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Selwyn didn’t react, but Thompson paled. ‘Your Grace. I… What a surprise to see you here.’

He didn’t smile, didn’t react. And neither did Selwyn. ‘I imagine it is. Shall we have a drink?’ He gestured towards a nearby tavern. ‘We could…renew our acquaintance.’

Selwyn cleared his throat. ‘I’m afraid I have other obligations this morning with Lenora. But if you have business with Thompson, by all means—’ He gestured towards the tavern.

Alaric wasn’t about to let the earl go that easily. ‘Did you ever have business dealings with my father, Selwyn?’

The earl’s face turned sympathetic. ‘Many of us did, Your Grace. But this is not the time or place to discuss it. My condolences on your loss.’ With that, he tipped his hat and left.

Alaric turned back to Thompson. ‘I believe, under the circumstances, we should have our meeting now instead of this afternoon.’

‘I—I’m afraid we should wait, Your Grace. I don’t have any of your father’s papers or the ledgers, or—’

‘Let me be clear. I want to know why you were talking to Selwyn just now. Did my father borrow money from him?’

Thompson hesitated. ‘I… That is…’ He appeared vastly uncomfortable. ‘In a manner of speaking.’

Alaric had no idea why the secretary was so on edge. ‘And did he pay it back?’

‘No, Your Grace.’

A cold anger caught him at the thought of being indebted to the earl. ‘I want the records of exactly what my father owed Selwyn. You will bring them to me tomorrow morning, along with a detailed accounting of all his other debts.’

Thompson inclined his head. ‘As you wish, Your Grace.’ He cleared his throat. ‘Am I to assume that you wish me to return to my post as your secretary?’

‘I will pay you for your time,’ Alaric said, ‘but no. Do not make assumptions until I have a full understanding of my father’s debts. And I also want to know about this man, Mr Virdon, who has been sending letters about loans that don’t seem to exist.’

‘I may not have all the answers you need by the morning—’ Thompson started to say.

‘Then come in two days. Bring everything with you.’ But regardless of whatever Thompson was able to discover, Alaric had no intention of being indebted to Selwyn.

One way or another, he intended to restore the family fortune and good name. And he swore that he would never make the same mistakes his father had.

Chapter Nine

Rule 9: We will consummate our marriage for the purpose of an heir.

Charlotte was utterly bewildered by the package Moreen had given her. She’d opened the box and inside, lovingly wrapped in tissue paper, was a sheer silk nightdress. What was the purpose of wearing such a thing? She might as well wear nothing at all. She held it up, frowning as she tried to determine what to do with it.

‘Your Grace, that is beautiful,’ Moreen sighed. ‘Your husband will love it.’

Charlotte turned it one way, then another. ‘Is it meant to be worn over a nightgown?’

Her maid coughed, hiding her face as if she was trying not to laugh. ‘No, Your Grace. It’s meant to be all that you wear to bed.’

‘How would I even put it on? Do the ties go in front or behind?’

‘In front,’ her maid answered. She cleared her throat delicately. ‘May I assume that you and the duke have…’

‘Yes,’ Charlotte answered, not wanting to go into more detail. Her cheeks were burning, but she said, ‘I never expected him to give me such a gift.’

‘He wants you to wear it for him,’ Moreen answered. ‘It means he desires you.’

A slight thrill caught her, for this was what she’d wanted. All day, Charlotte had been uncertain about how to get her husband to fall in love with her. Although she’d suspected a seduction might be required, she didn’t entirely know what to do or how. She’d read chapters of her book on lovemaking, but so little of it made any sense to her.

Maybe this was just what she needed. It was time to stop being shy and reach for what she wanted.

‘Do you want me to order a hot bath for you, Your Grace?’ Moreen asked.