If Browning gave his blessing, then Sebastian had no doubts that the rest of the plan would go accordingly. If he could make a more thorough assessment of Miss Browning’s character and found her acceptable, then a swift marriage was almost guaranteed.
He was still young, not bad looking, with a reputation for being intelligent and easy to talk to. Surely he could woo a girl with so few prospects, and do it quickly, then turn her dowry into something that could actually sustain them. He knew friends in trade, others in banking. He could invest.
In the meantime, he could quietly sell off the least obvious estates here in the city to pay off the egregious debts. That would stave off gossip for a time.
But God, did it all just reek of impropriety. He was no saint, but even he had limits. Marrying for a dowry…he’d never thought he’d see himself stoop so low.
Then, he pictured his sister, and his mother, and the home in Derbyshire, and it all became just a bit more palatable. So when Browning called him into his study, Sebastian decided that open honesty would be the only practical move.
“I know we haven’t gotten to speak much since the other evening,” his friend said amiably as he handed him a glass of amber liquid. Turning somewhat more serious, he added, “I did not get to say it then, but I was sorry to hear about your father.”
“I think we both know that you were not sorry at all.”
Browning grimaced before taking a long drink. “You are correct, the old man is better in the ground, but there are certain things we are supposed to say after one dies, isn’t there?”
“Consider yourself absolved from such statements.” If there was one thing that Sebastian did not need right now, it was kind words about the late viscount who had put him in this most awkward position.
“Alright then, we shall move on to more pressing matters.” Leaning back against his desk, Browning set down his glass and crossed his arms over his chest. “What are you playing at with Auggie?”
Sebastian’s head snapped up. “How did you know?”
Browning gave a caustic laugh. “How did I know? No one has danced with Auggie all season. Of course word would get back to me when one of my best friends took her out for a waltz.” He narrowed his eyes in suspicion. “Therefore, I ask you again: what are you playing at?”
‘Playing at.’ The words made Sebastian feel like a con man in the marketplace, selling tricks and lies.
Which was why, in due course, he let out a sigh and ran straight into the truth.
“You know precisely what I am playing at.”
His friend’s face did not give way to sympathy. “There are other ladies with dowries as large as hers. Why Auggie?”
“Look, Browning, I am not running into a proposal with her. But you know my situation, and why I must marry. I merely want to ensure that I am looking at all of my options. I should think that you, her keeper, would be happy to know that there is still interest in her.”
The last bit was a tad manipulative, he knew, but it was also true.
It was only then that Browning’s expression softened somewhat. “Of course I understand your situation. And yes, if I am being honest, it was nice to hear that she’d peeled herself away from the wall last night. But…Brightwater, there are things you do not know about my sister.”
This piqued Sebastian’s interest. If there were any fault in Miss Browning, he’d been completely unable to see it last night. She’d been the picture of primness, albeit closed off and cold.
“Like what?” he asked.
Browning looked down at his drink. “I would not speak of her private matters to anyone who did not intend for her. But you are my friend, and I do not wish you to get involved without knowing that there is a great deal beneath the surface with Auggie. You would not simply be able to take the money and live a carefree life.”
Now came the most difficult part. “And how much money would that be, if I may be so bold?”
Browning’s jaw tightened. “Sixty thousand pounds.”
The number nearly knocked Sebastian off his feet. “Sixty thousand?”
Browning only nodded while Sebastian’s mind continued to spin. “I have great sympathy for you. I truly do. I cannot imagine the stress you are under. And yes, I want to see my sister married before her final season. But I will not have her simply sold off.If you truly chose her over your other options, then she would have to be the one to give the final say. You understand?”
Sebastian nodded, feeling greatly as though he had neither received a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’ from his friend. “If I called on her tomorrow, would you admit me?”
Browning laughed. “I would never turn you away.” He took another long drink, then let out a sigh. “Auggie, however, may be a different story.”
Chapter Five
Augusta sat at her desk, twirling her fountain pen in her hand and feeling terribly vexed.
