Page 34 of A Hint of Scandal

Max fell silent as Watkins helped him into his breeches and a fresh cravat. At last, attired suitably for dinner with the family, and his arm back in its sling, he turned to Watkins. “I wanted you to know, as I can trust you not to tell anyone else, that today I made an offer of marriage to a lady.”

Watkins’s eyes widened in genuine surprise before a gleam of pleasure lit them. “You did, sir? Please accept my congratulations, sir. I’m very pleased for you. Indeed I am.”

Max shook his head. “That, I’m afraid, is not all. She hasn’t given me an answer yet.”

Watkins shrugged. “I’m sure she’s just overwhelmed by your proposal, sir. Women, I mean young ladies, seem inclined to fits of the vapors when emotional. And I gather they’re also fond of keeping gentlemen dancing on strings.”

Max shook his head. “I don’t think it’s that, Watkins. I fear I’ve messed up my proposal and now she thinks I’ve made it just because I need my inheritance.”

Watkins’s eyes sharpened. He knew all about the details of the old earl’s will. “Forgive me for asking, sir, but was it indeed only because of the inheritance that you made the proposal?”

Max compressed his lips, suddenly unwilling to admit the truth even to Watkins. If it was the truth. “Well, in a way I suppose it was. But I like the girl. I think we could rub along together well enough. I wouldn’t have asked just anyone. She’s not a vapid miss. She possesses a keen intellect.”

Watkins smiled. “And am I to presume that because you’re telling me all this, you require my advice?”

Max nodded. “I do. You’re a sensible man and we’ve known each other a long time. You’ve been married, even though I didn’t realize it. I value your wisdom.”

Watkins sighed. “In my experience, Captain, a girl likes some romance in her life. Your young lady might not be a ‘vapid miss,’ as you say, and in possession of a keen intellect, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t dreamed of true love. Did you, might I ask, inform her of the conditions of your father’s will at the time of your proposal?”

Max nodded. “In the interest of honesty, I did. Full disclosure. I didn’t want her to be ignorant of it.”

Watkins shook his head, possibly in exasperation. “Perhaps not such a good idea. Honesty has its place, and I find in dealing with women—ladies—it is a somewhat unnecessary trait. Women like to hear what they want you to say, not what you want to say.”

“So you’re saying I shouldn’t have told her why I have to marry?”

“I am, sir.”

Max ruminated for a few seconds. “Damnit. I think I might have messed up.”

Watkins flicked a speck of dust from Max’s shoulder. “I think perhaps we might be able to undo your mistake. Go down to dinner and give me time to think about this.”

Max sighed. “If you can get me out of this spot, then you’re a miracle worker.”