Page 53 of Sense and Suitability
Simon sent Ben a warning glare, which only bounced off the man’s self-satisfied grin. A bruised eye would do a great deal to alter his smug expression. Perhaps a broken nose too.
“Come now. It has all the best parts of those novels. Hero’s noble sacrifice for his family, faced with financial ruin, having to choosebetween love and duty.” He waved toward the door, as if to conjure up someone. “You’ve even got the tragic heroine in the mix.”
“If I had the money to spare, I’d pay you to leave right now.”
Ben chuckled, entirely unbothered. “Your house is teeming with characters waiting to be written. Speaking of, I ran into the infamous Aunt Agatha as I came in. She gave me a look that could freeze the Thames in mid-July.” He forced an exaggerated shiver. “I can’t fathom why she doesn’t like me. I’m rather charming, if I do say so myself.”
Simon, at that moment, found himself fully sympathizing with Aunt Agatha. “Aunt Agatha has little patience for charm, as you well know.”
“Her loss then.” Ben reclined farther, crossing his arms with a smirk. “I’d be an asset to any dinner party, charming as I am. Is she always so... glacial?”
Simon’s attention fastened on the note on the side table. “I’ve known her softer side, though I’ve not seen it for a few months.”
“Ah.” Ben sat up, grinning. He always grinned when Simon was on edge. “Why do I get the sense she’s complicated matters for you?”
Simon growled, the sound unintentionally revealing.
“And...” Ben drew the word out, his grin turning positively wicked. “What is her current method of torture?”
Simon sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “An ultimatum actually. I’m tasked with hiring a governess and finding a wife—without causing a scandal—before the end of the season.”
“What?” A laugh burst from Ben. “And if you fail, will she send you to bed without supper?”
Simon leveled a glare in his direction. “She’s offering an allowance, one that would grant me a bit more freedom to save the estate.”
“Is it really as bad as that, Simon?” Ben’s expression sobered. “That you must accept her terms?”
Simon rubbed at his temples, the weight of the situation pullingat him like a physical ache. “My cousin was thorough in his debts, my father very close behind.”
Ben winced. “Good heavens.”
“And Aunt Agatha,” Simon continued, “is dangling just enough of an allowance to keep Ravenscross afloat. She’s made it clear—if I don’t find a bride by the end of the season, she’ll end her allowance.”
“No wonder you’re in a devil of a mood.” Ben gave a low whistle, shaking his head. “A bride? By the end of the season? It’s absurd.”
“Unfortunately, what I really need is time.” He ran a hand over his face, giving his head another shake. Time to watch his current ventures expand. Time to see how his investments grow. “Time to make good decisions, not just practical ones.”
An uncharacteristic frown played over Ben’s features as he studied Simon. “On second thought, practicality doesn’t suit you at all.”
“I’m afraid that what suits me,” Simon replied dryly, “is a dowry large enough to save Ravenscross without delay.”
Ben’s grimace deepened, before recovering with a glint to his eyes. “Well then, if practicality is all you need, then Mrs. Tewksbury is an obvious choice. She has a fortune, is pleasant enough, and I hear she’s rather fond of gardens. You do have a garden, don’t you?”
Simon scowled. “Mrs. Tewksbury is twice my age.”
Ben waved off the comment with a casual flick of his wrist. “Details.”
“And I would like an heir,” Simon added. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Mrs. Tewksbury is not an option.”
“Then there’s Miss Moss, of course.” Ben’s grin returned, this time brighter. “Didn’t you already dance with her? Perfectly amiable, lovely hair, and—most importantly—no scandal attached to her name.”
Ah, his friend was trying to lighten the mood. Simon raised a brow. “Miss Moss barely said two words the entire evening.”
“Precisely,” Ben countered, his grin widening. “Think of the peace and quiet she’ll bring to your life.”
Simon chuckled despite himself. “Indeed. I shall move her to the top of the list.”
Ben stood, clapping Simon on the shoulder as he passed. “Well, I’d offer more advice, but I believe you’re beyond saving.”
