Chapter 34
William entered the study with grim finality, the door clicking shut behind him. The stranger rose at once.
“My lord,” the man said with the deference of someone either deeply respectful or very skilled at appearing so. He bowed reverently.
William said nothing for a moment. He merely looked at him with all the unbending hauteur of his breeding, all the cold command of his years in the field. The air in the room seemed to drop a degree.
The young man, so confident in the entry hall, swallowed hard beneath Lord Blackmeer’s gaze. He looked at him as if he were something unpleasant tracked in from the street, and this alone seemed to wilt the practiced charm right off him.
At last William spoke, his tone clipped. “What is the matter you wish to discuss—and what is the nature of your involvement with my sister, Lady Charlotte?”
The man seemed to recover himself slightly at the question. “My lord, the matter I came to discuss is of a delicate nature, but your sister is not directly involved. Not in the sense you might fear.”
He paused, clearly for dramatic effect. William’s eyes narrowed.
“I should advise you,” he said, ice running through every syllable, “my time and my patience are limited.”
The stranger gave a small, apologetic dip of his head, composing himself. “Quite so. Forgive me, my lord. Lady Charlotte acted with admirable foresight to prevent a scandal that could cause your noble family no small amount of distress, if the particulars became known.”
William remained stone-still.
“You must know,” the man said smoothly, “she introduced me to a young woman under your protection—a most amiable creature, no doubt.”
William’s expression didn’t shift.
“You must realize, my lord,” he continued, confidence creeping back into his tone, “the young lady in question is quite fortunate. My family is well regarded. Landed. My father sits in the Commons. And while she can claim noble blood on her father’s side, her mother’s people are…” He gave a tight, polished smile. “Tradesmen, I believe.”
William raised an eyebrow. He had no idea what this was about. Some charitable project of Charlotte’s, no doubt. Had she promised a dowry for one of her protégées, and this man had come to ensure it was honored? Entirely possible. The cost would hardly register. The Duchess’s wardrobe for the Season likely came to more. But why would that prevent a scandal?
Nevertheless, he felt himself relax—just a touch. “Whatever sum was promised to you for the lady’s dowry, rest assured it will be met. In that, my sister’s word is gold.”
The man’s mouth curved—not with gratitude, but with something far too knowing.
“A dowry was not discussed with her ladyship,” he said. “But of course, a dowry is necessary under the circumstances. And it should reflect the burden I’m being asked to take on.”
William’s gaze cooled. “A burden,” he repeated.
The man spread his hands lightly. “I do not say it unkindly. But facts are facts. Though my primary concern lies elsewhere.I have long wished to enter the Treasury—my experience in banking makes me particularly well-suited—and I have sufficient family connections to rise, though not quickly. His Grace’s endorsement would change that.”
William remained motionless, his stare hard as flint.
The stranger went on. “Lady Charlotte assured me your father would not hesitate to assist—particularly considering the, ah, circumstances. It is one thing to marry below oneself, my lord. Quite another to bring this shame upon oneself.”
A faint roar began in William’s ears.
The man smiled faintly. “I am not laying blame to anyone, my lord. The lady is comely enough. And to have her under your roof, and not dip a finger in the honey—well, that is perhaps too much to ask of any man. But it is I who must now reap what another has sown.”
William blinked once, slowly.
“I would not make such requests lightly,” he continued. “But a modest estate would allow me to begin my own line. A title in time, perhaps. A baronetcy, at least. With proper service at the Treasury, who knows? I aim to build something, and my sacrifice should ensure your family’s continued patronage.”
William still hadn’t moved.
“My lord,” he said, tone hardening, “I am not a fool. I know what is being asked. And I am prepared to raise the child. But imagine if it’s a boy. All my sacrifice? Wasted on someone else’s blood. My heir will be a duke’s natural son,” he lamented somewhat theatrically.
For a moment, William genuinely did not understand what the man was talking about. A child? His father’s? Some illegitimate affair hidden under Charlotte’s skirts? It would be like him. God knew it wouldn’t be the first time.
“I see,” William said at last, his voice clipped. “And you did not see fit to make the full list of demands known to my sister?”
