Page 2 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
However, James could not help looking up to him as a role model in many ways. He was a shrewd businessman and had grown the family's holdings considerably since taking over after his grandfather's death.
He smiled in his father's direction and came to sit before the big mahogany desk. "You seem to be in high spirits. What is it you wanted to see me about?" James asked.
His father returned his smile, although it was a calculated one. James could feel that his father was about to ask something of him–something that might not be entirely legal by the way he sauntered around the desk. He sat at the corner of the escritoire and sighed. "I have good news," he said. James raised a brow, causing his father to give a sardonic laugh. "Why is it that you look at me thus? I have said it is good news."
"Your definition of good differs from mine at times," James laughed. "Well, what is it then?" he asked.
His father stood, starting to pace in front of him. He jammed his hands in his jacket pockets and frowned at James. "I do not know why you should be so distrusting of me. I am your father, after all!"
James steeled himself. While being a strong leader, his father also had a bit of an ego, making it difficult to deal with him at times. "Forgive me, Father. I meant it in jest only. Please tell me your news."
His father brightened at his apology, stopping right in front of his chair and placing a hand on James's arm with an excited glint in his eyes. "I have done it, my boy! You will be pleased, I am sure."
"Done what, Papa?" James asked.
His father straightened, puffing out his chest in pride. "I have found you a bride, my dear boy!"
James felt like all the air had been sucked out of the room. He blinked, looking at his father with dumbfounded fascination.
"A bride?" he repeated. He had known of the expectations that he would be married as soon as he returned from his European tour. Still, he had either not allowed himself to think of it or had simply assumed there would be more time for him to settle in.
"Who?" was all he could think to ask from there.
"Do not look so worried. I told you before you left that I would open negotiations for your marriage. And I have found the perfect lady to become your wife."
His father went around the desk and produced a letter, waving it above his head in triumph.
"You are to marry Lady Caroline Humphries. I know the name may well be lost on you, but I assure you, she is from a fine family and–" His father stopped mid-sentence, no doubt seeing James's look of profound displeasure. He let his arm fall to his side. "Now, what is it?"
James straightened in his chair, seemingly snapped out of a trance. He shook his head, shrugging as if it was a small matter. However, his mind was reeling from the implications.
"Nothing," he said quickly.
"It is just–" he stopped. How could he explain the emotions roiling inside him? Visions of his last brush with matrimony came flooding to the forefront of his mind. He had loved Lady Beatrice with all his heart, but she had thrown it back in his face after choosing a man twice her age. The only reason that she had not accepted James's proposal was because the other man had been wealthier than he.
His father seemed to guess the bend of his thoughts. He rolled his eyes and tossed the letter back on the desk. It floated to the wooden surface, and James watched it until his father appeared in his view again, blocking out all distraction as he placed both hands on the arms of his chair, leaning in close. James cleared his throat, unconsciously moving away.
"You must let her go, James. It has been five years, for goodness sake!"
James shifted uneasily in his chair. His father had always made light of the heartbreak that Lady Beatrice had inflicted on him with her betrayal. On the evening he had proposed to her, she had promptly refused, trying to absolve herself of any wrongdoing. Why, then, had she led him on for so long? Indeed, he had been in love with her since they were adolescents, and she had always seemed to go along with his plan that they would someday marry.
He hung his head, trying to push the disturbing memories from his mind. "You are right, I suppose."
"Suppose? I knowI am right." His father threw up his hands and moved away from the chair. James let out a sigh of relief. "It is high time you were settled. If we are to carry on the Deveroux name, we need an heir, and sooner rather than later."
His father stomped back behind the desk and sat down, looking glum. James leaned forward, placing his forearms on his knees. He clasped his hands in front of him.
"Well, what is she like?" he asked, still not convinced he was ready to move forward with that serious step into matrimony. It was no small matter to consider, especially since there was no going back once the vows had been said.
This concession seemed to please his father. "Lady Caroline is a beautiful girl. She came out a few years ago and, by all accounts, is a paragon of goodness and decency. And that is not all," he said, his eyebrows dancing in excitement. James had never seen his father look so giddy. He supposed there was some sort of catch.
"I see. Well, what makes you think she will make a good wife?" James asked slowly.
"Her father has agreed to hand over control of his country estate along with his daughter's hand. Is that not wonderful news? I must say, I am impressed with my skill in negotiation. You are welcome."
His father bowed his head as if James owed him an outstanding debt of gratitude. However, a warning voice started screaming in the back of his mind.
"Why on earth would Lord Chesterfield agree to give his family estate to us, along with Lady Caroline's hand?" It was very uncommon to see unless the woman had no dowry. James stood, shaking his head. "That makes no sense whatsoever."
