He heard Andrew move to a chair behind him. “No need to be so honorable, unless you’re thinking this would be a good opportunity to add a dowry to your coffers. I just have to caution you that you will be miserable unless there are some mutual feelings.”
Once again, his brother underestimated him, but instead of being angered, Christopher found himself indifferent. It didn’t matter anymore. Only having Sophie mattered.
He turned and shook his head at Andrew. “There are very strong feelings between us. The problem is that I doubt her father will accept me with the way I make an income.”
“Wait a moment. When did you develop feelings for Lady Sophie? I wasn’t aware you knew her, except possibly from being here. But she isn’t a first-year student, so how could your paths have crossed?”
At the thought of the many times he and Sophie had managed to be alone, he took a sip to cover the truth that might be seen in his eyes. Then he moved to the other chair by the fire and sat. “I have known Lady Sophie since the ball at the Marquess of Ferncroft’s estate. You do remember insisting I come as an unmarried male to help with the dancing.A favoris what you called my attendance, was it not?”
As he’d hoped, his brother looked away. “Yes, it was for the duchess. She wished to help Lady Ferncroft have a successful event.”
“And since I’ve been teaching here, I have met with her and taken her advice on a number of issues, since she knows the ladies here. Of course, Mrs. Kingman has served as chaperone.”
Andrew ran his hand through his hair. “I didn’t know that. There’s so much to running this school. I’ll be glad when the duke and duchessreturn and Amelia and I can go home to Lyonsmere.”
Christopher smirked, a little pleased he could make his brother’s life uncomfortable. “I doubt that is where you’ll go. I’m quite sure your wife will want to visit Lady Blackmore and her new niece or nephew.”
His brother groaned. “You said that with far too much pleasure. So, it’s only fair I ask you—when do you plan to make your intentions known to the Lady Sophie and her father?”
“As soon as possible. I will wait here until I am sure she is on the mend.”
“That’s a good idea. She is such a quiet, meek lady. I do hope she has the fortitude to fight off any aftereffects of the pond. I know Lady Rose will do all that is possible, but we could send for the duchess if needed.”
The sharp pain in his chest at the idea of losing Sophie took his breath away for a moment. He swallowed with difficulty. “Yes. Then we will send for the duchess. But Sophie is far from meek and has great strength.”
His brother stared at him. “And she has shown this to you?”
Christopher nodded, his gut now churning with fear. Maybe they should send for the duchess immediately.
“I admit to being surprised. I have not seen such from her, but I have not spent much time in the lady’s presence. I can only assume she has become very comfortable with you for you to see that.”
“Brother, if Amelia fell through the ice and was lying in her bedroom with Lady Rose in attendance, would you send for the duchess?”
Andrew’s eyes widened with sudden understanding. He didn’t reply immediately, actually thinking about such a scenario. Finally, he spoke. “I wouldn’t. Not yet. But if there were no improvement in two days’ time, I’d jump on a sturdy horse, race to Ravenridge myself, and insist she come.”
Trusting Andrew in this, since he had much more experience withLady Rose and the duchess, Christopher nodded. “Then I will wait two days and no more.”
“In the meantime, what will you say to her father about your income? I wouldn’t tell him about the state of your estate’s ledgers, but he’s sure to know the place, as it is not so far from Lord Durham’s. From what I know of Lord Dowling, he is a reserved, quiet man but a political force, who has strong opinions on what is acceptable. I don’t think your ability to win a bet with Harewood will sway the man in your favor.”
Thankful for the change in topic, Christopher rose and stepped to the fire again. “I don’t know. If what you say is true, even my investments will cause him concern.”
“Do you have any funds not tied up in the estate or in ship cargoes?”
He shook his head.
“Damn. If you did, I could say it was a portion I turned over to you from Father’s legacy. It’s not completely unheard of for brothers to share in the inheritance. After all, you would have inherited Mooring Cross if Grandfather hadn’t lost it. It’s too bad the old fellow didn’t understand how important that special succession granted years ago would help you now. At least you have the title. Those can’t be purchased.”
Christopher cracked the knuckles on his left hand, determined to approach Sophie’s father with the best possible prospect.
“Chris, didn’t you win a bet with Durham while at the Ferncrofts’? What was that again?”
“That was his family’s house in Town, but I plan to let him win it back. I’m sure he’ll want to bet with me again.”
“I understand your friendship, but is it more important than Lady Sophie? If you sold that home in Town, that could give you the funds that I could say came from Father. No one knows how much he owed when he passed, and I have paid all of his debts, so it’s plausible thatyou’ve had a portion allotted to you.”
Hope filled Christopher’s chest. “That could work, if Mr. Morton could get a good price for it and set up the trust to look as if I’ve had it all along. But it would be a hard blow to Durham.”
“Lord Durham already lost it.”
