Hellfire.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Xander itched to dispense with the niceties before he could discuss the issues that had prompted his invitation.The marriage contract sat front and center on his desk although the men were across the room in the seating area, the duke on the settee that held fond memories of Evie laid out.
Hollibrook had excused himself for a minute, returning as the tea tray was brought in.Xander had learned that it was acceptable to have a servant pour, so he didn’t have to fumble the fine china.
As the maid did so, his leg bounced impatiently.Even when the men noticed, he could not stop it.
Finally, the door closed behind the maid, and the men sipped their tea and chatted about the weather.Xander had to clench his fists to keep from knocking the china from their hands if they mentioned rain one more time.
Hollibrook lowered his cup to its saucer and eyed Xander.“Right, then.It seems your question is urgent.How can we help?”
Xander surged out of his seat to nab the contract off his desk.Waving it, he started, “I found this.’Tis a contract to wed a Lady Evelyn Allen, daughter of the Earl of Craven.”
Hollibrook crossed one leg over the other.“Ah, yes.She is my second cousin.My father’s brother’s granddaughter.”
“Hmph.”That stumped Xander.How could he ask for what he wanted given that familial connection?But if he wanted to marry his little maid, he’d have to not only discuss declining this contract with the Allen chit’s second cousin, but with her father as well.Might as well forge ahead.“Munroe has given me to understand that there are ways to refuse if I do not wish to move forward?”
Hollibrook frowned.“Perhaps.’Tis frowned on, though, and could have serious repercussions for her.You’d need to step carefully.”
“Of course, I empathize with Miss Allen—”
“Lady Evelyn,” Hollibrook corrected mildly.
Xander nodded and continued.“Lady Evelyn.But I don’t know her.And I most certainly don’t wish to marry her.That is why I need your assistance.There must be a way through this without causing her undue pain or distress.”
Hollibrook shook his head.“I am not so sure.”
The duke frowned a question at Hollibrook and opened his mouth.Hollibrook gave a tiny shake of his head and his companion flattened his lips.
“May I ask why you don’t wish to marry Lady Evelyn?She’s the daughter of an earl and grandniece of a duke.Besides, she is quite comely.She’d do well as your wife, knowing the Ton and London as she does.”
“I hate the idea of wedding a stranger.”
The duke gestured to Hollibrook and sat back.It appeared the marquess was to handle this.He turned to Xander.“What if you invited her family for a visit?You could get to know her and see.”
Xander fidgeted.“The truth is, I have someone else in mind.”
“Oh.”Hollibrook frowned.“Someone from your hometown?Or the village here?”
“Not exactly.”He shifted his eyes between the men.Searching for bravery, he heard Evie’s voice say, “You’re a duke,” and took a breath.
The marquess leaned forward, still holding his cup and saucer.“As Lady Evelyn’s relative, I’d appreciate the courtesy of you informing me of this other interest.Are you in love with this person?”
Xander was calm now.He nodded and said, “Yes, although I haven’t told her that yet.I needed to speak with you about this contract.”
“Come on, man.Enough pussyfooting around.Who in the world could you have met out here that would be an appropriate match for a duke?”The duke on the settee, whose name Xander could not remember, blinked, brows raised.
Xander frowned.“Define appropriate.I thought a duke could do what he likes, society be damned?She’s helped me with Parliamentary bills, with societal rules around hosting, dining, and dancing, and even expectations.”
Hollibrook appeared to be chewing on his cheek.“Who.Is.It?”he asked taking a sip from his tea.
Xander stifled his displeasure at being questioned.He’d have to deal with this sooner or later, especially if the man was Lady Evelyn’s family.“A maid here, from the village.She was stationed in a London household for some time and has all sorts of useful knowledge as a result.”
At Xander’s first words, he spewed his mouthful of tea back into the cup, choking.Setting the cup down on the table next to him, he barked a laugh.“Ha.This is rich.You want to throw over a duke’s grandniece for amaid?I don’t suppose it’s the one who was in the front hall—petite, auburn hair, about twenty?”
Xander frowned.Jealousy consumed him at the detailed description.The marquess had no business noticing such details about his Evie.“Probably.”
