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He motioned at the plate before him. “There is still one sandwich left and when I finish it, I shall help myself to some of your biscuits.”
“Suit yourself.” Nicholas continued to read, or rather, stare blindly at the open page while he thought of Jenny.
“Were you surprised she accepted your offer?” Ernest asked.
“Well, she did not accept my offer. She accepted Grandmother’s offer. But yes, I was greatly surprised.”
“Are you pleased?”
Nicholas did not know how to answer that. His body was responding to the sight and thoughts of Jenny in ways that made him uncomfortable. Nevertheless, he was happy that her father’s debts would be paid. He planned to see to them personally.
“I am helping her family,” he said.
“I hope she will be happy.”
“I will try my best,” Nicholas said.
Ernest nodded. “I hope you will.” Movement in the doorway caught his attention and he looked up to see Lord Hanover entering the room.
“Your Grace,” he said to Nicholas, “I did not know you were here.” He looked at Ernest. “And you, too, Mr. Brighton. Where is Jenny?”
“She went riding with Sir Phineas,” Ernest informed him as he threw Nicholas an impish grin. The man wanted to see him squirm and he would not give him the satisfaction.
“Peculiar fellow,” Lord Hanover said. “Since you are here, Your Grace, may I have a private word?”
“Of course, Lord Hanover.”
Since Nicholas’s return, Lord Hanover had addressed him formally and he had done the same. He intended to correct that before he married Jenny. They crossed the hall to his study.
“I believe you are aware that Jenny has accepted your offer.”
“Yes, and I am most pleased.”
“Good. I have some concerns that I wish to raise. Concerns regarding your reputation.”
“I grew up with Jenny and I care about her. I will never intentionally cause her any grief. You have my word.”
A life of celibacy was not what he had planned but he was marrying a woman he had no intention of touching. He would have to survive the path he had taken. Besides, there were ways in which one could relieve himself without a woman.
“I will trust you.” Hanover offered him a slight smile. “I am sure you understand my concern. She is my only child and there is nothing I will not do for her. It saddens me greatly that I am not able to provide for her.”
“But you made a good decision to secure her future. You have done right by her.”
Lord Hanover had lost his fortune through bad investment and not gambling as most gentlemen with lost fortunes did. Nicholas respected the man for the efforts he was making for his daughter.
“I have sent a signed contract to the dowager duchess,” he said, “but I wish to discuss the time of the wedding with you personally. After all, you arethe one marrying my daughter.”
“Whichever date Jenny chooses is good for me.”
“I shall consult her on the matter, then.”
“And regarding the debts, I will bear them personally, independent of Seaton’s accounts.”
Lord Hanover’s eyes misted. “Nicholas…”
“You opened your home to me when I had no one. This is the least I can do.”
He was silent for several beats before he said a heartfelt, “Thank you. I will never forget your kindness.”
