Page 44 of An Earl Like You
“How generous,” remarked the man, still smiling.
“Our business, however, is concluded. Since our first discussion, I have been repeatedly and constantly reminded that you are not an easy man, and you have enemies.”
“Every man has enemies. I daresay there’s some who resent your place and power in the world.” Cross folded his arms.
Hugh breathed evenly, holding his temper in check. “What happened between you and Viscount Livingston?”
Cross looked mildly surprised. “Nothing of import. We had some business in mining shares.”
“He claims you cheated him.”
“Does he?” Cross lifted one shoulder. “He’s an ass. He thought any investment he made would triple. As it turned out, he was wrong.”
Hugh also thought Livingston was an ass, but it had been too much to hope Cross might confess to some misdeed Hugh could persuade him to rectify. “You don’t seem concerned to be called a swindler.”
“Not by the likes of Livingston,” said Cross with cold disdain.
The likes of Livingston, who would—hopefully—be Edith’s father-in-law. If, that is, Hugh could convince him to overlook the fact that Edward Cross washisfather-in-law. “The ‘likes of Livingston’ form the society I live in,” he said. “I am not so cavalier about their good opinions.”
Cross eyed him for a moment. “There’s nothing I could do to earn Livingston’s good opinion. If he’d profited from our association, he would have still thought me a common, vulgar man, not fit to join his society. But then, perhaps that’s what you thought, too, my lord.”
“I confess I never thought of you at all before you barged into my life and forced me to.”
Cross smirked. “And it’s not come out too badly for you.”
Hugh hated the fact that Cross was right. “I certainly hope it turns out well, since my side of the bargain is for the rest of my life.”
The other man’s smirk disappeared. “What are you saying?”
Right. The man was not subtle, so Hugh shouldn’t be, either. “I would prefer not to see you often—if ever.”
Cross seemed bitterly amused by that. His mouth twisted, although his eyes were hard. “Ah. I may visit Eliza only.”
Hugh inclined his head. “It would be best if you sent word before calling.”
“So the rest of you can clear out and not be soiled by my visit?” Cross chuckled. “How shall you explain that to your wife?”
“I don’t plan to,” said Hugh. “I shall simply arrange to be elsewhere, so that you and she may converse at leisure, without interruption.” And more importantly, he could divert his mother and sisters. They were civil to Eliza but regarded Mr. Cross as just short of villainous. If Benwick jilted Edith because of Cross, there would be civil war in his house.
Cross’s mouth tightened. “What about the children?”
Hugh quelled the instinctive refusal. “We’ll address that if it becomes necessary.”
“When,” said Cross. “I expect to see my grandchildren.”
Hugh hesitated, then nodded. He expected to have an heir, hopefully several. Eliza would be a loving mother. But he’d be damned if Cross had any sway over his children. The man could see them and play with them, but no more.
For a moment they stood in silent combat, glaring at each other. Finally Cross relented; his curious smile returned, and he made an elaborate bow. “As you wish, my lord.”
“Mr. Cross.” Hugh paused, choosing his words carefully. “I do not wish for us to be enemies. Eliza is my wife now, which makes us family. I pledged before God to protect and honor her yesterday, and I will keep that vow. But I resent your interference in my affairs and your manipulation of my actions, and I cannot bring myself to regard you as a friend.”
“No,” the other man agreed. “I understand. I didn’t bargain for a friend, I bargained for a good husband for my daughter. As long as you are that, we have no quarrel. I’ll spare you my presence, if you wish, and not darken your name to Eliza.” Hugh nodded once in acknowledgment. “But Hastings... If you arenota good husband, remember that well—I am not your friend, and there is no length I wouldn’t go to for my daughter.” Cross delivered his parting shot without any expression at all. He bowed once more, and left.
Chapter 18
Eliza’s campaign to win over her new mother-in-law and sisters-in-law did not get off to a good start.
Not wanting to seem proud or aloof, she got up and went downstairs to breakfast. Outside the room, she could hear the murmur of conversation, even laughter. She pressed her trembling hands against her skirt, lifted her chin, and walked in with a bright smile. “Good morning.”
