Page 84 of Tempting Her Viscount

Chapter Twenty-Eight

After another enjoyable ride in the park with Willa, Kit went to his club for dinner and found the man he was looking for straight away. He took a steadying breath, ready to move on with this most important step.

“Good evening, Ernest,” Kit greeted the man who gestured he was welcome to sit.

“Stormont. I’m surprised you’re not at home readying yourself for a ball.”

“Actually, that is my plan, however I wish to discuss an important matter with you first.” Kit smiled. Or hoped he was smiling. He was rather nervous.

The man frowned. “I’m sure I can guess what you wish to discuss. I’ve seen you chasing after Willy. I do wish she had found someone a little heavier in the pockets, but you do seem to care for her and as we discussed recently, her happiness is my highest priority.” The man’s words could only be described as insincere. He barely managed to hide his disappointment. Kit felt the need to confirm.

“To be clear, you would give your blessing to the match, were I to propose?”

“I would. Her dowry isn’t much to speak of.”

“I will leave it for her and add to it so she is settled properly.” He’d invest it wisely so it would grow to a handsome sum, as husbands had a tendency to leave this world before their wives.

“I would suggest you don’t tell her I approve of the match. The last time I encouraged someone’s suit she ended the association immediately just to spite me. She doesn’t want me interfering. In fact, I should probably pretend I don’t favor you so she’ll consider your proposal.”

Kit watched as the man threw back his glass of whiskey and rubbed his forehead. Willa had seemed quite pleasant. Was she to be this much trouble with him, or was it merely sibling opposition? The man must have caught Kit pondering, because he cleared his throat and said, “I assure you, her defiance is only with me as an older brother. She’ll be a most biddable wife.”

Kit laughed. “I don’t wish for a biddable wife.” Though reasonable wouldn’t be too much to ask.

“That’s probably for the best,” Ernest muttered, before saying louder, “I look forward to welcoming you to the family.” He sounded only slightly more enthusiastic than he had originally. Kit wondered how bad off the man was. His question was answered when he perked up and leaned closer. “Say, you might be able to help me.”

“In what way?” Kit wanted to be agreeable but he wouldn’t be able to offer much in the way of funds without putting his own situation at risk. But he’d help the man if he could. After all, they would be family. Or they would if Willa accepted his proposal.

“My circumstances would be greatly improved if I were to find myself a wife of means. Someone like Lady Hamlin for example. I know men shy away because of the mark on her face, but I’m not bothered by such a thing. She’s lovely enough and seems spirited.”

“And has no wish to marry,” Kit said quickly. He put up his hand to stop the man when it seemed he planned to protest. “At all.”

Ernest deflated with a solemn nod. “If you can think of anyone else…”

After securing Ernest’s approval, and assuring the man he would keep his eye out for an heiress to save him from himself, Kit returned home so he could be fitted out for the evening, possibly the most important evening of his entire life.

He was going to propose.

By tomorrow, he could have a fiancée.

He paused as he looked on his reflection in the mirror, noting the sadness lingering in his eyes. He should be happier. Willa was perfect. Beautiful, funny, smart and an engaging conversationalist. He could not find anyone more suited for him.

Except…

He shook his head. Tonight, he would give up on his dream of having Celia as his wife once and for all.

He had hoped he’d already given up on that dream, but there it was, still hanging on like a burr. He must move on. They wanted different things and while he was now certain he loved her, it didn’t mean he couldn’t find love and happiness with Willa.

“Is everything to your liking, my lord?” Hart asked.

“Of course.” He set his valet’s mind at ease and left his home. The home he planned to fill with a family.

By the time he exited his carriage at the ball, he found himself to be quite nervous. His hands were damp inside his gloves, and a trickle of sweat slowly made its way down his back.

This was the right thing to do. He needed to get married and produce an heir, but more than that, he wanted a family. He wanted to belong.

It seemed like fate was testing him when the first person he saw as he walked into the ballroom was Celia. She offered a smile and his heart picked up as his body responded. She was as beautiful as ever in an emerald gown that was cut low enough to show off those enticing breasts he’d once enjoyed.

He swallowed and gave a nod to her before turning and heading off in the opposite direction. He needed to stay away from her until his heart gave up on the possibility of her.