Page 45 of The Lady's Guide to Marrying a Viscount
“Not to worry. It will all work out, I’m sure.” Mallon shifted in his seat. “I realize your uncle’s death has brought you a title and lands of your own, but you know Wulverton Hall will also be yours one day, and the viscountcy.”
“Seems rather rum, doesn’t it?” Hugo looked wistful. “So many chaps without much of a fortune at all, and two falling in my lap without me having to lift a finger.”
Mallon nodded. It was ‘rum’, the way things worked out. Mallon might have wished for a more resolute streak in the young man who would, one day, inherit the Wulverton estate, but it could have been far worse.Hugo’s heart was in the right place, even if he was limited in the brains department. Mallon had grown quite fond of him. He had Edward’s manner all right, taking the world as it came and generally seeing the best in it.
He wondered what Allenby de Wolfe would have made of it all, or the great Gaetan de Wolfe. Hugo hardly fitted the heroic mold of their de Wolfe ancestors.
But then, neither do I, thought Mallon. He’d done his duty as a soldier, it was true, but he’d never considered himself brave. As for honor and acclaim, Mallon had no desire for either. He’d be content to do right by his tenants and to ensure the security of Wulverton for future generations. Having no son of his own, he needed Hugo for that.
And Hugo needed him, too.
Just over two years had passed since Edward had died, and Hugo appeared to be dealing well with his bereavement, but he needed a father-figure to guide him.
Mallon hadn’t yet processed his feelings of grief over his brother’s death. It was another emotion he’d battened down, unwilling to dwell upon what he’d lost. What point was there in rehashing the past? Better to concentrate on what he could do now, to make amends.
Naturally, the subject of Hugo, one day, taking a wife, ought to be brought up.
Mallon took a deep breath. “The fact is, it falls to you, Hugo, as the future viscount, to ensure the succession.” Seeing a look ofconfusion cross his nephew’s face, Mallon elaborated further. “Stallion and well-bred mare, Hugo, and a stable full of healthy foals.”
Hugo colored a little, as realization dawned. “Ram and ewes, birds and bees?”
“Exactly.” Mallon suppressed a sigh.
“Well, I’d not thought to marry just yet.” Hugo swirled the whisky around his glass. “But Ihavebeen wondering what it might be like, just lately…”
Mallon gave a tight smile. What he said next needed to be worded carefully. “Hugo, it goes without saying that the mother of all those…foals, should be a woman worthy of being brought into the family.”
“Someone of rank, you mean?” Hugo nodded. “You intend for me to go up for the Season and choose my filly.” He looked pleased with himself. “I’m well ahead of you on that count.”
Mallon sat further back in his chair. At last, they were getting somewhere. “Rank isn’t everything, Hugo; nor is wealth.”
“That’s what I’ve always thought, too. Beatrice, for instance! Lovely girl! Not a penny to her name and no nobility to speak of, although I believe her grandfather on her father’s side was the youngest son of a baronet somewhere in Somerset.” Hugo gave a low whistle. “I’ve always been sweet on her. Used to play together as children.”
Hugo looked towards the window again, in the vague direction of the Wapshots’ rectory, requiring Mallon to cough loudly to regain his attention.
“Sorry!” Hugo gave another grin. “Just remembering.” He gave his head a little shake. “As I say, I’d notbeen thinking of the wedded state, but I must own to my heart having been set aflutter, and by a woman perfect on all counts.” He tapped the side of his nose in conspiratorial fashion.
“Oh, yes?” Mallon spoke through clenched teeth.
“She has funds of her own, so she can’t possibly be after me for mine.” Hugo gave a guffaw. “But, more than that, she’s the epitome of feminine refinement. Bearing of a queen! Figure of a goddess!” He sat forward in excitement. “And, she rather likes me. We’ve even kissed…just a little.”
“I see.” Mallon felt himself grow cold.
“Nothing to jeopardize her reputation,” Hugo added quickly. “Just a peck, really, although I must be a pretty good kisser, as she seemed to want me to carry on.” His cheeks heated again.
Mallon steeled himself to say what must be said. “I’ve little doubt she does want you to kiss her, Hugo, and a great many things besides.” Mallon gave his nephew a pointed look. “I’m guessing you’re referring to the countess.”
Hugo nodded vigorously, his color deepening.
“You must remember she’s a woman of experience.”
Hugo tugged at his collar, his eyes growing wide. “She’s been married before, so she’ll know what’s what, I suppose.” His expression veered from wonderment to fright and settled somewhere in the realm of awe.
Mallon inwardly cursed himself. Hugo, he should have realized, had never slept with a woman. Goodness only knew what fantasies were now being kindled.
“Let me be plain, Hugo.The countess may only be a few years your senior, but she will have enjoyed…vastly different experiences.” Mallon meant to offer warning, but Hugo was sitting on the edge of his seat, apparently eager to hear more.
Mallon cleared his throat, taking a sterner tone. “I suspect she has a number of men among her acquaintance.”
