Page 13 of Revealing a Rogue
Seated at the head of the table, Landon had a clear view of each member. He attempted to decipher which of the elders would act first. His posture remained defensive as he deflected the collective grim expressions sent his way. Waterford’s attention was drawn to the massive pile of food on his plate. Oddly, he resisted consuming the delicious fare.
Mrs. Barnwell clasped her hands together in front of her and closed her eyes. The others followed suit, and he did too. But it was Mr. Cadby’s voice that said, “Let’s pray.”
Landon peeked at the man who was to be his father-in-law. The same man who had tested Landon’s patience, putting him through hours of discomfort as the mark of a PORF was placed upon him. Knowing Cadby’s dislike of him, Landon was prepared to pay a king’s ransom to gain the man’s blessing. He never expected to want to win the man’s respect, but now, Landon questioned whether he was even worthy of marrying one of the Network’s most valued members.
“God, we thank ye for the blessed fare before us and pray for yer divine guidance in the matter before us today. Amen.”
“Amen.” Landon opened his eyes.
All the elders were poised to eat except for Cadby, who said, “What made ye decide to offer for me Bronwyn and not for a titled lady?”
Landon speared a slice of beef onto his fork and raised it to his mouth but then lowered it to his plate to answer. He had anticipated the question, but his pre-formulated answer didn’t roll off his tongue as expected. Instead, he replied, “Bronwyn’s beautiful features remain with me day and night. Her voice is…” Waterford’s booted toe came into direct contact with his leg. He glared at the man, but seeing his friend’s grin, Landon realized waxing poetic phrases now would not gain him the council’s blessings to marry Bronwyn. But his prepared speech would fail also. He’d have to employ his rusty barrister skills and form arguments as each question was posed, but with no prior cases to reference, he’d have to speak from the heart. “I wasn’t raised to hold the title of earl, nor bear the honor of being the head PORF.”
Cadby interrupted, “A titled lady could aid ye…”
Landon raised a hand to halt his future father-in-law. “If you will permit, I have a rather lengthy response.” He glanced about the table. The elders nodded their consent to proceed, and Cadby stuffed his mouth full of food.
“The morn I asked Bronwyn for her hand in marriage, I had no clue she was a member of the Network. But I did know that she was an extraordinary woman. Intelligent and brave. As my secretary, she exhibited a quick mind and had provided me sound advice for years. She made me a better barrister.” Landon clenched his stomach as it rumbled. The scent of the food tormented him, but winning the elders over was far more important. “Bronwyn does not back away from a challenge. When I told her she could not attend meetings with clients until her enunciation improved, she waltzed into my brother’s office and demanded he assist her. She claimed since Christopher had hired her and told her she was capable of the position, it was his responsibility to train her. Bronwyn worked tirelessly to amend her accent.”
“Aye, and we all suffered for it,” Cadby muttered as he chewed on a turkey leg. Even Mrs. Lennox nodded her head at Cadby’s grumblings.
Ignoring the man’s comment, Landon said, “I do not know ofanyunmarried, titled ladies who have the qualities I consider imperative for the Countess of Hadfield.” Landon slid a glance to Waterford, who was grinning like a fool. “Bronwyn possesses the virtues I require. She is assertive, brave, compassionate, fair, gracious, and loyal. Should I go on?”
Before Landon could place the bite upon his fork in his mouth, Mrs. Barnwell said, “As a PORF, Bronwyn would lose the right to succeed Mr. Cadby on the council. Her brother Harold will assume the responsibility. We request Harold be trained in law so our members will continue to have access to the legal assistance that Bronwyn currently provides.”
Cadby’s features darkened. It was apparent he did not care for the change.
Landon replied, “I shall ensure Harold receives the best legal training and will confer with Bronwyn as to what her wishes and thoughts are with regard to the matter. What position does Harold currently hold?”
Every fork stilled. Were they shocked he’d discuss the matter with his wife or the fact he dared to pose a query of his own?
Waterford swallowed and whispered, “No questions.”
Landon pushed his plate away from him. He wouldn’t indulge until the proceedings were over. “Obviously, I’m here to address your concerns over my intention to marry Bronwyn.” He shifted his gaze from one elder to the next as he spoke. “But unlike other potential suitors wishing to marry into the Network, I am a PORF. The head PORF. There hasn’t been a PORF who has claimed possession of the rondure in generations. I’ve read journals from all three families, and I’ve yet to find guidance. But there is one fact that is blatantly clear, as the holder of the rondure, I am responsible for all PORFsandthe Network.” No one had moved during his entire monologue. He cringed at the thought behaving like a dictator, but PORFs and the Network needed to work together and cease to operate as two separate entities. “I apologize, Mrs. Barnwell, for interrupting the proceedings. I shall table my questions and concerns until after my return from Scotland.”
Cadby’s face turned bright red. Landon was about to stand and pound on the man’s back when Waterford’s hand fell upon his forearm and kept him in place.
“Scotland!” Cadby bellowed. “Coin or no coin, ye will have to prove to us tonight ye are worthy of wedding our Bronwyn.”
Landon took a sip of his wine and faced Cadby’s angry visage. “I’m willing to meet every one of your demands, answer any questions you may have, but no one will be leaving until I’ve received your blessing to wed Bronwyn.”
The three ladies raised their goblets in the air, Landon followed suit, and then Waterford, Rutherford and Cadby did too.
Mrs. Barnwell toasted, “To new beginnings.”
Chapter Six
The rhythm of the carriage horses’ hooves hitting the cobbled road slowed, and Landon blinked away thoughts of a quick afternoon nap. He was accompanying Theo to Ms. Lennox’s store for another fitting. Pregnancy had not slowed his cousin down in the slightest. The woman was always on the move and hard to corner, but he needed her assistance. Landon covered his umpteenth yawn. He was about to reach for the door latch when Theo cleared her throat. He paused and glanced at his cousin, who sat primly on the forward-facing seat with her hands firmly clasped in her lap.
Exhausted after no sleep for two consecutive nights, he leaned back. “What’s the matter?”
Theo’s emerald green eyes blazed with anger. “I don’t understand why you insist on rushing off to Scotland. Archbroke obtained the special license you requested; why not have the ceremony here at week’s end?”
“I simply changed my mind.” He leaned forward to exit, but his cousin crossed her arms and glared at him. Obviously, Theo had more say on the issue and wasn’t about to leave the carriage until she was satisfied.
“I don’t believe you. You always have sound reasoning for every decision you make. Traveling to Scotland makes no sense.”
Landon shrugged. “Hmm. And what would you say if I told you it was one of three concessions Bronwyn extracted before she agreed to marry me?”
