Page 116 of A Duchess to Fight For
Percy leaned back in his chair. “May I ask her today?”
Frederick looked back at him. “Did you come prepared?”
Percy pulled out an emerald ring with a diamond on each side. He knew Frederick would approve of it. It was large, and it was beautiful. Percy took time and care choosing it, and he was pleased with it.
Hobart strained his neck, “Let me see that?” He held it up to the light and turned it around in his hand.
“It will do.”
Percy plucked it out of Hobart’s hand and handed it to Frederick. Frederick nodded.
“It will do.”
Hobart turned to Frederick. “Now that our happy talk is over, we have real things to discuss.
“Harold. You remember the one who wanted Percy on a ship to America. Harold Newton is marrying Inez Rayburn, most likely within the fortnight.
“That leaves Barton with no marriage prospect, once again. Percy and I both think it’s time to eliminate the problem that is Barton St John.
“You once mentioned going to see old man Tattersall and exposing Victor and Barton. Are you still interested in having a conversation with him?”
Frederick nodded. “Yes, I’ll do it as soon as I can arrange the meeting. I would like the man to have alternatives so he doesn’t have to shut the place down.”
“We do too. I’m going to visit Donny. You remember him?”
Frederick said, “I do. I liked Donny.”
Hobart smiled. “Me too. I’m going to visit him to see if he’s interested or if he knows anyone else interested in running Tattersall’s. I’m not sure Donny has auction experience, but he could figure out the details later.
“So, Victor would be gone; Barton would be barred from the property, and Donny would run the place. I’d say that would be a big improvement.”
“I agree. I’ll send him a missive today. Percy, by the time you return from Gordon, the season will be over?”
Percy grinned. “Yes. Isn’t it wonderful?”
Frederick laughed. “It is. Amelia won’t be completely healed before the season is over. What a shame. We will be unable to attend another ton event.”
“Ah, but you forget, Frederick. She may want a lavish wedding, and she may invite every member of the ton.”
“That’s different. She can have anything she wants.”
Percy tilted his head again. “May I say that I will miss the wedding preparation discussions during my time in Gordon? Gentlemen at the club have told me it is a painful part of the experience. Apparently, brides think there is no detail too small to share with their betrothed.”
Hobart turned to Percy. “I’ll come over and listen. She’ll be excited. She should be able to bore us all. It’s her right as a bride.”
“Thank you, Hobart. I think I’ll see if Louisa can see me. Do you want to chaperone, Frederick? Hobart?”
“No, Percy. You’re on your own. Good luck.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mess up.”
Percy shook his head, “I’ll try not to, Hobart.”
