Page 26 of Betting on a Baron
With his gaze locked on Daphne, who was standing with her back to him in a spectacular pale pink gown that hugged her lush full figure, he ignored the whispers of surprise that he was in attendance. He’d become accustomed to the unflattering remarks and didn’t mind so much when they disparaged his nature. It was when the gossip mongers attacked Alice that he struggled not to retaliate.
A few steps more and he’d be back by Daphne's side, where he belonged.
“Not so fast, Harlowe.” Lord Foxton's large form blocked his way.
“Not now, Foxton.” Ambrose attempted to sidestep around the man who had been a nuisance all Season long, hounding Ambrose to come clean about his financial situation.
“I need to speak with you…” Foxton’s hand clasped about his arm.
Ambrose tore his gaze from Daphne and came face to face with Foxton’s serious features.
“About?”
Foxton looked over his shoulder in Alice and Daphne’s direction and then back at Ambrose. “Is it hereditary to provide one-word responses?”
“No.” He shook off Foxton’s hold on him and glanced back at Daphne, who was standing next to Foxton’s youngest sister, Lady Lillian Tanner.
“I’d like a moment of your time… in private.” Foxton let out a sigh and added, “Please.”
Knowing how trying a younger sister can be, Ambrose took mercy on his friend and said, “Very well, but whatever it is you wish to discuss, it had best be dire in nature.”
Foxton nodded and set off for the doors. Ambrose danced around guests behind Foxton, who didn’t break stride. Ambrose frowned at the determined set of the shoulders before him. In all the years he’d known Foxton, he’d never seen the man act so doggedly. The man refrained from involving himself in difficult situations and avoided conflict at all costs. A trinkle of anxiety ran down Ambrose’s spine.
With the din of chatter behind them, Foxton entered Lord Osbourne’s large and extremely well-stocked library. Despite the lit fireplace, there was a distinct chill in the room.
Foxton held out his hands in front of the fire. “I’d like your permission to wed Alice.”
Of all the subjects Foxton could have broached, marrying Alice was not one Ambrose had even considered. Not once had his sister even alluded to having an interest in Foxton.
Ambrose sank into the wingback chair facing the fire and asked, “Have you discussed your plans with Alice?”
Foxton turned to face Ambrose. “Are you mad? Of course not. When it comes to the topic of marriage, your sister is… well, she’s stubborn.”
“Since I know you are a gentleman and would never compromise a friend’s sister, so why are you seeking my permission before gaining Alice’s agreement?”
Foxton scowled. “She won’t listen to reason.”
“I’m all ears.”
“Alice is five-and-twenty. It’s time she got married.”
“I don’t have time to waste, Foxton. Spit out the real reason why you wish to wed Alice or I’m leaving.”
His friend's hands fisted.
He’d never seen Foxton so agitated before.
Ambrose rolled to his feet and Foxton said, “Wait.”
It was clear Foxton was struggling to string words together.
Ambrose asked, “Do you love Alice?”
“Love?” Foxton’s scowl returned. “Absolutely not.”
The vehemence with which Foxton replied could not be feigned.
“Then for the love of God, explain why you wish to marry my sister.” Ambrose watched Foxton pace in front of him like a caged lion.
