“No, I don’t imagine you were, but then, you weren’t there at her conception either.”
It was exactly three seconds before Dowling reacted. Slamming his hands down on the desk, he stood. “You disparage my character, young man.”
Christopher leaned against the chair next to him, projecting a relaxed appearance, though his heart was beating hard in his chest. “I mean you no disrespect, my lord. In fact, it appears the disparagement would be rightfully put upon your wife.”
Most men would take more umbrage at such a statement, but Dowling’s ego had been slightly mollified. “Women are the weaker gender. So weak.”
“In light of this new information about Lady Sophie, I must assume that you will receive no better offers for her hand than mine.”
Dowling’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t see why not?”
Christopher was surprised Dowling was being so stubborn. “Then allow me to explain. Since Lady Dowling slept with a groom while married to you, Lady Sophie is a bastard.”
The rotund man stood and started to turn red from the base of his neck to the top of his head. Christopher feared he might be having an apoplectic fit.
Then Lord Dowling walked around the desk and stood before Christopher, his hands fisted in impotent rage. “Don’t you ever say that again.”
There had to be some logic left in the man, because he didn’tthrow a punch, which was just as well. Christopher did not wish to explain to Sophie that he’d had to lay the lord out. In view of the fury before him, he simply nodded.
Dowling spun on his heel and returned to his desk, his color starting to lighten. “What do you want, Tamworth?”
“I want Lady Sophie’s hand in marriage.”
“And that will keep you silent?”
“It will.”
“Then take her. She’s of little worth anyway.” The man took his seat again and picked up a piece of paper as if he planned to read it as soon as Christopher left.
Christopher found himself now fighting his own fury on Sophie’s behalf, but kept his composure. “I can send my solicitor to you to negotiate the contract, unless you wish to do so with me.”
“You expect a dowry? Go to hell.”
“Not likely. You see, it would look odd to others if Lady Sophie did not come with a dowry. Surely you see that.”
Dowling crumpled the piece of paper in his hand, then a snide look appeared on his face. “Of course she’ll have a dowry, and you’ll take her mother as well.”
While Christopher did not envy Lady Dowling’s position, she had created her own problem. “Lady Dowling is welcome to visit any time she wishes. However, she will not live on my estate, as that also would look odd, since you’re still alive, and even after your passing, I’m sure your son will support her.”
Dowling stood again. “Get out or I’ll have you thrown out.”
“Of course. I was just leaving. I will relate the happy news to Lady Sophie.” Christopher forced himself to walk calmly to the door.
Just as he reached it, Dowling spoke. “Do be careful on your ride back. The roads in winter can be treacherous. You wouldn’t want an accident to befall you.”
Surprised that the man would indeed stoop so low to get his way,yet not unprepared, Christopher turned. “Do not worry yourself. I am very careful while traveling. I’m also careful to put into place any contingency that might be needed, which is why one other person knows Lady Sophie’s secret. Were anything untoward to happen to me, that secret will be released.”
The smug smile on Lord Dowling’s face vanished, replaced with a scowl and the reddish pallor.
Not wishing to be the instigator of the man’s death, Christopher nodded. “Good day, Lord Dowling.” He opened the door, then closed it behind him, hearing a loud crash come from inside the room.
The butler grimaced as if that were a common occurrence and offered Christopher his greatcoat and hat.
Quickly, he left the house and entered his coach. The interview with Dowling had gone smoother than he’d expected. He’d been nervous the man might tell him to do his worst and tell everyone. That would hurt Sophie far more than Lord Dowling, but the man obviously thought of himself before anyone else. If the lord thought he’d have an easier time of it with Mr. Morton, he was going to be surprised.
For the first time since he left Stoneleigh House, Christopher smiled, relaxing back into the cushions of the coach. Now to Silver Meadows and Sophie. His next problem was how to get her to see him. If she’d hidden in her room for days to avoid him, he had no doubt she’d claim a headache if he made a formal call upon her.
Would she still have her bedroom door locked? If he secretly entered the house and made his way up to her room at night, he could see her, but only if she left her door unlocked. If it was locked, he’d have to sneak back out. He could send a note to Mrs. Kingman asking to consult with Sophie on a piece of literature, but that would give her far too much time to make an excuse.
