Page 56 of Regency Whispers: Scandalous Matches

‘She was convinced you have a woman, someone special you weren’t telling us about.’

Tom let his head sink into his hands.

‘Smith,’ Western called to the young man clearing tables at the other end of the room. ‘You’re in charge of the bar for ten minutes.’ Leaning under the counter, Western brought out a bottle of whisky and two glasses and motioned for Tom to come into the private room at the back of the tavern.

As Tom sat down, Western poured out two glasses of whisky and pushed one towards Tom. ‘Drink that down and then tell me everything. Maybe we can work out a solution before your head explodes.’

‘Cheery thought.’

Western shrugged. ‘You’d better start your story, then.’

‘You remember when I came here a few weeks ago, early in the morning, the day Edward arrived?’

‘Of course.’

‘When I left, I bumped into a young woman I recognised from a society event. I was worried that she was out alone in Southwark so offered to escort her home.’ Even though it was only a few weeks ago, it felt much longer. So much had happened between then and now. ‘She accepted but we were spotted by the woman looking after her whilst in London. She has the idea we will be well suited.’

‘Surely it is a simple matter to disabuse her of this notion?’

‘Since that day, Jane has been helping me with Edward. She’s good with children, and I have been helping her dodge too many engagements with other potential suitors.’

‘It sounds a dangerous game. The young women do see a certain charm in you, and if she is spending that much time with you surely there is great potential for something to go wrong?’

‘We kissed,’ Tom said, dropping his voice until it was barely more than a whisper.

‘And is she insisting you marry?’

‘Good lord, no. Jane isn’t like that. She does not wish to marry anyone, but there is a certain attraction between us.’

Western stayed quiet, waiting or Tom to get to the crux of the matter. Tom sighed, not sure how to put the complicated mess of emotions into words.

‘We were seen when we kissed. A widow I was meant to be escorting for the evening caught us in a darkened corner. I don’t know yet if she is going to expose our secret to the world or keep quiet.’

‘And if she does expose you to the world?’

‘Then I’ll marry Jane.’

Western puffed out his cheeks and leaned back in his chair.

‘I can see why you’re so worried.’

Tom shook his head. ‘It might not happen.’

‘Is there not another way? You’ve always been so against settling down. You’ve never wanted that life of humdrum routine.’

‘But maybe it wouldn’t have to be,’ Tom said slowly. ‘Maybe we could agree on a different arrangement.’

Western scoffed. ‘What? You continuing on your life as a happy bachelor in all but name whilst this woman looks after your home and your nephew?’

‘It doesn’t sound good when you put it like that.’

‘It’s not the way I’m phrasing it that’s the problem.’

Tom threw back his whisky and poured himself another.

‘She might not even accept my proposal.’

‘I doubt she’s that much of a fool.’