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He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. “I thought I’d escaped that nonsense when I quit London. My sisters were starting to make plans to parade me around the marriage mart. Apparently it followed me here.”
“You are a titled gentleman with great wealth,” Mr. Markham said. “There is nowhere for you to hide save in marriage.”
He glanced at Amelia, and it suddenly occurred to her what he was doing. The man was matchmaking. She gave him a reproving glare. Instead of being chastened, however, he smiled at her, unrepentant.
Amelia wet her lips before asking, “What are your plans with respect to marriage?”
Lowenbrock leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees, locking his gaze on her. “Et tu, Brute?Have you already picked out my bride from amongst the neighboring families?”
She couldn’t hold back her snort and didn’t miss the way his eyes widened at her reaction. “I’m sorry, my lord, but you forget that I’ve met those families. I wouldn’t do that to you. You’ll have to look farther afield to find a bride, I’m afraid.”
“Or much closer to home.”
Markham’s words were softly spoken and meant for her. Her gaze flew to him then back to the marquess.
“What was that?” Lowenbrock asked.
Amelia released her breath. He hadn’t heard, thank goodness.
“Nothing of import,” Mr. Markham said. “I was just thinking about something I needed to do. I’ll go and handle that now.” He rose and started for the door. He took only two steps before he stopped and turned to face them again. “You should host a ball. That will give everyone the chance to meet you and take your measure. It will be tedious, I’m sure, since every unwed female present will have their sights set on you. But it’s best to get it over with all at once.”
He strode from the room with a jaunty step that belied his advanced age.
This time Lowenbrock didn’t hold back his soft curse.
Amelia looked at him with sympathy. “I’m afraid he might be correct. If what you said is true and you’re already receiving calls, then they won’t leave you alone until they’ve had the chance to speak with you. After which they’ll be inviting you to their homes to meet their families. Best to gather them all in one place and meet everyone at once.”
“Do we even have a ballroom?”
The look of disbelief she cast his way was her only reply.
“Of course we do. The house is certainly large enough.” Lowenbrock shook his head. “I won’t be able to stand there while all the guests stare at me. I’ll never survive having that much attention centered on me.” Lowenbrock’s eyes narrowed on her. “You’re looking forward to this.”
Amelia laughed. “I must admit that I am. We may be far from town, but that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy our balls. And it will be amusing to watch everyone tie themselves in knots to ensnare your favor.”
“I feel as though I should be preparing for the hangman’s noose.”
She laughed at his expression of exaggerated dismay. “Oh, don’t be so melodramatic.”
“Fine, we’ll have a ball. But if we’re doing this, we’ll do it up right. That means I’ll be inviting my two sisters and their families. And while we’re at it, I have a couple of friends I’d like to invite. They’re of an age with me and also titled and unwed. They can share in the unwanted attention.”
Amelia wondered if he was referring to the men she’d seen him with at the tavern. She couldn’t ask, however. She’d just have to wait and see.
She rose, amused at the alacrity with which he followed suit.
“Are you running off to start planning?”
“Actually,” she said, moving over to her desk and gathering up her papers, “I was going to meet with the housekeeper about other household matters. I’ll make sure to mention that we’ll be holding a ball at some point in the near future. I can’t remember the last time the ballroom was used, and she’ll want to ensure every inch of the room is sparkling for the occasion.”
“I can’t believe I’m actually doing this.” Lowenbrock stood tall, his hands clasped behind his back. “So much for trying to hold on to my sanity by leaving London before the season started.”
Tamping down on her desire to lay a reassuring hand on his arm, she held the papers to her chest. A barrier to remind herself she couldn’t get too close to this man. “We’ll discuss dates later, after I’ve had a chance to talk to Mrs. Hastings.”
He let out an exaggerated sigh, and she found herself laughing again as she exited the library.
Chapter 14
She found Mr. Markhamwaiting for her in the hallway outside their bedrooms. With a small tilt of her head to indicate he should follow, she moved past him. He remained silent as they made their way to the small sitting room at the end of the hall. The space was seldom used, and Amelia knew they wouldn’t be disturbed there.
