Henry’s mouth tightened. “Yes. Serious enough that I can’t risk it. I don’t want to saddle some poor girl with this burden.”
William nodded slowly. “All right. If you say it’s big, I won’t pry. I’d guess your mother would do anything to keep it hidden.”
“That’s just it. Shehasdone anything and everything, apparently including this wretched house party.” Henry rubbed the back of his neck. “So how do I avoid a forced engagement? I can’t flirt with ladies if I have no intention of following through.”
William’s expression cleared. “Simple. Never be alone with them. Have other gentlemen around. Spread the attention. If you’re always in a group, no one can corner you for a private proposal or compromise.”
Henry exhaled, relief flickering. “That could work, actually.”
“Invite more men,” William went on, his eyes brightening. “Make it a proper house party, not just a bevy of young ladies waiting to pounce. I’d be delighted to come. I’m sure Charlotte would too.”
Henry forced himself not to react too strongly at the mention of Charlotte. She was on his mind far too much lately and somehow seemed to be mentioned in every conversation. “Your sister…. Yes, of course. She might enjoy the fresh air. And with you both there, I’d have more allies.” He paused, swirling his drink.
William jumped in. “Adding a few of her friends wouldn’t hurt either, if it pads out the numbers.”
“More women.” Henry shuddered.
William smirked. “I doubt many of Charlotte’s friends would meet your mother’s exacting standards for wealth and beauty. But Charlotte has already pleaded with me to ask you to invite them; you know how shy she gets at these things—and since Her Grace extended the invitation, our darling mama will expect her to be there. Don’t worry; I’ll tell her to warn them that it’s not actually a bride hunt.”
Henry swirled his brandy, remembering the young women he had danced with at the last ball. If they were representative of Charlotte’s friends, they had been an odd bunch, chattering on about Charlotte’s dress the whole time.
“We could spend time with them perfectly respectably, as I’m Charlotte’s brother,” William pointed out, “and therefore less time with all the other young ladies.”
Henry smiled and ran a hand over his face. “Thank you, William. That isn’t half a bad suggestion. Give me their names, and I will ensure Mother adds them. Thank you for your support… and discretion. Genuinely.”
“Don’t mention it, old chap. You’re like a brother to me. Now, pass me that news sheet, will you?”
“Catching up with the gossip pages again?” Henry felt lighter for having spoken to William. Of course, if his friend knew his real secret….
They drank the last of their brandy in companionable silence. When Henry stood to open the door again, a couple of other club regulars drifted in, greeting them with boisterous calls. One of the men clapped Henry on the shoulder.
“Arundel, old man, I hear you’re destined for the parson’s noose soon.” He barked a laugh. “Should we congratulate you now, or wait until you’ve selected your prey?”
Henry forced a stiff smile. “No need for condolences yet. I’m just trying to survive my mother’s machinations.”
The group teased him good-naturedly until they roped William and Henry into a card game. Henry played like an automaton, his mind racing over what he’d told William.
Why can’t I live a normal life? Why can’t I choose a bride if I wanted to, free of secrets?His thoughts ran away with him.
A stray image of Charlotte’s gentle smile at the last ball flickered in his mind. He shrugged it off, blaming it on William’s presence and the glass of early-morning brandy.
By the time the game ended, Henry couldn’t muster more than a polite nod when the others wished him well on his “quest.” He bade William goodbye and trudged out to his carriage, a strange gloom clinging to him.
If only circumstances were different. If only he could consider marriage like any ordinary man, Charlotte might be an option. After all, he knew and liked her; that was a better foundation for marriage than many had.
He shook his head sharply.Nonsense.She was William’s sister. Beyond reach. He had real problems to deal with.
Like Mother’s list on his desk.
Once he was back at home, he climbed the wide staircase to his study. On the desk lay a sheet of paper filled with neat columns of names in his mother’s slanted handwriting. Daughters of earls, barons, and wealthy commoners, all presumably eager to be included in this infamous party. He sighed, dropped into the chair, and pulled the lamp closer.
All these families…. Each one hoping I’ll choose their darling daughter.He scanned the names. A few seemed tolerable; most he recognized only vaguely. Then he remembered William’s advice.Invite more men. Invite Charlotte and her friends. Make it a real gathering.Possibly the best move he had short of calling off the entire fiasco.
He dipped his quill in ink and drew neat lines through some of the ladies’ names; no reason to fill the estate with hundredsof women he barely recalled. The Fitzgeralds were already there, of course. As were Genevieve and Miranda. He added in Felicity, Helena, and Adeline. They were all from reasonably respectable families, with perhaps the exception of the Steeles, but he could remind his mother of her own remarks at the ball.
He withdrew another sheet of paper and started listing eligible gentlemen he knew. A few of them were friends from the clubs, men who wouldn’t mind a week in the country. He added a couple of mild-mannered fellows who might keep conversation lively without pushing Henry into a corner. The more men, the better he’d be able to avoid being singled out. A matchmaking party for the whole ton. He smiled at the thought.
Then he scrawled a note to his mother before pinning it to the revised list:Amended. I prefer a balanced party.He strode out to find her. When he bumped into her near the upstairs gallery, she beamed at him.
