Emalyn squeezed his arm and she sighed. “I would have to agree. Except for that moment in the ceremony.”
“I was a touch overwhelmed.”
“Understandable. She was lovely.”
“Is. She is lovely.”
“And...?”
Robert scowled. He searched and found Thomas prowling the outside perimeter of the room like a caged animal. He knew all too well why—his brother craved to get Rose back to Ashton House and to her bedchamber, chaffing at the long delay caused by the breakfast. “And my brother’s wife.”
“Perhaps you should stay at Bill Campion’s establishment for a few days. Until they leave on Tuesday for the honeymoon trip.”
Robert gave his mother a crooked grin. “You are suggesting I spend my days at a gambling hell and brothel?”
Another snap of the fan was followed by a deeper scowl. “You need not be so lewd about it.”
“I just wanted to make sure I understood.”
“Mr. Campion is also your friend.”
“A good one, in fact. The best.”
“So I would assume he would give you a place of respite, if you need it.”
“Respite.”
“Must you make this more difficult?”
“Absolutely. It’s what I do best.” Robert laid his hand over Emalyn’s. “Mother, I appreciate your concern, but this is my own doing. Plus, I’m due to pay a call on Lady Lydia this afternoon as well as dance with her tomorrow night. I need access to my rooms at Ashton House and to my valet.”
“So the dandy becomes the peacock.”
“With the most colorful and brilliant plumage Society has ever seen.”
“She has accepted you?”
“Not yet. But her father sent a message to meet me Monday afternoon to discuss contract terms. I do not assume he is interested in a business merger.”
Emalyn’s scowl deepened. “And this is truly what you want?”
“Mother, I will not continue to discuss this.”
She glanced at Rose. “I know you wish to go in a new direction—”
“Mother.”
“But there are other women—”
“Mother, no.”
“Who could give you an heir—”
“I am going to walk away.”
Emalyn squeezed his arm again. “Wait. I just—” She paused. “A mother likes to see her children happy. It never occurred to me that my most passionate son would choose a purely political marriage, a mere business arrangement. But if this is what you want—”
“It is.”
