Page 74 of The Duke of Ruin
“I’m sure I can arrange it with the vicar.”
“We are humbled by your generosity, sir.” Lowell bowed his head briefly. “Mrs. Marley will be thrilled.”
“I’m pleased to have a happy occasion to celebrate here.” It would be good for everyone. He’d talk to Diana about arranging a nice breakfast for the newlyweds. He’d also need to talk to Nevis about living arrangements for the couple. “Your chamber is out near the kitchen, is it not?” Simon asked.
“It is, sir.”
“I can’t imagine it’s large enough for you and a wife. I’ll speak with Nevis about finding new accommodation. Do you have a date for the wedding yet?”
“We don’t, sir. I wanted to secure your permission first.”
Of course. “Well, let’s not dally. See that the banns are read this Sunday, and the Duchess and I will work on the other arrangements.” Yes, this was a welcome distraction from the depression that hung over the house. He was eager to share it with Diana. He had every expectation she would ensure Lowell and Marley had a wedding they would all remember.
Lowell appeared a bit confounded. “Thank you, sir. Mrs. Marley will be overcome.”
Just as Nevis had lingered and seemed to have something else to say, Lowell behaved in the same manner. Simon folded his hands on the top of his desk. “Will you be delivering a report now, or is there another matter?”
“Thereisone other matter.” It didn’t seem possible, but Lowell managed to look even more uncomfortable than he had a few minutes ago. Good heavens, but the man perhaps needed to work on his confidence. Which made no sense, because from everything Simon knew, Lowell managed the household in an adept and assured manner.
“Go on,” Simon prodded gently.
“I know Mr. Nevis will retire at some point, and I wanted you to know that I’ve been studying estate management in the hope that I may qualify to replace him.”
Perhaps confidence wasn’t Lowell’s issue, but humility. It took courage to come out and ask for a position that was above your education. And it seemed Lowell knew that, hence his reticence. “Mr. Nevis told me of your aptitude and your intelligence. He seems to think you may be up to the task.”
The flush came back to Lowell’s face for a brief flash. “That’s exceedingly complimentary, sir. I do endeavor to work hard.”
“I appreciate you speaking with me about this. It demonstrates your determination and commitment. I would urge you to continue your studies.”
Lowell stood. “Thank you, sir. I will. And thank you again for the wedding. I will talk to Mrs. Marley later this evening.”
Simon rolled his eyes. “Oh bollocks—sorry. Go and speak with her now. If you aren’t beside yourself to do so, then you may want to rethink the whole thing.”
Lowell’s mouth split into a wide smile that was completely at odds with his austere demeanor. “I’ll do that, sir.” He bowed and took his leave.
Simon realized he was feeling precisely the same—he wanted to see his wife. He got up and rounded his desk just as she appeared in the doorway. He smiled, absurdly pleased to see her. She was stunning in a new day gown they’d purchased in Oxford. It was the color of fresh cream with dainty flowers of gold and crimson. A gold sash encircled her rib cage, and he suddenly wanted his hands to do the same.
“I was just coming to find you, wife.”
“Were you? I’m not interrupting, am I?” she asked, stepping over the threshold and looking around his study.
“Not at all. I just finished with Lowell, and he had the most extraordinary news.”
“He wishes to marry Mrs. Marley.”
Simon’s shoulders drooped slightly. “You already know.”
She went to the fireplace and looked at the miniatures of his parents that sat atop the mantelpiece. “Mrs. Dodd told me. She is a veritable fount of information.”
Simon followed her, wanting to increase their proximity. “Is she?”
Diana turned and just a foot or so separated them. “Yes—and don’t be angry—she told me about what happened two years ago. The ‘Incident.’”
“The ‘Incident’?” They had a fucking name for it? Fury curled in his gut. “It wasn’t an ‘Incident,’ it was a bloody tragedy.”
She winced. “Of course it was. I shouldn’t have used that word.”
“It wasn’t your word, was it? That’s what they call it?” Of course the staff talked about it. The event had been a massive scandal—one that followed him to this day and likely always would. As it should. Not because it was a scandal, but because it was a goddamntragedy.
