Page 5 of The Rules of Courtship
“Indeed.” The viscount was also known to be incredibly wealthy. Oliver didn’t know the daughters well, but his cousin Samuel had mentioned their better qualities on numerous occasions. Until this moment, he had not considered attending the house party, but it was a natural step in his process. If he wanted a wife, he’d need to go in search of one. Where better to do that than a house full of young, eager ladies? Besides, Lord Rocklin had been a good friend of his father’s. Perhaps he could share insights that would help Oliver locate him.
Wycliffe patiently puffed on his pipe. He had a talent for allowing silence to sit in the room, providing space for thought. At present, however, Oliver wished he would fill it with something. Anything.
“I had hoped my father would be available, but he is still missing,” Oliver finally said. “I suppose I’ve come here because I did not know where else to go.”
Wycliffe lowered his pipe, frowning. “Nasty business, that.”
“We’ve not heard from him in over a year. My grandmother felt it wise that I wed quickly. Boone Park needs a mistress.” He felt his neck growing warm. Wycliffe knew that Boone Park also needed a fortune, but Oliver could not say so aloud.
“So you’ve decided to begin the hunt at the Rocklin house party?”
“Yes.” The decision was fresher than he allowed Wycliffe to believe, but that did not make it any less true. “Will you be home? I would like to know there is somewhere my men can go if they come upon any trouble. Someone to keep an eye on my property.”
Wycliffe’s eyes softened. “Of course. You know the new mareI intend to breed? We shall be receiving a visit from her stallion soon.”
“Wonderful news,” Oliver said. He hoped this venture was more successful than the last mare. Wycliffe had been having trouble with his horse breeding the last few years. “If anything comes up about my father, will you send word to me?”
Wycliffe gave a tense smile, a line forming between his brows. “You know I will, son.”
Oliver’s limbs felt heavy, exhaustion washing over his body. He wanted nothing more than a bruising ride that left him breathless and heaving, anything to push him outside of his body. He drew to his feet. “Thank you, Wycliffe. Your help has been unparalleled these last few years. How could I possibly thank you for all you have done?”
“It is nothing, Oliver. This is what neighbors do for one another.”
Oliver had other neighbors as well, and they hardly had a relationship. This surpassed neighborly guidance and kindness, and they both knew this. It was kind of Wycliffe to pretend otherwise for the sake of his pride.
“If there is anything I can do for you?—”
“I will ask,” Wycliffe promised. “You have not seen Ruth about recently, have you?”
“How long has she been missing?”
“Since the doctor began calling at odd hours.” Wycliffe took a final puff of his pipe. “I wish she had any desire for marriage at all. Perhaps you could talk some sense into…” His words trailed off, and he glanced up, giving Oliver an uncomfortably watchful look. “Say, this house party is not a terrible idea.”
“You would like to have your own house?—”
“No, certainly not.” Wycliffe laughed. “Far too much effort. I was thinking about theRocklinparty. We received an invitation yesterday as well, though I am not sure if my wife would like to attend without me. I cannot leave my mare at such a vital time,but if you intend to go, Ruth will have another set of eyes to watch over her.”
“Ruth has always been adept at taking care of herself,” Oliver hedged.
“Yes, but her spirit is a wild one, as you are perfectly aware. It would make me feel better knowing there is a man in attendance with her best interests in mind. Someone I trust with her life.”
The situation was spinning out of Oliver’s control. Could he search for a wife with Ruth at his side, watching his every move? He had spent the last few months believing she was the best option for a partner and convincing himself to be brave and ask her. Perhaps watching her court other men would free him from the pulling attraction he held for her. As the younger sister of his good friend, he could come to think of her as a sister, as well.
Besides, after everything Wycliffe had done for him, Oliver could not very well refuse the man.
“You know I would do anything for you and for Ruth,” Oliver finally said.
Wycliffe shot him a knowing smile. “Then it is settled. I will speak to Lady Helena and sort through the details.” He stood, walking Oliver to the door. “It will all work out for the best, son. You will see.”
Oliver certainly hoped so, but it was difficult to imagine how. Currently, he felt like he had been spun through a thunderstorm, still struggling to find which way was up.
When Oliver returnedto Boone Park, Samuel was waiting for him in the drawing room. His cousin stood beside the billiards table, an eye narrowed on the ball he meant to hit.
“You were gone longer than I expected,” Samuel said,blowing a puff of air toward the dark gold locks falling over his forehead. “Your butler put me in here to wait, but that was nigh on an hour past.”
They were both fully aware Samuel would not have waited unless he wanted to. “I had business with Wycliffe.”
Samuel glanced up, his eyes brightening. He had been half in love with Ruth their entire lives. It was stifling, yet a good reminder of why Oliver had been mad to even consider asking her to marry him.
