Page 6 of An Arranged Marriage with a Cruel Earl
Chapter 3
Andrew leaned back in his chair, his eyes weary from the strain. He had done as he had planned and had resumed looking over the accounts after a day spent resting and riding.
“It’s not possible,” he muttered into the empty air.
The amount owed by the Rilendale estate ran to a little over five thousand pounds, and that was just debts to craftsmen and tradesmen in the greater London area. If he considered the other debts, it was closer to eight thousand. He ran a hand through his thick black hair and tried to ignore his desperate inclination to go down to the stables, saddle his horse and run away.
A knock at the door made him jump in startled surprise.
“What is it?” he called.
“Lord Neville is here, my lord. Should I send him in?”
“Please,” Andrew replied at once, relief washing through him like a wave. He needed the distraction of someone friendly to talk to.
Mr Pearson opened the door and Neville strode in almost at once.
“Neville!” Andrew greeted, relieved to see him. “I almost forgot your visit. Apologies. I wasn’t aware of the hour.” He had slept later than usual, since he had been blissfully untroubled by visions of his grandfather in dreams. After two hours poring over accounts in the study, it was getting close to lunchtime.
“Just thought I’d drop in,” Neville said casually, drawing out his chair where he customarily sat. Neville’s expression was unusually tense, his eyes bright as though he was intent on something.
“How was your ride to London?” Andrew asked him.
“I had a successful meeting at the club,” Neville told him. Andrew frowned.
“Did something interesting happen?” He could sense that Neville was focused on something, and he wondered what it was.
“I have some news for you,” Neville said lightly.
“News?” His stomach twisted with some sort of anticipation. As Neville cleared his throat, he realised how unusual it seemed to be looking forward to things.
“Yes. I happened to fall in with a fellow, the Baron of Bradwood, at the club with the fellows. Never met him before, but he was telling me and hisbusiness associate about his worries. Might not have talked so freely, but for a little brandy.” Neville shrugged.
Neville sipped his tea and Andrew itched with impatience to hear the story. After what seemed like an age, Neville put his teacup aside and continued.
“He told us,” he began, “that he has been worried about his daughter. She is of marriageable age and has a considerable dowry. Even so, he has struggled to find suitors in London.” He shrugged again. “Said the girl was too shy even to speak to anyone.” His eyes widened. “I thought of you.”
“Of me?” Andrew gaped at him. “You mean...”
“Yes. I hope you can forgive me, but I took it upon myself to mention your worries to this baron, and he practically threw himself on the floor before me, wanting me to make an introduction to you. Of course, I said I would do so. It’s the least I can do. I thought the poor fellow was in such a predicament that I simply had to.”
“You led the fellow to believe I would be interested in wedding his daughter?” Andrew stared at him.
“Yes,” Neville said with a touch of levity. “Pardon me, old chap.”
Andrew swallowed hard. His grandmother’s counsel echoing in his mind, and he had to admit there was merit to it. He narrowed his eyes. “Pray, tell me you made it abundantly clear that you had no such authorisation from me?”
Neville tilted his head. “Well, he did not inquire, so I saw no reason to volunteer that information.”
Andrew flushed. Neville had no right to suggest such a thing to anyone. But at the same time, he could not forget that his grandmother had proposed something quite similar only the day before. And it was, indeed, a sensible notion. If he were guided solely by cold, unfeeling business acumen, he would have acted upon it without hesitation.
“I hope you didn’t let the poor fellow believe I would do as you suggest,” Andrew continued. “I might disappoint him.”
“At least meet her?” Neville asked lightly.
Andrew let out a sigh.
“Her dowry is more than fifteen thousand pounds,” Neville added.
