Page 196 of From Rakes to Riches

“I am baffled by it too, and I admit a part of me could have very easily ignored his wishes just to spite him. However, I shouldn’t want you to suffer because of the enmity between my father and me.”

“Why were you at odds?”

Tobias exhaled and pressed his back against the chair. “I was always closer to my mother. She spent most of her time at Horethorne, her grandmother’s house in south Somerset. Before I went to school, that is where I spent most of my time as well.” He closed his eyes for a moment and saw the swing that hung from the oak in the park, smelled the grass and summer flowers, felt the rush of warm air as he flew through the air, and heard his mother’s laughter as she pushed him higher.

“You’re remembering something,” she noted softly.

He opened his eyes to find her watching him intently. “Yes. I miss my mother very much. Perhaps the closeness of our relationship was a stark contrast to what I shared—ordidn’t share—with my father. He was unflinchingly stern and demanding.”

“How long ago did you lose your mother?”

“When I was sixteen.” So long ago. “Nearly twelve years has passed.”

“I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure she was brilliant, since you loved her so much.”

“She was indeed. And how was your mother? You’ve already indicated your father wasn’t terribly fatherly, for lack of a better word. Seems our fathers had that in common.”

Tobias had a sudden thought. They were close friends and had remained that way since their Oxford days. That they’d been friends at all was surprising, given their backgrounds. He wondered what else they’d had in common. Perhaps their friendship had been very deep indeed. That might explain his father’s puzzling dedication to Miss Wingate, the only child of his close friend.

“Yes, it seems so. No wonder they were dear friends,” she said with a shake of her head. “My mother was caring, but she was also distracted. She was never quite…content. I’m not sure how to describe it. She always made sure our home was warm and comfortable and that I was happy. When I think back, it seems she didn’t have much of a life of her own and that makes me a bit sad.”

Tobias’s heart went out to her. He’d hate to think of his mother not having her own life. She’d had Horethorne and him, and that had truly seemed to bring her an excess of satisfaction and joy. “I should think so.”

“I suppose that’s why I’m so very grateful for this opportunity you’ve given me—the ability to see things I never would have. To experience an adventure.” Her mouth quirked into a brief, wide smile. “That’s what the queen said to me today.”

Tobias leaned forward. “I’d meant to ask you what she said when she asked you to approach. I wasn’t sure if you’d want to share.”

She lifted a shoulder. “I don’t mind. She said this was the adventure of a lifetime and that I should enjoy it. I felt such relief when she said that. I’d begun to despair that a London Season is really no more than a business transaction. A young lady receives clothing and experiences, and in return, she must marry to the best of her ability.”

The uncomfortable truth of her assessment pierced straight into Tobias, making him shift in his seat. “I suppose it really is just that,” he said a bit hesitantly, as if not agreeing with her would make it less true.

Her gaze met his, and she didn’t blink. “As I told you, I don’t wish to marry, at least not right now. However, I also don’t want to return to Bitterley. I fear my life might turn out like my mother’s.”

Another direct hit. Tobias pressed back against the chair and scrubbed his forehead. It occurred to him that he was forcing something upon her that she didn’t want, not now anyway. He was no better than his father. Damn if that didn’t sting worse than anything she’d said to him.

Before he could come up with a thing to say, she continued. “I will wed, however.BecauseI don’t want to return to Bitterley. All I’m asking for is some time to enjoy the Season and my, er, freedom. It is my hope that in time I will meet someone with whom I will suit.”

How could he argue with such a sensible plan? “You must forgive me, Miss Wingate. I fear I’ve been rather wrapped up in my own problems, and I failed to recognize what a drastic change this is for you. Yes, please take time to adjust. I was actually thinking that you might benefit from a respite from the demands of the Season. We have the ball tomorrow night, butafter that, we’ll decline your invitations for the next week or two so you may become more comfortable.”

Her brow furrowed, and she rested her elbow on the arm of her chair. “I was rather enjoying the events of the Season. Even today’s drawing room.”

He smiled. “I’m glad. I’m not asking you to become a hermit. We just won’t attend any more invitations until March. You’re welcome to visit with Lady Cassandra and take outings together. Weren’t you planning to go to Gunter’s soon?”

Her brow was still creased, and he suspected she didn’t like what he was suggesting. “Yes, we are still planning that as well as a few other things.” Fiona drew a breath. “Lord Overton, is this some sort of punishment for?—”

He sat forward in his chair. “Not at all. I thought youwantedtime to adjust. This seemed like a good solution.” Except she seemed to be enjoying her Season just fine, even if he thought she needed more tutelage. “It’s only for a short period.” Besides, with her safe at home, he could focus on finding his bride.

Her features finally relaxed, the lines in her forehead smoothing until they disappeared. “You mentioned you had problems. Is there any way I can help?”

He glanced toward the fire. “I, ah, need to marry this Season.”

“‘Need’ to? Is there a reason for your urgency?”

He didn’t want to reveal his father’s dying edict. It was one thing for people to conclude that he was countess-hunting given his reentry into Society and his improved behavior. However, to share his father’s machinations and the fact that he was manipulating Tobias from the grave was far more than he wanted to acknowledge.

“Now that I’ve inherited the title, it’s time,” he said. “I thought I could see you wed and then focus on my own marriage hunt.”

“I see.” She pressed her lips together and turned her head toward the fire.

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