Page 16 of The Rules of Matrimony
Lord Reynolds took the reins in his hands and flicked them just enough to send his handsome pair of geldings into a trot. Despite all Amie’s misgivings, for once, she almost wished the Peterson sisters would see her. A moment as grand as this was not likely to be repeated.
“I hope I did not complicate matters yesterday,” Lord Reynolds said, interrupting her thoughts. He expertly steered the cart toward the edge of town before straightening in his seat. “The circumstance seemed rather desperate, and I was merely trying to help.”
If he did not mince words, neither would she. “I was taken aback when you insisted on taking the blame.” No one besides her parents had ever spoken up for her before, and Lord Reynolds was a complete stranger. “Why did you do it?”
He glanced over at her for a long moment and then swung his eyes back to the road. They were just passing a neighbor’s orchard on the outskirts of Chestervale, and he directed his horses to the side and guided them to a stop. It was the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous, both lovely and private, but this was anything but romantic.
Lord Reynolds turned his head again to face her, and his mouth pulled into a grim line. “If you could have one thing in this world, what would it be?”
His question threw her. “I couldn’t say.”
“It is important you answer truthfully. I will explain everything afterward.”
She played with the end of her shawl while she thought about her greatest desires. A new gown or two would be nice but not essential. Not like a roof over one’s head. As for marriage and family, they were luxuries for women who could afford to have a Season and possessed dowries to attract a man. She had always been forced to thinkmore practically. “I suppose I should like my independence.” To not depend on her relatives for her and Mama’s every need sounded a little like heaven.
He frowned and rubbed the cleft in his chin. “I see. You mentioned the idea yesterday, but I was not certain if you were being optimistic. If this is honestly your desire, then I have a proposal for you. It is not ideal for your wishes, nor mine really, but I believe we can find a mutual agreement that ought to suit us both. What I propose is a marriage of convenience.”
Had he been drinking again? A viscount could have whomever he wanted. She had learned yesterday from her uncle that Lord Reynolds’s father was anearl. Imagine her connected to a viscount, let alone any esteemed earl. He deserved far better than her as his wife. There was only one answer she could give him. “No, thank you.”
He tilted his head to the side. “No, thank you?”
Oh, she had forgotten his title. “No, thank you,your lordship.”
He gave a short laugh. “I’m not asking if you would like gravy on your roast and potatoes; it’s a proposal of marriage.”
“An obligatory proposal,” she corrected boldly. “You do not have to humor me, Lord Reynolds. I am not afraid of the consequences should we tell the truth.” In all actuality, she was terrified, but he need not know that.
“I am being earnest in my asking.”
She shook her head. “You cannot be.”
“I do not make such an offer lightly. I have reasons why this will benefit me. Namely, I have chosen to devote myself to the betterment of my country. A family will distract me from my purpose, which is why this suggested partnership suits me best. In turn, I can arrange for you to have as much independence in your future as possible.”
“I see.” Clearly, he was a driven man, and his passion was at least admirable.
Lord Reynolds met her gaze head on. “Can you specify what an independent life looks like to you? I will not presume to guess your desires.”
She stared blankly at him, not exactly ready to share her greatest hopes with him. She would keep her answer as simple as his. “I will humor you, your lordship, even though I find this whole idea of yours completely nonsensical. I want security and freedom from my relatives. And I suppose, it would be nice to be the matron of my own house.” She currently had no hope for achieving any of these and felt foolish stating them.
He gave a decisive nod. “I believe I can adequately fulfill these wishes once we are wed.”
She did not take him too seriously, though she had a strong feeling he was entirely so. “What would you possibly gain from such an arrangement with a person like myself?”
“I would not have to marry Miss Foster, a selfish woman my father has selected for me.”
“Surely she is better suited to your position than I am.”
His face was impassive, and she could not tell if he agreed or not. “I have never desired to wed, Miss Tyler. I have specific goals for my future, as I mentioned, and I haven’t the motivation to invest my time or energy into courting and wooing the perfect candidate. My hand is being forced, so I would much rather have a situation of my choosing and on my own terms.”
“So, in a way, you desire independence as well?”
He nodded again. “Very much so. Not to mention, the unusual arrangement feels justified, knowing I am helping you in the process.”
He was outwardly austere, but in this, he appeared generous too. She didn’t like the alternative thought of him never marrying. She had come to terms with it for herself, but it sounded so lonely for anyone else. The man was an anomaly. He did not show much emotion, besides the glimpses of frustration or even briefer moments ofgentleness, but she sensed he needed people more than he allowed them in. If he were to finally do so, it shouldn’t be to her.
“Perhaps you should get to know me better before you agree to something foolish,” she hedged. “You’ve hardly spent a moment with my mother just now, but she clearly is dishonest. And look at me, I am hardly a refined lady suitable for your circles.”
He rubbed one hand down the leather arm of the bench. “When I was searching for you, I hired a private investigator. I do know a little of you, besides the fact that our two encounters so far have been ratherenlightening. If this were the usual type of courtship, then yes, I would think more time was necessary. However, a marriage like ours will be more of a formality that will secure your future and require very little of you otherwise.”
