Page 18 of A Viscount's Stolen Fortune

“I believe I am here this evening so that our host may gain a little more interest in his event.” Lord Foster’s eyes flickered, and his smile was angry. “I am a good talking point, it seems.”

“I am sorry for that. Regardless of what you have done, there is no need for thetonto treat you in such a way.”

Immediately, Lord Foster’s brows drew together so quickly that she half expected a thunderclap.

“Let me make one thing very plain to you.” Lord Foster took a step closer, and Alice held both hands around her waist in a protective gesture. He seemed suddenly intimidating, brooding, and dark. “This… this agreement or bargain or whatever it is we shall call it, can only go ahead if you believe that I am telling the truth. I did not lose my fortune through deliberate actions. That is why I am so very frustrated. It is not right that I should be treated as though I wasintentionallyselfish or foolish when I have done nothing wrong. If you cannot believe that. Miss Lawrence, then there is nothing for us to discuss. The matter is over.”

Licking her lips, Alice had dropped her gaze for a moment, then lifted it again. Lord Foster was being entirely reasonable, she considered, although she did find his manner a little intimidating.

“I quite understand, Lord Foster. You shall, however, have to explain it to me in its entirety before I can come to any sort of conclusion.”

Lord Foster scowled, and his brows dropped low over his eyes, but he did not refuse.

“Very well. But before I do so, might we consider the situation before us? If you believe me, and if I accept what you have suggested, then what happens if I do not recover my fortune?” One eyebrow arched. “You may find yourself in a situation where you must marry a pauper. Have you considered that?”

Alice nodded.

“I have and I am willing to accept it. It is not a life that anyone should want, but it is one that I will take on.”

Lord Foster’s brow lifted suddenly. He looked back at her with those dark eyes, flickering questions held within the orbs.

“One might wonder why a lady of quality would be willing to do such a thing.”

His voice was low and quiet, and yet a deep flush began to rise in her chest, spreading heat up into her neck and her cheeks.

“If you are suggesting that I have something to hide from you, something that a quick marriage will fix, then you are entirely mistaken.” Speaking with as much dignity as she could, she lifted her chin and gazed at him steadily. “If I can be entirely truthful, it is because I have no better option. Soon my father will send me to my aunt, who lives far from here, to be a companion. I shall be her drudge. I fully expect that, should that come to pass, I will never see my father, sister, nor mother again.”

Instead of appearing surprised, Lord Foster only frowned again.

“I find that all the more astonishing. Why would a gentleman push his eligible elder daughter away from society?”

“Because his eldest daughter is not particularly handsome.” Her face was still burning, but Alice did not hold the truth back. “I have not the beauty of face that my younger sister does. My mother sees nothing but fault and failure with me, but evidently sees naught but beauty and promise in Henrietta.Shewill gain a good husband, good standing, and a fortune, whereas I will not even be allowed to seek such a thing. My parents’ efforts go to her rather than to me. They would be glad to be rid of me, which I believe is their sole intention.”

Lord Foster studied her, his gaze going to her face as if deciding whether or not such considerations were justified. Alice looked back at him but did not allow her gaze to flinch. Heat continued to rise in her face, but she ignored it, refusing to permit such a look to cow her.

“Therefore, I would be saving you as much as you would be saving me.”

Alice allowed herself a gentle shrug at his remark.

“I believe, Lord Foster, that you may end up aiding memorethan I can aid you. What happens if you cannot regain your fortune? I will do all that I can to help you, but there is no assurance that you will be successful. Whereas I, it seems, can rely on you to take me as your bride when the time is right.”

His dark eyes flashed away for a moment and then returned to her. His jaw was tight as if he were biting his cheek hard on the inside as he considered his decision. Alice looked back at him steadily, waiting for him to give a response that would either seal her fate or decide her future.

“Very well.” Her heart sped in shock and her throat closed up. “We have an agreement. You will aid me in recovering my fortune, to the best of your ability, and in regaining my status in society. And I shall take you as my bride. What will your father say to that?”

This was not something that Alice had ever considered.

“I cannot say for certain, but I do not think that he can refuse me. After all, his words to me were that I must find a suitor for myself by the end of the Season. Otherwise, I should become a companion.” A wry smile tipped her mouth. “I do not think that he believed I should have any success, however.”

“Then let us hope that he does not find fault with our match.” Lord Foster’s face flushed with a sudden heat, as though he had only just realized what he had agreed to. “I must ask you again, Miss Lawrence, whether or not you believe that what I have told you is the truth. I do not think that our arrangement can go ahead unless you do so.”

“I believe that there is a question over how you lost your fortune.” Speaking honestly, Alice found herself unwilling to lie, despite the consequences of doing so. “As I have said, you will have to tell me all. When can such a thing be arranged?”

Lord Foster blinked.

“Tomorrow? Perhaps we shall consider it our first outing together. Might you consider a walk with me in Hyde Park?”

Something swirled in Alice’s stomach, but she dismissed it quickly. The last thing she needed to do was it began to have feelings for Lord Foster. This was naught but a practical and suitable arrangement. There was no need for emotion.

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