Featherstone turned his attention towards Charles. “I understand that congratulations are in order,” he said. “You managed to snag quite a beauty.”
Charles took a sip of his drink, not bothering to dignify his comment with a response.
To his great annoyance, Featherstone pulled out a chair and sat down. “Miss Henrietta is quite beautiful, but I am much more interested in her older sister.”
Brixton grunted. “You are not interested in a wife.”
Featherstone put his glass down on the table. “I have decided it is time for me to take a wife and do my duty.”
“Why now?” Roswell asked.
“I need a suitable woman who will be willing to overlook my… activities,” Featherstone said. “Furthermore, I need an heir.”
“And you think Miss Whiston is that young woman?” Charles asked.
Featherstone nodded. “From the moment I saw her, I knew she would be the perfect dutiful wife.”
“How romantic,” Charles said.
A server walked over and placed new drinks in front of them. He left without saying a word after he collected their empty glasses.
Brixton shifted in his seat to face Featherstone. “I have no intention of letting you have Marjorie without a fight.”
“Is that so?” Featherstone asked, amused. “I am surprised you are pursuing Marjorie, since her sister is shrouded in scandal.”
“Why should that matter?” Brixton questioned.
Featherstone brought the glass up to his lips. “Miss Henrietta was caught with a man in her bedchamber,” he said. “I can’t help but wonder if Charles has visited her before, as well.”
Charles shoved back his chair and rose. “How dare you make such an abhorrent accusation!”
“Calm down,” Featherstone remarked dryly. “You are making a scene.”
With narrowed eyes, Charles sat down and asked, “Why are you here, Featherstone?”
“I just wanted to come by and give you well wishes,” Featherstone said. “After all, you will be wed tomorrow, and we might become brothers-in-law one day.”
“I doubt that; not if Miss Whiston has any sense,” Charles countered.
Featherstone shrugged. “I am not pursuing her because she is clever, if you must know,” he said. “I am only doing so because she is beautiful.”
“You are not worthy of her,” Brixton stated.
“Is anyone truly worthy of anyone else?” Featherstone asked. “After all, Roswell married a young woman who was a guest in his home for the Season.”
Roswell clenched his jaw. “What are you insinuating?”
Featherstone held up his hand. “Nothing,” he replied. “I was merely commenting that it was rather convenient for you. You didn’t have to go far to find a bride.”
“Nothing untoward happened while she was residing in my house,” Roswell asserted. “I can assure you of that.”
“Of course not,” Featherstone mocked. “The Brooksbank brothers are much too honorable to do anything that might incite a scandal. Which is why I find Charles’s choice of a bride so interesting. Quite honestly, she appears to be a walking scandal.”
“It is none of your business who I marry,” Charles growled.
“You are right, but I thought you might want a word of advice,” Featherstone said.
“I will make this very clear,” Charles growled. “I do not need, or want, your advice.”
