Page 20 of The Rules of Matrimony
Ian gripped the arms of the chair. “The Rebels have more important causes to fight. Indeed, we have yet to discuss my latest passion to rid this country of the Bloody Code. By the way, did you read the letter I wrote you about the criminal law? I sent one to each of the Rebels, requesting their help.”
Paul pinched the bridge of his nose. “Yes, it was brilliant. But what about your engagement?”
Ian waved his hand to dismiss whatever concern was eating at his friend. “It’s nothing in comparison. A trifle. My plan is simple. It is a standard, unspectacular marriage of convenience.”
Paul’s frown deepened. “You’re right. I’m unimpressed. But I will not let my personal opinion get in the way if you are determined. Do you require my assistance in drawing up a contract?”
Ian shook his head. “We have a verbal agreement. I can trust her.”
Paul groaned, holding Tiny up to his eye level. “This is worse than I thought.”
Ian balked. “What do you mean? I have everything well in hand.”
Lowering Tiny, Paul said in a rather plain and strict tone, “You told me exactly how you felt when the matchmakers presented Louisa to me, and I will do the same with you because that is whatgood friends do for each other.” Paul took a deep breath. “Ian, you’re being an idiot.”
Ian lurched forward in his seat. No one called him an idiot. “A little harsh, Sheldon.”
“Quiet. I need to think.” Paul paced to the marbled fireplace, stopping once or twice to shake his head. He pivoted abruptly and came straight back to Ian’s side. “If you care for this Miss Tyler at all, you will call this off or marry her properly.”
Ian had never liked being told what to do, and his amusement was gone. “You sound like my father, and you know exactly what I think of him.”
Paul nodded. “I do. But I also know anything else is unfair to Miss Tyler. She deserves a chance at happiness, and marriage solely in name alone will do neither of you any favors.”
Ian pulled himself from his chair, his time relaxing far too short-lived. “Miss Tyler has had a difficult upbringing and has found herself in an uncomfortable situation. I might not be the ideal husband, but her alternative, I assure you, is much worse. I swear, I will not force anything upon her, but I would ask for your support should we continue. It might not be the kind of marriage you and Louisa have, or those of the other Rebels, but it is what I choose and that has to matter for something.” His jaw was set when he finished, his resolve firmer than ever.
By some miracle, Paul’s features softened, and he blew out a long breath. “Why didn’t you say so in the first place?”
Ian forced himself to sit again. “This isn’t easy for me.”
“No, it cannot be. I know you better than anyone, and you would not do this unless it were dire.” Paul stared at him for a moment before handing him Tiny. “I suppose I can support you. A good cause is always worth rallying around.”
Those words were not lightly given. Ian knew him better than that. Paul’s russet hair had darkened with age and his face and body lengthened, but he was still the same loyal friend Ian had dependedupon since childhood. Ian gave a somber nod. “Thank you. I’m going to need it.”
And when this wedding was through, Ian hoped Paul would rally around a different cause with him. Ian had already written a handful of letters and made appearances at every club he had membership in, but what he’d learned about the attitude toward the Bloody Code had not been favorable. He felt as though he were a lone man against a sea of united opinions. For now, his focus would be on his bride-to-be, and he would save dissecting a centuries-old law until after the wedding.
y
A few hours after speaking with Paul, Ian stood in front of Miss Tyler’s home. His friend’s warning about doing right by Miss Tyler rang fresh in his ears. His solicitor had drawn up a few papers to go over with Mr. Nelson. Next would be introducing her to his family and performing the actual ceremony. This was entirely too real. Was he doing the right thing? All his confidence in front of Paul was waning. Perhaps there was another alternative he and Miss Tyler hadn’t considered.
He’d gone over Boyle’s file on Miss Tyler again before he’d left. The information dated back to before her father’s death and had strung together several living situations since then. Miss Tyler had had a hard life. Was his own involvement in it going to better her future or worsen it? He’d like to think his offer of a home and security was sufficient, but what about the parts Paul mentioned—family and happiness? Ian couldn’t give her those outside his name. Not to mention that even with a marriage of convenience, their position in Society would require certain obligations from Miss Tyler that he hadn’t prepared her for. She would be a viscountess. Would she be up to the task?
Uncertainty plagued him as he tied his horse to the fence post, not daring to ask any passing maids to hold his reins for him. Whenhe proceeded up the short walk, no strange-haired woman stopped him, attempted to shove mint leaves in his mouth, or offered him a muddy dog. It was almost disappointing. He put his fist to his mouth to smother a sudden smile of amusement. Not many things entertained him, and he had to force control into his expression. He lifted his hand to knock, but just before it connected, he hesitated. Did he hear voices coming from the side of the house? One sounded distinctly like Miss Tyler’s.
Dropping his hand, he jogged through the garden to investigate. He rounded the corner of the cottage and drew up short. Mr. Robert Nelson had his grimy hand on Miss Tyler’s elbow, his words low and indiscernible.
Hot anger coursed through Ian. No wonder Miss Tyler was desperate. Her cousin was a contemptible blackguard.
“Am I interrupting something?” Ian asked loudly, striding toward them.
Mr. Nelson did not withdraw his hand and seemed to tighten his hold instead. “This is a family conversation,” Mr. Nelson said with a deep scowl.
Ian gave a swift nod. “As I will soon be family, perhaps you might enlighten me.” His reservations flew to the back of his mind, and his displeasure lent him full confidence. He didn’t care one bit for the possessive way Mr. Nelson clung to Miss Tyler or the fearful look in her eyes. When Ian reached them, he put his hand on Miss Tyler’s other elbow, gentle but firm enough to send a message to the obnoxious man across from him.
Mr. Nelson sneered. “Ifyou become family.”
Ian tightened his fist by his side. He was no pugilist, but he had the strength and size to do the necessary damage if a situation required it. And no one deserved a setdown as much as a man who dared harm a woman.
Mr. Nelson took notice of Ian’s fist, and a wariness flashed over him. “So, that’s how you will play it,” Mr. Nelson said. “Very well. We were just finishing here anyway.” He finally dropped his hold ofMiss Tyler and gave her one last hard glare, then marched away to the back of the house.
