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“Not troubles precisely. I need your advice.”
“Very well. But I warn you, I gave Oliver advice several years ago, and now he’s happily married. Although admittedly he trod an extremely crooked path to get there.”
Bea had recounted how Oliver had withheld his parentage from Camilla, nearly costing their relationship and even his life. Timothy had only recently returned from the military after the uprising at the Romani camp where Oliver had nearly been hanged. The mere thought had Timothy running a finger around his cravat to loosen it.
“I fear there is no such happy ending for me. I’m sure you’re aware of my father’s financial difficulties that led to the fiasco with my sister.”
Harry nodded. “Although, thankfully, that turned out well for her. I have much admiration for your sister.”
“Yes. Well, my father has confided things still look rather bleak for the viscountcy. My position here affords additional income, but it doesn’t appear to be enough to sustain the estate’s coffers.”
Harry shifted. “I wish I could pay you more, but things are stretched thin as they are. Perhaps another ball to raise—”
“No. I don’t mean to imply I’m requesting an increase. I’ve only begun my duties here. You’ve already been more than generous.”
He stared at a shelf over Harry’s head holding supplies, thinking how many more they could purchase with the salary Harry paid him. “Father has suggested I make a match with a woman with a large dowry.”
“I see,” Harry said. “And how do you feel about that?”
“I’m not sure. It’s not like I expected to marry for love. No offense, Your Grace, but I believe you, my sister, and Dr. Somersby are exceptions. I really don’t believe in love, especially within the aristocracy.”
Expecting Harry to become enraged or insulted, Timothy braced himself for the duke’s censure.
As he often did, Harry surprised him. “I can understand that. When I was in America, I held the hope of making a love match. At least there, I wasn’t burdened by title-seeking mamas or debutantes. When I returned here to England, that hope was crushed. Even more so when I fell in love with Margaret. It truly seemed hopeless for us. But we persevered, risking all to be together.”
Harry ran a hand across the back of his neck. “In truth, we still do. But we’re not talking about me. Does your father have anyone in mind?”
“Yes. That’s what I wanted to speak to you about. What do you know of Lady Honoria Bell?”
“The Marquess of Stratford’s daughter? Not much. I remember calling on her as a courtesy to her father when I was seeking a bride. She’s young, she’d just had her come-out that Season. Pretty in a quiet, understated way. Other than that, I can’t tell you much.”
Timothy nodded, the information not providing him much to assist in his decision.
“You would be more than likely guaranteed to have red-headed children.”
“Are you talking pangenesis?”
“Of a sort. I’ve been keeping a journal with some observations regarding inherited traits and tendencies, hoping it might explain certain illnesses.”
“From what I’ve heard about Lady Honoria, she’s mild-mannered.”
Harry nodded. “She seemed deathly afraid of me, as if she would incinerate if I touched her. Of course, some of that might have been my brother’s reputation preceding me. Even Margaret took time to adjust to me.”
“Could she carry on a decent conversation? What are her interests? Do you think she would be supportive of my work here at the clinic?”
“That I couldn’t tell you. I called on so many women it became a blur. And truthfully, the only person who occupied my thoughts was Margaret. There are only two women, other than Maggie, who stand out in my memory during that time—your sister and one woman I refuse to think about.”
Timothy’s mind jolted at the mention of his sister in such a context. “Bea stood out?”
Harry nodded again. “Because of her bluntness and honesty. She told me she had no desire to marry me. Even then, I suspected her heart belonged to another. She proved a very handy—and willing—partner when I was avoiding the matchmaking mamas. However, I regret I gave your own mother false hope.”
“And the other woman?”
“As I mentioned, I’d prefer not to speak of her. It was a most unpleasant situation.”
Timothy presumed it was regarding the scandal Bea had written to him about. “Of course. Forgive me.”
Harry waved a hand, dismissing it. “It sounds as if you’re seriously considering a match with Lady Honoria. I would suggest you call upon her and discover the answer to your questions yourself. Perhaps a match between you has merit. Stranger things have happened than a marriage of convenience evolving into a love match.”
