Page 4 of Courting the Earl
Pushing aside his annoyance, Geoffrey brought his thoughts back to the task at hand—convincing Lord Appleby to call off the betrothal.
His mouth firmed. It was galling that his father had made these arrangements without consulting him ten years ago. He’d been nineteen, not yet at his age of majority but still too damn old to be kept in the dark about what his father was doing.
The fact that he’d kept it a secret, that he’d only revealed the truth on his deathbed, meant the man had known Geoffrey would be angry. Furious. Feeling his temper start to rise again, he took a deep breath and tried to regain his composure.
The footman stopped before a closed door—the study, he presumed—and knocked softly. At least Appleby had given instructions that Geoffrey was to be admitted instead of forcing him to wait in the drawing room with the women.
The door was opened moments later by Lord Appleby.
They’d met briefly years ago during one of Geoffrey’s holidays from university. Was that when the two older men had finalized the marriage arrangements? Had Appleby insisted on meeting him first to ensure he was suitable?
Appleby shook his hand in welcome. “Thank you for calling today. We have only just arrived in town, and I’d hoped to reach out to you soon.”
Geoffrey watched him close the door, offering them privacy for their conversation. “I wasn’t expecting to make a formal call today.”
Appleby shook his head. “I must apologize for my wife’s enthusiasm. When she heard about your visit, she insisted on greeting you personally.”
“And you didn’t want to be there to introduce us?”
Lord Appleby shrugged. “I’m afraid time got away from me.”
Geoffrey gritted his teeth at the viscount’s insincere apology.
Lord Appleby indicated the two chairs that were nestled into one corner of the study. When they were seated, the man’s expectant gaze settled on Geoffrey’s face.
“You met my daughter?”
Geoffrey inclined his head. “Yes, as well as your niece.”
“And?”
“She seems to be a pleasant young woman.”
Appleby frowned. “Pleasant? She’s going to be the most sought-after young woman this season. Many hopes—and I daresay hearts—will break when your betrothal is announced.”
Geoffrey tried to keep his expression impassive. “That’s why I’m here to see you.”
Appleby chuckled. “I understand. Now that you’ve met Lydia, I’m sure you want to speak to me about having the wedding as soon as possible. But I must inform you that I promised her we’d wait until the end of the season to announce the betrothal. It’s her first season, and she wants to enjoy the months ahead.”
Geoffrey examined the man in front of him, hope beginning to take hold. The viscount was so different from his own parent. Father would have been champing at the bit to seal the deal to ensure his plans were carried out. The fact that Lord Appleby seemed more concerned about his daughter’s happiness led Geoffrey to feel optimism for the first time since learning of the agreement.
“It is obvious that you care very much about your daughter.”
A smile lit Appleby’s face. “She is everything to her mother and me. I know she’ll far exceed your expectations as the Countess Hargrove.”
“But not before she enjoys a measure of freedom first.”
Appleby brushed aside the words. “It is her first season, and surely there is no hurry. I understand your disappointment. We’ll have a large affair at the end of the season instead of rushing things now. We wouldn’t want anyone to whisper about unseemly haste.”
Geoffrey kept his tone as even as possible. “It’s possible that in the coming months, she might find that she doesn’t want to be my countess. That she’d rather accept one of the other men who will want to court her.”
Geoffrey might be stubborn, but he wasn’t blind. Lydia Pearson was beautiful. Her father wasn’t exaggerating in assuming that many men would be clamoring for her attention.
Appleby’s smile widened. “Then you’ll have to ensure her attention doesn’t stray. I’m sure a fine young man like yourself won’t find the task onerous.”
Geoffrey hesitated a moment before saying, “And if I feel that we don’t suit?”
Appleby’s smile dimmed as he stared at Geoffrey for several seconds. It was as though he couldn’t comprehend his statement. “I don’t understand.”
