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An aloofness that Ashford knew had been tempered when the man married.He might not have met the Earl of Brantford before today, but he’d heard the stories during his brief time back in England.And those stories all said this man was clearly in love with his wife.
Honestly, it was as though everyone even remotely within Lowenbrock’s circle of acquaintance could be said to be happily married.Given the rarity of such marriages among the ton, it was enough to make one wonder.
It also gave him hope for his own prospects with Mary.
“I’m here to speak to you about Miss Trenton.”
For a moment Ashford wondered if the man had read his thoughts.“I wasn’t aware you were acquainted with her.”
Brantford raised a shoulder.“I’m not, but my wife is.And she is concerned.”
Annoyance flared to life within him.It was one thing for his friends to ask him about his intentions, but this man was a stranger.“I can assure you that my intentions are honorable.”
“So the two of you have reached an understanding?”
Unmistakable heat prickled under his collar, but he ignored the sensation.“It hasn’t been formalized, but I hope to remedy that soon.”
Brantford’s eyes bored into him, but he refused to flinch.Nor would he rush to break the silence.
“Miss Trenton is staying with Lowenbrock and his wife.”
It wasn’t a question.Ashford nodded.
“Which means,” Brantford continued, “that they will not allow her to be taken advantage of.”
Ashford raised a brow.“How can you be sure about that?Perhaps the man is a scoundrel who doesn’t care about protecting Miss Trenton.”
Brantford was silent for a moment, and then he laughed.It was short, but the sound was enough to gain the attention of those around them who weren’t even trying to hide the fact they were attempting to overhear their conversation.One man turned his chair and leaned toward them, but a single glance from Brantford was enough to have him standing and excusing himself.
“Let us get to the point,” Ashford said, tired of being under this man’s scrutiny and having every eye in the room on him.“I can assure you that I do not have any ill intentions toward Miss Trenton.We are not yet betrothed, but I’m hoping that will soon change.”
Brantford leaned forward and lowered his voice further.“You should know that Lady Fairbanks is going to be a problem.”
Ashford shook his head.“You needn’t fear for Miss Trenton’s future.”
“While I’m glad to hear that, you should know the woman is making moves to ruin her sister’s chances for happiness.”
Dread pooled in his veins.“In what way?”
“To begin, you should speak to Lowenbrock.Since Miss Trenton is under his protection, it won’t raise any eyebrows for him to make arrangements to have his solicitor secure her inheritance.”
Ashford swore.
“Quite so,” Brantford said.“Right now Lady Fairbanks is just making inquiries, but I fear what else she might do.And I promised my wife that I would make sure no ill befalls her friend.From any quarter.”
Ashford took heed of the warning.This was not a man one wanted as an enemy.“I’ll speak to John.Make no mistake, we’ll ensure Miss Trenton is protected.But you should know that I wouldn’t care if she didn’t have a penny to her name.I have no need of her dowry.”
Brantford examined him for another moment before rising from his chair.“I’ll let you get back to your friends then.”
