Page 28 of The Nabob's Designing Daughter
“It seems I’m compelled to stay for a year, unless I can persuade my benefactor to change his mind.”
“And you would wish him to do that?”
“Yes.” He laughed and shook his head. “If only someone would tell me his name.”
“Ask Mr. Henderson.”
On the ride to Mounth Tower, he’d pointedly asked the solicitor, who’d just as firmly refused to say.
“He won’t tell me. Now, your grace, how are you feeling?”
She lay back thoughtfully during his examination, and when he was finished, she sat up. “Well?” she asked. “Will it be soon?”
“You may find yourself with a Christmas baby, your grace. Unless conditions change rapidly overnight, I think it will be a few more days.”
“Will you just pop your head out and tell the footman to fetch tea? Andrew left a bottle of whisky on that chest over there. Go and pour yourself some and come sit by me.”
He laughed and did as he was told, seating himself in the chair and answering her questions about the state of Mounth Tower.
When the servants had brought in tea and departed, she took a sip and then set down her cup. “Mounth Tower can be restored in time,” she said. “Andrew has plans for hunting at Kinmarty, and he could send his visitors over to Darleton for the fishing. You could fetch a pretty fee for that. Lovelace said that Gordon asks eight thousand pounds for the privilege of taking his salmon. I believe someone said you have salmon in your stream.”
Eight thousand pounds. That couldn’t be true. It was a phenomenal amount of money. “And where would I put them up, your grace?”
She pursed her lips. “They could stay here until you’ve refurbished enough rooms or built a lodge. I’m sure Andrew would be willing to work out an agreement with you.” She took another sip of tea. “Have you seen the proposed surgery Forbes has arranged?”
“Not yet. If you don’t yet need me, I’ll go there tomorrow.”
“It’s quite cozy, I’m told. Bedrooms, a parlor and kitchen, besides the examining room and a small office. Perfect for a young doctor and his wife.” She sipped again, eyeing him over the rim of his cup.
“I’m not in a position to support—”
“It will likely be a poor practice of course. You’ll mostly be paid in turnips and scones. But you’re a baron, with an eight-thousand-pound fishing stream, and the support of a duke.”
“Who I’m told is, forgive me, poor as well.”
She threw back her head and laughed. “I’m sure we could ask Penelope’s help to buy medicines and whatnot.”
“Thank you, but I…” He took in a breath. He wouldn’t take money from a woman but saying that might be seen as an insult to the duke. “Your grace, will you just say what you want to say?”
“Yes. I suppose I ought to speak plainly. Well, Dr. Robillard. The marquess is undoubtedly a fortune hunter. It’s a pity Benedict Strachney can’t marry the man himself instead of trying to woo him for his daughter. It will be a bad deal for Ann. And I’ve noticed the way Ann looks at you, and the way you look at her.”
His heart pounded, remembering that kiss. Only Mrs. MacDonal’s interruption could have torn them apart.
“You are a good match for each other. Maybe Strachney wouldn’t cut her off, but if he did, I don’t think our Ann is penniless. She’s hinted at that from time to time. I sense her father doesn’t know.”
She set the cup down with a clatter and reached for his hand. “Oh, you are frowning. You’re thinking I’m overstepping speaking so plainly. But you must understand that I’m a woman facing a difficult ordeal, life or—”
“No.” He clamped a hand over hers. “You’re going to sail through this childbirth beautifully. There’ll be pain, but at the end of it, you’ll hold a beautiful, perfect babe in your arms. You’ll see.”
Please God. He’d do his best to make certain.
“Yes. No point in being maudlin.” She nodded, pushed herself up and stood. “Thank you. I’ll just go and change for dinner. And Dr. Robillard, please think about what I’ve said.”
He bowed, hiding a grimace. “I shall see you at dinner.”
After the ladieshad departed the dinner table, the covers removed and the port had been poured, Errol moved around the table and took a seat next to Henderson.
“How did you fare the rest of your morning?” the solicitor asked.
