Page 10 of A Marriage of Necessity

“His lordship will not be here,” he said. “He is very ill. I represent his interests.”

Anne nodded. “Oh, forgive me. This is Molly, my companion,” she said.

Mr. Spector bowed again, and said, “Please, be seated.”

They resumed their seats on the divan and Mr. Spector took the chair to Anne’s left.

“As I said, his lordship is ill. He wishes his son to marry post haste.” The man gave what, Anne assumed, was meant to be a comforting smile, but it looked more pained than comforting. “He is willing to offer you a generous settlement.”

Anne’s heart pounded. She had known this topic would arise, but had assumed that by the time it did, she would be on intimate enough terms with her prospective husband for him to understand that her title would be her dowry. But a man in line for an earldom had no need of a title as viscount.

“Sir, perhaps his lordship is unaware that I have no dowry to offer, other than the title that will pass to my future husband.”

Again, the man offered a smile, this one almost a grimace. “Indeed, my lady, the earl is well aware you have no dowry. He is pleased that his son will carry your title. If you will take a moment and review the contract.” He pulled a document from an inside jacket pocket, unfolded it, and handed it to her.

Anne angled her head in thanks, and began reading. When she’d finished, she was more than certain she was dreaming. The earl would settle five thousand pounds on her on the day they married—which would be two days hence—and another ten thousand pounds the day she bore his son an heir. On top of that, she would receive a thousand pounds a year to do with as she pleased. The five thousand pounds was enough to get them through the first harvest season.

Her thoughts threatened to churn into chaos, but she forced order and concentrated on one thing: the money. There was no guarantee she would bear a son the first year. A thousand pounds a year wouldn’t support the estate, but another fifteen hundred would get them by. As the wife of a wealthy viscount who was heir to an earldom, there had to be a way for her to get more money. But how? Never mind. She would figure that out along the way. She couldn’t possibly get a better offer than this one.

She looked at Mr. Spector. “I own property north of Perth as well as in the Highlands. That property will remain in my possession.”

“I believe that will be acceptable, my lady. So long as the property falls to your son at your death.”

She nodded. “My mother and sister live at Dover Hall. They will remain there as long as they wish.”

He nodded. “You will reside here in Edinburgh until you bear an heir. After that, you may retire to the country, if you wish. Of course, your son will remain here in Edinburgh.”

A chill swept through her. Leave her son? She hadn’t considered that. But then, she hadn’t considered children beyond the knowledge that children were an obvious result of marriage.

“Are you saying, I will be banished to the country while my children remain here in Edinburgh?”

“Nae, my lady. I am saying that you would not be allowed to leave your husband and take them to the country.”

“Not even for a visit?”

“Of course, you and your husband may decide to visit anywhere you like. But the children will be raised here in Edinburgh.”

Her heart sank. She hadn’t given a thought to where her children might be raised, but upon reflection, she couldn’t imagine them being raised anywhere but at Dover Hall. This was far more complicated than she’d considered. But then, like now, she had considered only the money. What a fool she’d been to think she could simply marry a man and live life as she chose. She had to marry, of that there was no question. But her life would no longer be her own. She could visit Dover Hall and Marr Castle, but even that was dependent upon her husband’s goodwill.

What choice had she? At best, she her sister and their mother would last one more year before the creditors swooped down upon them. If that happened, none of them would have a home.