Page 64 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

“Very well. I will meet with your uncle now.”

He seemed reluctant to release her hands as he stood there, drinking her in. Minta tugged on his hands a bit. Percy knew what she wanted and he brushed his lips softly against hers. Just enough to reassure her.

It did. Love for this man swelled within her. She might not understand all of him yet but they would have years and years to learn about one another. She believed she was one of the few who could break through his shyness and get to know the man behind it.

“Come with me,” he said, lacing his fingers through hers, causing her body to heat at the intimate touch.

Percy led her from the parlor back to the foyer, where the Westlake butler and now both solicitors waited.

“We are ready to see Lord Westlake now,” he announced.

“If you will follow me, my lord,” the butler said.

He moved, bringing her with him, and Minta said, “I don’t understand.”

“You will.”

The butler knocked on the door to her uncle’s study and they were admitted.

Immediately, Percy said, “Good morning, Lord Westlake. I have decided that Minta should be a part of these negotiations. They concern her. There is no reason she should be shut out of them, pacing outside as we decide her fate behind closed doors.” He turned and smiled at her. “She should be an active participant in what is decided.”

Uncle West beamed his approval at the suggestion. “A brilliant idea, Lord Kingston.”

He invited them to sit. From the reaction of the two solicitors, Minta understood that what was unfolding was unheard of.

It made her love Percy all the more.

She was very aware of him beside her, mostly because he continued to hold her hand and did so over the next hour of discussion. His touch brought a sense of peace to her. Whatever had driven him from her seemed to have vanished and along with it, her desire to press the issue.

As the negotiations went on, Percy was adamant about what he wished to be written into the settlements. Shock filled her at all he was awarding to her. He made provisions for her upon his death. Ones for if they had no children and a relative assumed the title. Dowries were established for any daughters they might have, as well as funds set aside for any sons beyond the hoped-for heir. She was given access to her entire dowry.

“All of it?” she asked. It was the first time she had spoken since the discussion began.

“It is yours. You should be able to do with it as you wish.”

Minta bit her lip and thought a moment. “Might I simply return it to Uncle West then?” she asked. “If you are not going to use it, I believe he should have it since the large majority of it is his. He could even add it to what he has set aside for Sera.”

Percy gazed at her and she saw tears mist his eyes. “You would do that for your twin?”

“I want to make certain that she makes a good match.” She paused. “As I have.”

He squeezed her fingers and warmth filled her.

“Then Lord Westlake may keep the portion of the dowry he was providing. I will bestow upon you the five thousand pounds instead.”

“Percy!” she admonished and then flushed, realizing she had used his Christian name in front of the others.

“No,” he said firmly. “I want you to have funds at your disposal now. To do with however you see fit. I should supply these to you.”

“But you have already given me a generous monthly allowance for both my wardrobe and to run the household.”

He gazed at her steadily. “I would give you the moon, Minta, if that would make you happy.”

Now, tears sprang to her eyes. Her throat tightened with emotion and she merely nodded.

“I think everything is settled,” Uncle West declared, instructing the solicitors to draw up the contracts and return at the same time tomorrow morning so they could be signed by all parties.

Once the two men left, her uncle said, “The two of you must have things to work out regarding the ceremony. I will leave you to do so.”

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