Page 3 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
His father stood as well, coming back around the desk.
"It is not so unbelievable. Lord Chesterfield has fallen on hard times, thanks to his gambling habits, as my informants tell me. He is eager to see his daughter settled and likely keep his impending ruin under wraps. With this, he keeps his family safe and finds a good man for his daughter."
His father clasped his hands in front of him, looking pleased with himself.
"As I said before, the family is of good stock but a little worse for wear as far as their financial situation goes. You do not mind that she comes with no monetary dowry, do you? You are always saying that you do not care about the fortune and all that nonsense."
His father waved him off, rolling his eyes.
"So superior, are you not?"
"I do not mean to come off that way, Father. You know that I do not care for riches–"
"Well, thankfully, I do. I have secured Pembroke Manor foryouas an additional house that may be used for whatever purpose you deem fit."
James blinked in shock. His father rarely let him be in charge of anything regarding business matters. "You will entrust the house to me?" he asked.
"Well, why not? It is your future wife's old stomping grounds, is it not? From what Lord Chesterfield tells me, the main house has been closed up for quite some time, and there are only a couple of tenants left on the lands. But with some investment, it might be turned into a successful estate once more." His father gave him a wry smile.
"Will it not be difficult to run two estates at once, Father? Shall we not sell?" James asked.
"You are getting ahead of yourself, lad. I suggest keeping the place, at least for a little while. If, when you inspect it, you feel that it would be better to sell, then I defer to your judgement. However, if you feel it can be made to go again, I will leave the overseeing of the property to you alone."
His father beamed at him in pride.
"Indeed, it would be good practice for you. Suppose you can make Pembroke Estate successful again after such a long hiatus. In that case, you will prove that you are worthy of Thorneby Place."
His father raised a brow as if calling him to a higher standard.
James sank back into his chair in disbelief. It seemed that his father had never given his abilities more than a passing thought. However, if he could work on a project that was not as high risk, he would feel much better about shouldering all the responsibility of his father's empire when the time came.
He sighed, trying to come to terms with the immense weight of information his father had laid on him. "I suppose I can consider it," he said.
"Consider the marriage or the opportunity I am handing you?" he asked, his eyes burning with a cold glint of frustration.
James did not like to be the argumentative type, but something still did not feel right about the arrangement. "Both, I suppose."
His father rose out of his chair, looking like an emperor surveying his kingdom, as he went to the window and looked out at the sodden streets of London.
"Well, perhaps you will better be able to make up your mind when you meet her at the dinner party her father, and I have arranged a few nights hence."
He turned and eyed James with a mischievous smile. "I think you will be pleased with my choice."
James gulped nervously. His father was more concerned with looks and wealth than with what really mattered–compassion, kindness, and decency. He stood, nodding. He did not want to prolong the conversation by offering more arguments. He would take his father's advice and see for himself if this Lady Caroline was worth the effort.
"Very well, Father. I shall agree to meet her. However, I would ask for your indulgence as far as rushing ahead into any agreements." He turned to leave, but just before he exited the room, he heard his father mutter to himself.
"We shall see."
James turned around, raising a brow at his father. He did not elaborate, however, and James continued on his way. No matter what his father hoped, he would not be wrested into an arrangement for which he wanted no part. They would, indeed, see.
Chapter 2
A few nights later, Caroline came down to the foyer dressed in her new frock. It was a beautiful gown, to be sure, yet she still felt a tug of nervousness at what it must have cost. Her mother, father, and sister, Grace, were waiting for her when she appeared. Her sister bounded to her side, taking her hands as she came to the last step.
"Oh, my, Caroline!" she exclaimed. "You look absolutely breathtaking. I cannot believe Madame Fusaude was able to get it done in time."
Caroline grinned at her sister's childlike fascination.
