Page 44 of Falling Into Bed with a Duke
She glanced over at her strolling companion, who had seen all of nineteen years. He was fair-haired and tall, his side whiskers little more than peach fuzz. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
He gave her an indulgent smile. “My brother and I have never gotten along. He’s mean-spirited, spiteful. Rather nasty, to be honest about it. He’s going to cut off my allowance when I reach my majority, which leaves me in a bit of a bother.”
“I can see where it would. But it’s quite acceptable for second sons to become members of the clergy.”
He grimaced. “The trouble there is that you have to always ask after people’s problems.”
“But I’m certain it must be extremely rewarding to provide comfort.”
He shook his head. “Not really my cup of tea.”
“Perhaps you could join a regiment.”
“Dreadful amount of work, marching about, taking orders.”
“Better than being forced to live on the street.”
His steps came a halt and he faced her. “I was hoping you would do me the honor of marrying me.”
She bit back a bubble of laughter. “I’m considerably older than you.”
“As I’m aware, but it would get you off the shelf.”
“I don’t really have a problem being on the shelf. As a matter of fact, I’m rather liking the independence it affords me.”
His eyes brightened. “I wouldn’t take that away from you. It would be a marriage in name only. As the spare, I don’t require an heir. So you would have no wifely duties.”
“I have none now.”
“But now all of London knows you don’t. When we’re married, it would be our little secret.”
Her offers were getting more ridiculous. She needed to take out an advert in theTimes, announcing that she was not in the market for a husband. “You gain my dowry. I’m at a loss as to what I gain.”
“You won’t be a spinster. You’ll bemylady. And you’ll have my protection.”
“I have protection now.”
“Your father isn’t going to live forever.”
“In his absence, I have brothers who will step in, plus I have a strong left hook.”
He blinked. “You would engage in fisticuffs yourself?”
“If need be, yes.”
With a sigh, he slumped his shoulders. “Is there nothing I can offer that would make marriage to me attractive?”
“Love.”
He looked positively defeated. “I love another girl.”
“Marry her.”
“Her dowry is a pittance. I was going to use yours to give her everything I can’t.”
“We should probably stop talking now before I introduce you to my left fist.”
He gave her a crooked smile. “I mucked things up.”
