He rubbed the back of his neck. Was he actually considering this? Would a wife somehow help him get the aid he had been fighting for? “Ottersby, before you met Patience, didn’t you have a list of women you were considering marrying?”
Ottersby’s face was suddenly flat, emotionless and bland. His eyes darted to the door as if Patience would suddenly walk in. “That was a long time ago.”
“But you still have it?”
“Do you think Patience would allow me to keep a list of women I considered marrying?”
Nicholas smiled. It was hard to know what Patience would allow. “I think she would enjoy looking over that list and telling you how fortunate you are that you ended up with her instead of any of them.”
Ottersby’s face softened into a smile. “We may have done that a few times. But I don’t have it anymore. It was a ridiculous thing to have in the first place.”
No, it wasn’t ridiculous; it was logical. Extremely logical. If Nicholas did decide to pursue marriage, he wouldn’t leave theselection of a wife to chance. And instincts? His were bullocks. If he were to marry, he would do it as his father had—with purpose and clarity. Above all, marriage was a contract between two people. He simply needed to find a woman who would fulfill her end of the contract in a way that would be satisfying to both of them. “Do you remember who was on it?”
“Are you asking me to name the women on that list for you to consider as marriage partners?”
Nicholas didn’t answer. Ottersby was a smart man. He knew exactly what Nicholas was asking.
Ottersby grimaced. “You do understand that I was very painstaking in detail tomyposition in Society when making that list? No one who would’ve made a good match for me would make an advantageous match for you.”
“What were your criteria, then? Perhaps we can reproduce a similar list, specific to me.”
Ottersby pulled at the cuff of his sleeve again. “That list almost had me married to Miss Morgan. It was a terrible idea.”
“Miss Morgan wouldn’t have been so terrible. She has a solid standing in Society.” Miss Morgan was one of the few women in London Nicholas had regular interactions with. He had to. She and her family knew about Patience having lived in Ottersby’s home as a maid before they’d married. “Perhaps I should consider her. It would at least ensure her silence about certain matters. And I have no doubt she would agree to marry me.”
Ottersby paled. “She tried to force me to marry her after my father received his title. And her influence is nothing in comparison. She would be a bad choice, Nicholas, in every regard. I was extremely fortunate to escape her grasp. She doesn’t even compare to Patience.”
“No one compares to my sister, which is fortunate for everyone.”
“I won’t agree to help you if Miss Morgan’s name ends up onyour list.”
“Don’t put her on the list, then. You’re right. I need someone with a title, at least.”
Ottersby shook his head, but he stood and walked to the writing desk. Before pulling out a sheet of paper, he looked back at Nicholas. “Patience won’t like this.”
Nicholas waved his hand in the air. “You said she was interested in me getting married.”
Ottersby tipped his head and sat. “Yes, but not like this.”
“I’m comfortable with this method, and that is what matters.” Nicholas stood and positioned himself over Ottersby’s shoulder. “I don’t need a love match. I need someone to help me solidify my place here in London.” And he needed to keep his head, especially with Lady Plymton returning. Finding someone to court before she even arrived would be ideal. Ottersby’s idea was sounding more and more fortuitous. Why shouldn’t he get married? Especially if he courted and married properly and didn’t allow his emotions to rule his actions.
Ottersby lifted the end of his pen to his nose and cleared his throat. “And someone whose company you enjoy?”
“Of course. But most ladies make for enjoyable company, don’t they?” Nicholas patted Ottersby’s shoulder. “That part should be simple enough.” Ottersby made a strange coughing sound in the back of his throat. “The tricky part will be finding just the right woman to exert her influence on Society.”
Ottersby sighed and grabbed the paper and lifted it into the air. “Let’s make the list in my study. I have my rulers there, and I think we may need them in order to properly categorize the women.”
Nicholas wouldn’t argue with that. The idea of an almost mathematical formula calculated to choose the perfect woman for him to marry felt... miraculous. Armed with such a thing, choosing a wife could be done without tempting his weaknessfor a beautiful face and soft skin. He followed behind Ottersby, but the man had suddenly taken to walking very slowly. How did one go about hurrying someone from behind? Couldn’t he sense Nicholas’s urgency? This was no ordinary day.
This was the day Nicholas Kendrick, Duke of Harrington, would find himself a wife.
Chapter 3
“Mama, do you really thinkthe necklace is necessary?” Mercy sat on her bed, resting her feet before an evening that would be filled with dancing. Kate had finished Mercy’s hair but was only halfway through one of her Irish tales when Mama had asked her to leave the two of them alone in Mercy’s bedroom. Luckily, it was one of Kate’s stories Mercy had heard before. Her toes tapped to a silent rhythm against her footboard. She wasn’t great at resting them, not when she knew she had hours of enjoyment ahead of her. “Certainly, the earrings and jewels in my hair will be enough.” Mercy pulled at the large emeralds around her neck. As much as she loved them for their history, waltzing in them all evening was certain to give her a headache. If it were up to her, the only jewelry she would ever wear would be the thin silver bracelet Kate had given her. It was lightweight, unobtrusive, and a reminder of her maid’s friendship.
Mama paced in front of Mercy’s bed. “Unless royalty arrives at the Stafford ball, this necklace should be the most stunning in the room. No one has better emeralds in their family than we do.”
Mercy was well aware of the source of pride Mama’s emeralds were to her. She had heard the story many times of how her grandfather, the fifth earl of Driarwood, had gifted them to her grandmother after he built himself a grand hunting lodge.
