“Not at all, but I’m not sure Weston Textiles’ prestige would benefit if it becoming known you’ve kept my granddaughter from me all these years.”
Thomas opened his mouth to respond and then seemed to think better of it. It was never a good idea to anger a peer. He closed his mouth and slumped back in his chair.
Lydia released her aunt. “Thank you so much for your courage,” she whispered in her ear.
Agnes nodded. “So, is there to be a wedding?”
Lydia nodded and reached out her hand to George. “Yes. Lord Hutchinson has proposed, and I’ve accepted.”
“What happy news!” Agnes cried.
George squeezed Lydia’s hand. “Shall I get a special license, my dear? I’d love to marry in all due haste. We’ve wasted enough time apart.”
“My darling, as much as I wish to become your wife as soon as possible, would you mind terribly if the banns were read? I don’t want anyone to gossip about the timing of the wedding. There will already be plenty of gossip once the betrothal is announced.”
“Whatever you want will be fine with me,” George said. “Mr. Weston, I’ll return tomorrow with my solicitor to draw up the marriage settlements.”
Thomas merely grunted.
Viscount Surry walked to Agnes and bowed. “My dear lady, I don’t know how to thank you. You’ve given me back a piece of my daughter, and I look forward to getting to know my granddaughter.”
Agnes nodded. “I couldn’t stay silent any longer, my lord. I’m so pleased that you want to get to know this wonderful young woman.”
“I want to do more than that. I’d like to introduce my granddaughter at the ball my wife has planned for Friday. Then the first banns can be read on Sunday. Will that suit?” he asked, looking between Hutchinson and Lydia.
“What do you say, my dear? Are you ready to face thetonas Viscount Surry’s granddaughter and my betrothed?” George asked.
Lydia’s eyes widened at Surry’s suggestion. “Oh my, do you think that’s a good idea, my lord? I’ve not even met Lady Surry yet.” She drew in a tight breath. What if she doesn’t want to meet me?”
“You mustn’t worry, my dear. Come to tea today and meet your grandmother. She’ll be thrilled to finally meet you. She was beside herself with joy when I shared your aunt’s letter with her.”
“May Aunt Agnes accompany me to tea?”
“Of course, she’s most welcome,” the viscount said. “I’ll see you later today, my dear,” he said, kissing Lydia’s forehead before exiting the room.
“May I have a word in private, my dear?” George asked.
Lydia looked at her aunt, who nodded her approval. She didn’t feel the need to address her father in this matter. He’d been lying to her for nineteen years, and soon, she’d be leaving this house forever. “Of course. Shall we go to the parlor?”
George took her hand, and they exited her father’s study and walked down the hall.
“What’s so important you needed to talk to me immediately?” she asked once they were seated on the sofa in the parlor.
“There’s something you must know.”
“Oh? You haven’t changed your mind, have you?”
“Never. Don’t ever doubt my love for you. It’s been my constant companion since I first met you, although I was slow to recognize it.”
“Then what? You seem nervous.”
“I am a little nervous. Let me explain. My brother Arthur had a terrible gambling problem. Consequently, my father, at my mother’s urging, was continually paying his debts. Well, I’m embarrassed to say the debt added up to a substantial amount over the years and it’s nearly wiped out the estate’s finances. I’m trying to economize, but it’s not enough to keep the estate solvent.”
“What does that mean? Are you marrying me for my dowry?”
“When I planned to propose back in Bath, I had no need for your dowry. I have my own investments and could have supported a wife comfortably. Now, however, even that money isn’t enough to keep the estate in the black for much longer.”
“I see.”
