Page 21 of Lady Mary's May Day Mischief
“I am. I think. But with only three more years to meet my father’s mark, I must devote myself to the task of finding a wife and getting an heir. The alternative is not appealing to me, my mother or either of the Hawthorns.”
“You refer to the family scoundrel.” Gerald Finch was the next in line to the Dalworthy title if Winston failed to provide an heir. Gerald, the son of the third son of the fifth earl, was known as a spendthrift, a drunk and, some said, a coward, too.
“I say, might I offer a suggestion of a lady you could pursue with ease and find her enjoyable company?” She was not proposing Fifi as a ruse, either. No, Winston deserved a real chance at happiness with a good woman. Fifi was that.
“You might indeed.”
“Lady Fiona Chastain is a good friend of mine of many long years.”
“I met her briefly. She is charming.”
But he said it as if Fifi’s loveliness were insignificant compared to others. Mary wondered to whom he might contrast Fifi, but the idea vanished in the need to affirm her friend’s value. “I assure you she is kind, intelligent and—”
He laughed politely and put up a hand. “I am certain she is.”
He was refusing her? “But I will happily take you to her.”
“Good of you, but that lady seems well occupied with Lord Charlton.” He nodded toward the two who suddenly appeared on the threshold. Once more, Lord Charlton, ever attentive to Fifi, carried his patient in his arms.Does he never give over?
“No,” said Winston on a chuckle. “I hear you! And I don’t think the man does. Infantry. Understandable, wouldn’t you say?”
“Do you like her?” She was flummoxed.
“I’m sorry. What?”
“Do you? I mean, could you like her?”
“Well, yes, of course. But Colonel Lord Charlton allows for little advance of an enemy.”
“But he doesn’t like her. Not at all. Don’t you see?”
Winston trained his attention on the couple who now sat on a settee together. “I don’t.”
“They argue.”
He narrowed his gaze. “Not in earnest.”
Was she missing that? She had to talk with Fifi alone somehow.
Blake appeared before them.
“Bridges!” Winston greeted him. “Where’ve you been? I need to talk to you.”
“About that meeting you and I want with Northington? He just arrived. I asked to be told as soon as he had. We’ve spoken and arranged one.”
“When?”
“Tomorrow after the May Pole frolic.”
“You told him about our request?”
“Not entirely. I said it was vital to you and me and his land values. That intrigued him.”
“Good. I’ll be ready. Where is it to be? Here?”
“I asked Lord Courtland to give us the library. Two o’clock.”
“Splendid. I’ll be there.” Winston backed away. “If you’ll pardon me, I’d like to talk to Lady Ivy.”
