Page 60 of Desperately Seeking Seduction

Stratford burst to his feet. “You dismissed my valet away without speaking to me first?”

Algernon gave him a pointed look. “Is there a reason I shouldn’t have the final say in what goes on in my own home?”

Stratford gulped and subsided slightly. “No. Of course not, Your Grace.”

He risked a glance at Aston, who was now wearing an expression of barely hidden glee. The fellow nodded to him, and his smile widened even more. Was Aston glad his daughter was no longer at the manor to be an embarrassment to him? Or was there something else running through his devious mind now?

“I should like to discuss that other matter,” Aston announced. “I believe there is a bargain to be made that benefits us all.”

“Oh?” This from the duke.

“Yes, I propose a marriage for one of you to a woman of my choosing.” Aston looked around them and his gaze settled on Stratford again. “Should such a marriage happen in, say, one month, I am prepared to halve the debt.”

Stratford gasped, along with everyone. “Halve the debt?”

“A not inconsiderable sum, as I’m sure you are aware,” Aston stated, smiling slightly at Stratford.

“Out of the question,” Algernon replied, bristling. “I will not be buckle to blackmail.”

“I should hope not.” Aston regarded the duke levelly. “But I did not say it had to be you who tied the knot. No, a duke must be discerning in his choice of duchess and not forced into a poor match. But you have two unwed brothers. Should one of them marry in the time allotted, I will consider forgiving half the debt and expect an invitation to the wedding.”

Behind him, Jasper spluttered, but Stratford’s mind was in a whirl. If he was the one who married in the next three months, it would only be to Win.

Was that the reason for Aston’s smile? Did he know Stratford held his daughter in the highest affection?

“What of the rest of the debt?” Nash asked.

Aston waved the question away. “I’m sure the duke and I can figure that out after the marriage has taken place, but only if there is an expedient marriage to a particular young lady of my choosing.”

Stratford heard the stress placed on “lady.” Aston’s message to him was subtle but clear. Marry Win, wearing a gown, and it would be with his blessing. He’d halve the outstanding debt and be reasonable in his wish for any remaining amount.

“I hardly think—” Algernon began.

Aston’s gaze didn’t even flicker in the duke’s direction as he continued speaking. Aston was waiting for Stratford to decide.

He wet his lips. Torn by indecision. Win would hate to be put in this position as much as he would. “I’ll do it. Propose. But there is no guarantee of a wedding so soon,” Stratford warned Aston.

Win might not want to marry him. She might not want to wear a gown and be known as a woman. She was stubborn about keeping up her ruse. After all, she’d lived her life that way for an awfully long time because of her mother and father, and knew no other way to go on.

“Be persuasive,” Aston suggested and then got to his feet, a little bit unsteady. “I think I will go and lie down for the afternoon. You don’t mind if I remain until the wedding, do you?”

“It would be our pleasure,” Stratford promised, hoping that could be true. There was a lot Aston had not said about his daughter’s existence, but to him, it didn’t seem like the man wished her ill. In fact, halving the debt owed to him almost made it seem like he was offering up a dowry for Win.

“Oh, and I will not ask my son to remain for the nuptials,” Aston murmured as an aside. “He’s only in the way here now.”

“Thank you,” Stratford replied.

With that, Aston left the room, supported by Nash.

The silence was heavy in his absence.

Jasper was the first to speak. “This isn’t right. Why should Stratford have to give up his freedom to marry some chit he’s never met?”

Algernon was staring at Stratford, a half-smile hovering on his lips. “He volunteered.”

“Everyone could see why,” Jasper complained. “Aston thinks to make us dance to his tune just as Father once did.”

“Nevertheless, Stratford has come to a gentleman’s agreement with Aston, and I’ll not have anyone question his decision.”