Page 51 of Master of Paradise
Nicholas spoke casually, as if these thingswere a common occurrence, "She won't actually become my wife untilshe's eighteen. The marriage is to be in name only.
The young men looked at Brandon forverification, and he nodded in confirmation.
Clay Hampden, who had only just been includedin gambling nights, said, "Shee-it, that will put a stop to theseweekly sessions here at Paradise."
Nicholas, the only one who'd paid attentionto the cards, laid down his winning hand. "Don't be ridiculous.We'll play every week as we always have. 'Though why you all comeis beyond me."
"We don't come to win Nick, we come for thecompany and the freedom you allow us. You're the only bachelor whohas a house of his own."
Brandon refilled his glass and announced,"After Father leaves for Richmond, I'll have a house all tomyself."
"What about your womenfolk?"
"When my dear brother-in-law marries Amandahe's taking on the whole damn tribe. I'm to be free at last."
Beau inquired, "Is Jennifer to livehere?"
"She is," Nicholas confirmed. "She will liveunder my protection while her father resides in Richmond, and I'm avery strict guardian, so you'd better mend your ways."
Beau knew what Nicholas warned him about, butit went over the heads of the others.
Brandon arrived home at two in the morning tofind Jennifer pacing up and down his bedroom. Brandon, feeling nopain after imbibing Nick's bourbon, bowed. "This is indeed anhonor. Haven't you been locked in your room for twenty-four hoursso we wouldn't contaminate you?"
"Hush up, Brandon, this is serious. What didMr. High and Mighty have to say for himself?"
"Why nothing whatsoever that was remotelyconnected with you, Jennifer."
"How in the world am I ever going to hold myhead up when word gets about that he's marrying her instead of me?I am actually expected to go and live there like some poorrelation! And come to think of it, brother, that is exactly what Iam! Damn and blast all men to hellfire! I hate every last one ofthem. We are made to depend upon men for everything because we haveno money of our own!"
Brandon sobered in a hurry when he saw thestate she was in. "Honey, don't take on so."
"How I envy you! You're a man. You can do asyou please. If I were in your shoes, I'd take over the place andrun it so it turned twice the profit Daddy ever made!"
"That's exactly what Nicholas Peacock willdo. Damnation, it makes me fatigued just thinking about it."
"Brandon for God's sake, doesn't it make youangry to think that Daddy is passing you over for NicholasPeacock?"
"We are both being passed over, aren't weJenny? The only difference is that the world won't get a chance tolaugh at me because I'll never let them see my hurt. I'll laughfirst and I'll laugh loudest."
"Well, I'll just die if they laugh at me!"she cried passionately.
"Jennifer, I'd feel a mite sorry for you ifyour heart was involved, but you know damn well it isn't. It's thehouse you want, not the man."
"Nicholas Peacock is the finest specimen of aman that's been in these parts in years," she shouted.
"Oh, I agree with you, honey. But if you willjust think for one moment-- a man like that wouldn't let you getaway with anything. Wouldn't it be more pleasant for you if youmarried a man you could wrap around your little finger? One youcould easily manipulate?"
"What shall I do then? What shall I tellpeople?"
"Don't tell them a damn thing. They'll thinkas they please no matter what you tell them. Let your actions speakfor you. Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die! Besides,who in the world knows but you and I that you set your cap for him,other than Nicholas of course?"
"That's true; not even Mandy knows I wasplanning to marry him.
"If you are wise, you'll never let her know.You'll never let anyone know."
"Can I rely on you to keep your mouth shut,Bran?"
"Sweet Jenny, you know I'm too indolent torun about whispering bits of gossip."
