Page 47 of Wicked Is the Duke
"I have it on excellent authority Carlisle asked Lady Caroline's father for his permission to marry her."
"Marry her?" Blackmont parroted. "Who was your excellent authority?"
"Her brother. He told me last evening at White's. He was not in a frame of mind to be trifled with. He was beside himself knowing his father had agreed to such a match."
"It does seem a bit unusual, though the way Lady Caroline has been acting as of late, I imagine he felt he had no other choice. Certainly, she's ruined her chances of finding a good match," he said. "What I don't understand is why."
Radcliff bit back a laugh. "Come now, you know the moment she left London to try and stop your marriage to Anna and left with Carlisle she was ruined."
Henry shook his head. "She's not my concern, and neither is Carlisle. I do wish her well, though surely she must know his financial situation."
Yes, she and Carlisle would be miserable together while he and Anna would be blissfully married for many years to come.
"Her dowry will shore him up for a while if he's careful."
"I doubt that. He'll go through the money within the year," Henry replied.
"I thought you would want to know. Carlisle applied for a special license, so the wedding should take place soon. I'm sure her father wants her out of his household."
Henry threw back the remainder of his whiskey. "Her plans certainly took another turn."
"They did. I hope she knows what she's gotten herself into. Carlisle has little regard for women, and that worries me."
"Like I said, not my concern. I must say, though, you certainly are taking a great interest in Lady Caroline."
"I would worry about any woman in the earl's clutches. That includes Lady Caroline."
"Well, I'm sure it's made the gossip sheets, which means Anna will hear about it."
"I'm sure, and she's your problem now, Henry." He chuckled and threw back his whiskey.
Henry grabbed the decanter and poured them two more drinks. "I'm surprised you're still here."
"I'm getting ready to meet my parents in Bath. You remember they rent a house there every summer."
"I do. Anna and I will be here for a week or two, then I would like to take her north to my two lesser estates," he replied. "After that, back to Blackmont Crest."
"Surely this isn't your wedding trip," Radcliff scoffed.
"No, I'm hoping we can take that in early autumn. If not, next spring for sure."
Radcliff smirked. "So how is it?"
"How is what?"
"How is it being married?"
"It's amazing. Anna is a remarkable woman."
"From what I know of her, she is. You were smart to wait."
Blackmont knew he'd made the right decision in taking Anna as his wife and duchess. She was uninterested in the gossip of thetonbut interested in preserving her surroundings. Traits not found too often in aristocratic women. She was truly interested in learning everything there was to know of her new position. Henry knew he was fortunate to have her in his life.
