Page 6 of Loving a Dowager
When Walter raised his glass to sip on his brandy, Landon chuckled and said, “I’m happy to hear Mama will have another opportunity to play matchmaker. She’s still livid over her failure to act fast enough to see to Theo’s happiness, and thank goodness I found Bronwyn before Mama could devise one of her schemes for me.”
Ha. Walter had overheard Henrietta’s plans for Landon years before the lad proposed. She had shared and debated the details with George during one of her visits to the cemetery. Henrietta had carefully evaluated a number of women from various sets before settling upon Bronwyn. Her elaborate arrangements to place Bronwyn right beneath her son’s nose had been a point of frustration for Henrietta for years. But unlike in her youth, Henrietta had learned to excel at the long game.
“Nicholas is no fool and will not be tricked into marrying.” As the words slipped over his lips, a shudder rolled through him. Walter gave himself a shake. There was nothing to worry about. Nicholas was levelheaded, intelligent, kindhearted, and loyal. Without question, his nephew would choose wisely. It was simply a matter of convincing the lad he should take action.
“Mama will not resort to trickery.” The man’s rare dimple reappeared. “Her scheme will all hinge upon her claim that it is simply a matter of numbers and being skilled at identifying the perfect candidate.”
Walter’s chest constricted. “Pray elaborate.”
The lad’s broad grin was an exact replica of his papa’s. Walter had been the recipient of such a look many a time while George was alive. Even after two decades, the mischievous tilt still had the ability to set bells off in Walter’s mind.
Landon said, “Mama will parade as many women as possible before Lord Darlington, and all the while she will be waiting for a tell to present itself.”
“A tell?” The future Darlington bloodline was at the mercy of some ambiguous observation.
“Aye.” Landon lifted his tumbler back to his lips but before he drained its contents, he said, “A signal. Something that might indicate the potential for a love match.”
The boy must think him a fool. Shifting in his seat to stare at the dwindling fire, Walter sighed. “Love is more than physical attraction.”
“I wholeheartedly agree. Nonetheless, lord help us all, Mama will be determined to locate Darlington’s love match.”
“Love match.” Walter couldn’t believe his ears. Finding a love match for Nicholas would be like finding a four-leaf clover in the streets of London. “A luxury titled gentlemen are rarely afforded. If that is Henrietta’s plan, it will be a long, trying season.” He raised his glass to his lips. The idea that he’d be in close contact with the woman he’d loved for over three decades, instead of admiring her from afar, had him tilting the tumbler until every last drop wet his palate. Yes, it was going to be a very long season indeed.
His host rose and made his way to the dwindling fire. With a well-placed jab, the boy once again stoked the flames back to life. Poker in hand, Landon said, “I disagree. Many of my titled gentlemen friends have found wedded bliss based on love.” He leaned the iron rod back against the wall and clasped his hands behind his back, the stance all barristers assumed before cross examination of a witness. Landon asked, “Would a season in my mama’s company be such a trial for you?”
Walter would have to watch his speech in Landon’s presence lest he give up too many of his secrets. Landon shared George’s razor-sharp mind and the ability to phrase queries that would garner him a wealth of information. Walter may not have gained his qualification at the Inns of Court, but he had gained a sound education at Oxford. Combined with years of negotiating contracts and handling Darlington’s affairs until he was of age, it had taught Walter silence was the best answer to all queries you wished to avoid.
Landon raised a hand to make a point. “You and Mama have much in common.”
“How so?” He wanted to clasp a hand over his mouth. He was supposed to remain silent.
“You both placed the safety and security of the children in your care above all else.”
“Raising my nephews and niece was no hardship.” His brothers’ children had provided Walter with an abundance of joy over the years. He never regretted his decision to become sole guardian and keep them all under one roof.
“I’m certain Mama would make the same claim.”
Walter twisted slightly to meet Landon’s keen gaze. “Not an assertion. Merely a fact.”
“You share with Mama an innate ability to love others to the detriment of your own needs.” Landon began to pace in front of the fire. It was obvious Landon was not done quizzing Walter. “It’s purported that you were considered quite the catch during your formidable years, yet none of the ladies were able to convince you to offer for their hand. Widows and mistresses were left broken hearted.”
Landon paused and swiveled on his heel to glare down at Walter. “Now that both Christopher and I are wed, Mama deserves and has the freedom to seek out her own happiness. To love again. To be with someone worthy of her love and who will appreciate her unique abilities.” Landon’s gaze held the look of a predator about to bite down on its prey’s neck. The lad was building up to his closing statement.
Walter wanted to bolt for the door, but that was no solution; Landon would simply hunt him down. Carefully crafting his response, Walter answered, “I agree your mama ought to live out the rest of her life in happiness. But Henrietta doesn’t need a man—never has.”
Landon resumed his seat next to Walter and faced the fire. “Aye, the women in my family are self-sufficient. However, they do deserve to be loved and cherished.” Landon tilted his head towards Walter. “Having become reacquainted with Mama, do you fancy yourself up for the challenge?”
It was the question Landon had been building up to and the one Walter suspected was coming. “Beg pardon?” Walter’s heart stopped.
“Based on my sources and my own observations, you are in love with Mama. I suspect you have been for years.” Landon leaned back and crossed his legs at the ankles. “It is time, Lord Weathersbee, for you to decide whether or not to act upon your desires. Or have you already decided? You did reveal yourself today at my papa’s grave.”
Not exactly by choice, more due to poor planning and an interfering flower girl. Dammit. Landon was correct. It was time he gathered the courage to act upon his feelings for Henrietta. No more excuses. It had dawned upon him the day Christopher had set sail across the pond with his wife that his nephews and niece should soon be happily settled also. It was time to act. He simply hadn’t fully formulated his plan, and until he did he’d remain silent on the topic. “What do you know of Lord Otterman?”
“Before I answer, I want your promise Weathersbee—ifyou choose to pursue my mamaandyou succeed, you will see to her happiness until her last breath.” Landon wasn’t giving Walter his endorsement to pursue his mama; no, the lad was making it clear that should Walter dare to act, he’d best succeed and not hurt his mama in the process.
Walter inwardly sighed. Could he make the same promise a second time? “Aye, you have my word.”
The scratch at the door was well timed. Landon ordered, “Enter.” He rose and Walter followed suit. They meandered over to Landon’s desk where the butler presented them with salver of three parchment bundles tied with string. “My thanks, Morris. Is this all there is?”
