“Very well.” Tossing his reins to his groom, he jumped down from his curricle and climbed into Rupert’s. “Although I do not know how you think you can do anything.”
Rupert drove them to the Museum Tavern across from the British Museum and only a short distance from Russell Square. He had visited the inn a few times with Mr. Chawner. Lord Oliver kept up a steady stream of conversation about absolutely nothing as Rupert considered how to approach marriage with Miss Chawner. Once tucked into a back corner table, with pints of ale in front of them, he surreptitiously studied the other man. His complexion was a bit pasty and his clothing not as neat as usual. Lord Oliver was clearly worried about his fate, and the news that Miss Corbet and Beresford were making a match, which Rupert hoped they did sooner rather than later, had scared Lord Oliver. Fortunately, he didn’t appear to be planning anything nefarious, though Rupert would wager his last groat that Nick Beresford would cut short the life of anyone who attempted to harm his beloved.
After several moments, Rupert set his mug down. “I’ve heard you are in need of making a good match.”
“You seem to know a great deal.” Lord Oliver took a long pull of the ale. “Then you always did seem to be a downy one.”
“I’ve found it to be to my benefit.”
“The thing is, I’m atpoint non plus. I got taken in by a Captain Sharp and made the mistake of going to the bloodsuckers. I’m in deep. I have no way to raise the wind, and I can’t go to m’father. He told me the last time my dibs weren’t in tune that if it happened again I could leave Town for good.” Lord Oliver gave a fatalistic shrug. “The only way to come about is to marry an heiress. I thought Miss Corbet might do, but she seems to have cooled toward me lately.”
If the lady had ever really been interested, which Rupert doubted. “I know an heiress. Her father is a wealthy merchant, and she is his only child.”
Lord Oliver gulped down the rest of his ale and signaled for another. “It’s not as if I’d be the first one to marry down for money. If she behaves anything like a lady at all, I don’t suppose the parents will mind. She would have to give up her connection to her father, of course.”
“She is every inch a lady, but she will not give up her father or pretend she comes from somewhere else.” Rupert watched the other man’s countenance turn a shade close to green and took pity on him. “Don’t worry that her father will try to insinuate himself into your circle. He will not.”
Lord Oliver pushed his glass away. “What is her name and when can I meet her?”
“Her name is Miss Chawner. They live not far from here.” Rupert kept his smile to himself. He’d not been entirely sure the man would act reasonably. “We can go over now and at least leave our cards.”
He called for his carriage to be brought around and checked his pocket watch. Mr. Chawner might not be home yet, but his daughter was sure to be. It might be better for her to inspect Lord Oliver before her father saw him.
Several minutes later, they were shown into an opulent gold and red drawing room that must have been decorated by the same man Prinny used. As Rupert had never been in the parlor before, he could only assume it was meant to impress and awe visitors.
A low, pleasant, feminine voice drifted in from the hall. “There was no need to put Lord Stanstead in the gold room.” The door opened and Miss Chawner appeared dressed neatly and expensively in an emerald-green day gown. She gave Lord Oliver a curious glance, then understanding dawned, and she smiled at Rupert. “My lord, Papa has not yet returned. How may I help you?”
“Miss Chawner, may I make you known to Lord Oliver Loveridge, a younger son of the Duke of Stafford.”
She sank into a graceful and appropriately deep curtsey. “My lord, it is a pleasure to meet you.”
Satisfied Lord Oliver was suitably impressed, Rupert continued. “Lord Oliver, Miss Chawner.”
The other man bowed and took the hand she offered, bringing it to his lips. “The pleasure is entirely mine.”
“There is no need to beat about the bush,” Rupert said before any uneasiness could set in. “The other day I mentioned you to Miss Chawner, and she expressed an interest in a meeting. I think you will deal well together.”
“Indeed, my lord.” Her tone was calm and well modulated. If she had any trepidation, it did not show. “I am no green girl who wishes to be swept off my feet. A marriage of mutual interest would please me.”
For a moment Rupert couldn’t read Lord Oliver’s intent at all, then he laughed. “I’m not sure I have ever met such a forthright young woman. It is refreshing.”
Her eyes twinkled. “We may repair to the morning room where we can discuss our mutual interests. Naturally, my companion will be present. However, she will not interfere with us.” She glanced around, her lips in a moue. “Lord Stanstead, I feel badly leaving you in this monstrosity of a parlor. Papa loves it, but I think he and our regent both have dreadful taste.”
“It’s quite all right.” Rupert grinned. “I’ve been to Brighton. I think I can manage this for a while.”
Once the couple had left, Rupert sat and took out his notebook and pencil. He had enough business to keep him occupied until they returned. Yet rather than focusing on his affairs, he found himself sketching Vivian.
Several minutes had passed when Lord Oliver returned alone. “I have been invited to stay for tea. Miss Chawner assures me she can arrange for my transport home.”
“And?” Rupert asked, wondering if his matchmaking scheme had worked.
Lord Oliver nodded. “Thank you. She is even more strong-minded than Miss Corbet, but I believe you were correct. We will deal well together. After spending this past half hour in her company, my opinion is that she is getting the worst end of the deal.” He grinned. “I have sent a note to my mother asking that she receive Miss Chawner and me in the morning.” He held out his hand and Rupert shook it. “All’s well that ends well.”
“A favorite saying of my mother’s. I shall see you later.” At least he was able to resolve someone’s problems, even if it hadn’t been his own.
Rupert recovered his hat from the footman at the door. He was going to his parents’ house to dine, after which he’d have to make an excuse to be excused from the theater in order to meet Vivian. Now that all the tertiary issues were resolved, he could concentrate on his own courtship.
Vivian could easily have screamed with frustration. It wasn’t that all the conversation revolved around the most eligible gentlemen in theton, but with several young ladies who were just out and accompanied by their mamas, too much of it did. Not to mention that every time she’d spoken with Lady Banks, her daughter’s eyes were shooting arrows at Vivian. What on earth did the girl have against her?
