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Mr. Allen turned toward him, his brow set in a tight line. “Perhaps it is poor form of me to say as much—which is why I never said anything before—but I feel I must speak up now.” A small pause. “Lady Nightingale is quite determined to not marry a fortune hunter.”
“And she thinks I am one?” Isaac sputtered.
“Aren’t you? You all but admitted the other day that you are only pursuing Miss Dowding because of her large dowry.”
That was true, but he wouldn’t exactly consider himself a fortune hunter. He wasn’t a harsh man, bent only on furthering his own gains. He had no choice but to marry for money—but he fully intended to treat his wife with respect and generosity. “Have you been telling your cousin, then, of all of our outings and conversations?”
“I haven’t had to. She is able to discern for herself who is after her for her wealth and who isn’t.”
Bully for her. “You mean, she won’t entertain any gentleman who is as down on his luck as myself.”
Mr. Allen’s mouth tightened into a sharp line. “Can you blame her? She’s been very actively involved in her various estates for over a year now. They have flourished under her watchful eye.” Mr. Allen’s hands moved in agitation as he spoke, his voice growing in volume. “She has done very well and is hesitant to return to a life where she is shoved aside while her husband rules over everything to the point of forgetting she even exists.”
Isaac stared, stunned at Mr. Allen’s outburst. He hadn’t realized Mr. Allen knew Lady Nightingale so well. He’d always assumed the man had hardly known his cousin at all before necessity had dictated that he come and stay at Evergreen Cottage for a time.
The silence that settled between them only proved to highlight the emotion with which Mr. Allen had expressed himself.
Isaac’s gaze dropped to his hand, which was clutching the arm rest tightly. “Thank you for your honesty, Mr. Allen,” he said slowly. “If you would be so kind as to let your cousin know that she doesn’t need to worry about me, that I won’t be causing her any more distress, I would appreciate it.”
Mr. Allen nodded.
“And,” Isaac sat up straighter, his heart not allowing him to leave it at that, “please let her know I didn’t mean for things to get quite so out of hand. Tell her I apologize for the other day. I was foolishly caught up in the moment. The kiss meant nothing.” And yet, the moment he’d said the words, he doubted their sincerity. Surely a man could notfeelthe way he had during that kiss and not have it mean something.
“Of course,” Mr. Allen said, placing his hands against his knees and pushing to a stand. “But I have a feeling she already knows.”
Isaac looked up at Mr. Allen; the man seemed even more upset now than when they’d first begun the conversation. Isaac was clearly messing things up further, but he wasn’t sure where he’d gone wrong.
“Weare still friends, though, correct?” Isaac asked. “Surely one insignificant kiss between your cousin and me won’t ruin that.” Mr. Allen’s friendship was the best part of this whole winter. In fact, Isaac couldn’t remember a time he’d enjoyed another’s company so much.
Mr. Allen, however, didn’t respond right away.
Isaac stood and slapped Mr. Allen on the shoulder. “Come now, let us sit down to a game of cards. A little fun, some good conversation, and you’ll soon forget all about Lady Nightingale.”
Mr. Allen lifted a single eyebrow. “You’re undoubtedly correct there.”
“Then let us find a couple of other men as eager for low wagers as we are, and we’ll have a jolly good time of it.”
Isaac started toward where Robins was watching a game of hazard. No doubt they could prevail upon him to join.
Mr. Allen fell into step beside him, readjusting his glasses. “I feel I should let you know that I don’t plan to stay in Carlaby much longer.”
Isaac pulled to a stop. “What?” His friend was leaving? When had he chosen to do so?
Mr. Allen shrugged. “Business is going well”—his eyes flitted over toward Lord Oakley—“and I’m not sure I can take advantage of my cousin’s good nature for much longer.”
Isaac scowled. He had seen Mr. Allen and Lord Oakley in conversation when he’d first entered. Perhaps the two were in business together? Strange, he would have thought Mr. Allen would have mentioned such a thing before now.
“I am happy for you,” Isaac said, though the thought of losing such a good friend did dampen the festive mood quite a lot. “You must stay in touch after you leave.” Isaac shook himself. “Well, then, if you are about to leave us, I insist you stay and play a while at least.”
Hopefully, after a few games, Isaac, too, could again find his holiday cheer.
