Page 52 of Marquess of Stone

Nicholas’ head turned sharply, his attention suddenly and completely focused on his friend. “What do you mean?”

Elias’ expression remained deliberately casual as he examined his fingertips with affected interest. “Oh, you have not heard? The Brandons appear to have found an alternative solution to their… predicament.”

A stillness came over Nicholas, the kind that predators adopted before striking. “What alternative solution?” Each word emerged with careful, dangerous precision.

“I am not aware of the finer details,” Elias replied, his tone suggesting the matter was of only passing interest. “Lydia mentioned something about a suitable match being arranged. A gentleman of good standing who is apparently willing to overlook the resent… unpleasantness.”

The crystal paperweights on the mantel suddenly found itself in Nicholas’ grip, his long fingers tightening around it until his knuckles turned white. “A match,” he repeated, the words flat and cold. “For Marian?”

“Indeed.” Elias moved back to his chair, settling into it with deliberate ease. “I gather it is all very preliminary, but Lady Prudence seems quite encouraged by the prospect. Apparently, the gentleman in question is known for his progressive views regarding education for women. Quite the intellectual by all counts.”

The paperweight made a dull thud as Nicholas set it down with controlled violence. “His name?”

“I don’t believe Lydia mentioned it.” Elias’ expression remained neutral though something suspiciously like satisfaction flickered in his eyes. “Does it matter? I thought you’d established that your interest in Lady Marian was merely… protective. Like an investment."

Nicholas moved across the room with swift, predatory grace, coming to stand before Elias’s chair with an intensity that would have intimidated a lesser man. “His name, Elias.”

A smile tugged at the corner of Elias’ mouth. “You seem rather invested in this information for a man who claims to be merely concerned for Marian’s welfare.”

“If her parents have indeed found someone suitable,” he said finally, his voice carefully even, “then I wish her happiness.”

“Do you indeed?” Elias raised an eyebrow. “How remarkably selfless of you.”

Nicholas shot him a look that would have withered a less confident man. “What would you have me do? Challenge this unknown gentleman to a duel? Forbid the match? Marian has made her choice clear — she does not wish to marry me.”

“Has she?” Elias leaned forward, his expression suddenly serious. “Or has she simply stated that she will not marry a man who does notloveher? There is a rather significant distinction there, my friend.”

“When I told her I loved her, she thought it was merely… strategy. A means to an end.” he said slowly, realization finally coloring his voice.

“Well, that took you longer than anyone could have ever expected. Well, done!” Elias laughed teasingly before continuing, “However, given your reputation…” Elias observed dryly, “can you truly blame her?”

Nicholas’s laugh held no humor. “My reputation. The cold, calculating Marquess of Stone. The man who views everything — and everyone — as pieces on a chessboard to be moved for maximum advantage.” His voice hardened. “A reputation I cultivated quite deliberately.”

“And now find rather inconvenient,” Elias finished for him. “Life does enjoy its little ironies.”

Nicholas moved to the window again, staring out at the night-shrouded street as if it might offer some solution to his predicament. Gas lamps created islands of misty light in the darkness, illuminating the occasional late carriage returning from some social engagement.

“This… suitor,” he said finally, not turning from the window. “When is the match to be announced?”

“I honestly could not say,” Elias replied, rising from his chair with unhurried grace. “Though I gather things are moving rather quickly, given the circumstances. Lady Prudence seemed quite determined to have matters settled before any further damage could be done to the family’s reputation.”

A muscle ticked in Nicholas’ jaw, the only outward sign of the storm brewing beneath his controlled exterior. “I see.”

“Do you?” Elias moved to stand beside his friend, his reflection appearing in the darkened glass like a ghost. “Because from where I stand, it appears you are about to let a woman you claim to ‘care for’ marry another man without so much as a word of protest.”

Nicholas remained silent, his eyes fixed on some distant point beyond the window. The silence stretched between them, broken only by the soft ticking of the mantel clock and the occasional pop from the dying fire.

A flash of something dangerous crossed Nicholas’s face, there and gone in an instant. “Who is he, Elias?”

Elias regarded his friend with a measuring gaze, as if weighing his words carefully. “I believe Lydia mentioned he was a scholar of some sort. Or perhaps a collector of rare books? The details escape me.”

Nicholas’ expression darkened. “A name, Elias. I want his name.”

“Does it matter?” Elias’ tone remained deliberately casual. “If Marian truly wishes independence above all else, surely one husband is as objectionable as another.”

“Not if she believes…” Nicholas stopped, realization dawning across his features like the first light of day breaking over a darkened landscape. “Not if she believes this man truly values her mind. Her independence.”

“Precisely,” Elias agreed, satisfaction evident in his voice. “A man who shares her intellectual interests. Who would encourage rather than stifle her unconventional pursuits. Who would offer partnership rather than ownership.”

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