Page 3 of The Truth about the Viscount
“And this time, will you permit your sister to wed?”
At this, Daniel rolled his eyes.
“I do not knowwhymy mother insisted that she wait. Last Season would have been the perfect time for her to secure a match but no, it was not to be.” With a sigh, he shook his head. “It seems that this Season, I must do my duty as I did last Season and shall not have the chance to do as I please until she is wed!”
“Your mother is present also, yes?”
Daniel nodded.
“Yes, she is. Though she is not present this evening, for she is a little weary from traveling still.”
His friend chuckled.
“Then you must do all that you can to marry your sister to a respectable gentleman just as soon as possible, for then you shall have all the freedom that you desire.”
Daniel laughed aloud before throwing back his brandy and, thereafter, picking up another from the tray of a passing footman.
“Though I must say, I shall still be careful when it comes to Isabella’s husband.” Growing suddenly serious, he waggled one finger in Lord Milthorpe’s direction. “You must not encourage me to push her into the arms of the very first gentleman who seeks to court her, for I certainly willnotdo such a thing as that.”
Thankfully, Lord Milthorpe did not take the least bit of offense, though he did hold up both hands, palms out towards Daniel.
“I shall not do so.”
“You recall the conversation that I had with Lord Newforth last Season?” Daniel scowled at the memory of it. “That gentleman was most insistent that he be the one to court Isabella with the prospect of marriage in his view, but hearing of his character, I had no choice but to refuse him. I care about her a great deal, though I jest about my lack of freedom and the like. She must have a suitable husband, who is good in both his temperament and his standing.”
Lord Milthorpe put one hand to his heart.
“I swear to you that I shall do all that I can to support you in this.”
“I thank you.”
“Though, if I recall, did you make it quite clear last Season that your sister wasnotto marry?”
Frowning gently, Daniel nodded.
“I did.”
“Then might I give you a warning?” Lord Milthorpe continued, coming a little closer and, thereafter, gesturing to the crowd around them. “Thetonknow of your wealth, Daniel. They know that your sister will have an excellent dowry, and a fine income thereafter. You must be on your guard, my dear friend,for there will be many a gentleman who might well seek her out based on her fortune.”
Daniel scowled darkly, looking around the crowd as his friend did, wondering which of these gentlemen might do such a thing as that. It was not a thought that he had given much time to consider, but now that Lord Milthorpe had said it, Daniel could well understand it.
“I value your considerations, my friend.” His scowl grew darker. “It is something which I have thought upon for myself, I will admit, but I did not consider it for my sister.”
Daniel’s wealth was great indeed, even greater than those with higher titles and while he was very careful indeed to push away any young ladies – or their grasping mothers – from his company, he had not thought that such a thing could happen to Isabella. That, he saw, had been an oversight. Irritated still by his lack of consideration and, in addition, the realization of how selfish some of thetoncould be, Daniel finished up his second brandy and then reached for a third.
“Another?”
Seeing Lord Milthorpe’s slightly lifted eyebrow, Daniel shrugged.
“I must try to enjoy myself a little, must I not?”
His friend hesitated for a moment, then looked away.
“I suppose so.”
“Do not worry.” Daniel waved one hand vaguely. “I know my responsibilities this evening, and I will not forget them.”
“Lord Hastings?”
