone likely spends in a week.”
“You’ve no business—”
“No, sir!” Whiddon stood. “It’s you who have no business calling yourself a gentleman! Not when you’ve turned away from both honor and duty and neglected the family who depend on you.” He tilted his head. “I will give you a chance to redeem yourself, though. You will authorize the release of Charlotte’s dowry and you will double the amount of Miss Anne’s.”
“Double it?” the baron objected.
“Yes. And you will bestow an inheritance of the same amount upon Mr. George Mayne, to be granted when he reaches his majority.”
The baron rolled his eyes. “And why should I do so?”
“Because they are your family, your brother’s children. Is that not reason enough?”
Burchan only sneered. “Yes, my brother who might have married to advance the family, but instead pleased himself and took up with some military man’s daughter.” He tossed his head. “And what if I do not throw good money after bad, as you think you can bid me? Will you refuse to do right by my niece?”
Whiddon shook his head. “No. I am not so low a worm as you. But if you do not do just as I’ve requested, then I will tell anyone who will listen of the circumstances in which you’ve left the lot of them. I will expose your skinflint ways and your neglect, and I’ll leave thetonto compare it to the lavish lifestyle you and your wife and daughter enjoy. I will listen as whispers of your dereliction of duty fly through every drawing room in London. And I will watch as true gentlemen refuse to sit at your table or to see you at your club. As invitations dwindle and your daughter’s prospects disappear.” He leaned forward. “And I’ll enjoy it.”
“Damn you,” Burchan whispered.
“You will see to it, Mr. Charrings?” Whiddon thought he caught a glimpse of approval in the man’s eye when he nodded.
“And you have the papers ready for my signature?”
The men pointed out all the spots where he needed to sign. He bent over the desk and signed them all, giving the last one a flourish.
“Well, then. Good day to you all.” He took up his hat. “I expect Miss Mayne and I will be married tomorrow.” He cast a glance askance at the baron. “You will not be invited.”
Whistling, he left the offices and set off to see his betrothed.
* * *
Charlotte paused,a stack of folded shifts in her hand. She could not stop staring at her wedding dress.
She could not stop marveling that she possessed a wedding dress.
Whiddon had left her yesterday morning and she’d sat, stunned, while her aunt rejoiced and sang his praises. Scarcely an hour had passed before another knock sounded on the door. In had swept Lady Chester and Mrs. Sterne. They brought smiles, chatter and a large box.
“It’s terrible of us to intrude just now, but we’ve heard your news and we felt we must come and congratulate you.” Lady Chester gripped her hands and squeezed.
“And we’ve come to offer help, as you must have a hundred things to do.” Mrs. Sterne lifted the box. “Also, we come bearing gifts.”
Charlotte had tried to protest, but the ladies would not have it. “Our husbands are all exceedingly close. As close as family. The wives have created a sisterhood of sorts and we are thrilled to welcome you as our newest member.”
Hugs, well wishes and first names were exchanged, and they took seats in the parlor.
“I had a feeling, that night at my ball,” Julia, Lady Chester, confessed. “Whiddon watched you quite intently all evening, and then, when he asked you to dance!” She fanned her face. “It quite reversed the outcome of that unfortunate incident.”
“Sterne quite agrees with you, Julia. He says he’s never seen Whiddon show such an interest in any woman,” Penelope confided.
