Page 19

* * *

The decisive thump of Preston’s study door echoed crisply behind Nathaniel. As he proceeded deeper into the room, he saw high bookshelves lining the walls, their mahogany surfaces gleaming with reflected daylight. The spines of law texts, military treatises, and Latin classics filled the shelves, their leathery scent mingling with the aroma of fresh wood and beeswax polish.

Daylight streamed in through tall, paned windows, casting long fingers of light onto a large intricately carved desk on which stood only an inkwell, a quill, and a set of brass scales, their facets winking in the sun.

Near the fireplace was a pair of leather-upholstered wingback chairs, their surfaces smooth and plump. The chairs faced each other, a square side table sitting between them.

Preston walked to the desk. “Did she find the new umbrella agreeable?”

Nathaniel turned to Preston. “Yes. Lady Calliope said she did.”

“What else is there to talk about regarding my sister, then?”

Nathaniel’s stomach churned. He knew Preston wasn’t an easy man to impress or befriend. Especially when he was so protective of his sister. Which Nathaniel understood all too well—he’d kill any man who’d look at his sisters in the wrong way.

But he needed Preston to be on his side. He needed him to agree.

Nathaniel walked three steps closer. “With your papa deceased, I have come to you as the leader of your house.”

Preston’s face fell with understanding. He straightened up, his expression threatening. “Oh no,” he muttered.

Nathaniel swallowed hard and braced himself. There was no way back. He needed to ask this. He had to marry Calliope and conceive an heir, or his fortune would forever be lost, and he would never be able to provide his sisters with good dowries and ensure their futures.

This was for Hazel, Poppy, and Violet.

“I’m asking your permission for your sister’s hand in marriage,” said Nathaniel.

Preston launched at him, teeth bared, shoving Nathaniel against the wall. The glasses clunked on the sideboard standing nearby, and paintings knocked loudly against the wood- paneled wall—a small one fell and knocked Nathaniel’s head. Pain burst through his skull.

“You scoundrel,” roared Preston into his face. “You did it, didn’t you? Seduced her? Dishonored her?”

Nathaniel gathered all his willpower to remain calm and to suppress his instinct to fight back. “No. I assure you. Lady Calliope is innocent.”

Preston’s black eyes were wild. “I don’t believe you. I demand satisfaction with a duel.”

“There’s no need for that, Grandhampton. Nothing happened. I find her most agreeable and want to marry her.”

“Do not jest with me. The whole of London knows you’re a rake. Your poor finances are notorious. That is why you’re serving in the navy, even though you’re a duke. You’re a fortune hunter, are you not?”

Nathaniel’s blood boiled. All were true, and all sounded like insults. He needed to calm Preston down. “No. I am not. I have a fortune to my name, which will exceed Lady Calliope’s or even yours. It’s just locked in a will. My father wants me to produce a legitimate heir or heiress by my thirtieth birthday. So I will have my own fortune once I accomplish that. I do not require any of Calliope’s money if that’s your worry. We can have that in the marriage contract.”

“You want to use her to get your money. Do not try to fool me.”

“That is just one of the reasons, Grandhampton. I am in need of a wife, and I cannot think of a better woman than your sister.”

Preston studied him, his expression still murderous. Then he shoved him one last time and let go, walking away from Nathaniel to the other side of the room.

“How have you even gotten to know each other?”

Nathaniel straightened the lapels of his military coat. “We met at the Royal Navy ball. You know that. I could not get Lady Calliope out of my head.”

That was entirely true. Lady Calliope had occupied his thoughts ever since.

“One week is not enough for you to have concluded she’s the one for you.”

“I could see her qualities within five minutes in her company. Anyone with eyes would.”

Preston scoffed and glared at Nathaniel, who glared right back. “I will not give you my permission.”