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The newspaper in Papa’s hands rustled. He lowered it and appraised his daughter. “Helen, you are beginning to resemble one of the beasts from John’s book. What has you so agitated?”
“Papa, the more my mind wanders, the more I am left to wonder if the rumors spreading about myself and Mr. Marcellus were spread on purpose rather than by coincidence.”
Methodically, Papa folded the newspaper and placed it on the table. He folded his hands.
“Last evening, I overheard a group of women speaking about how Mr. Chapman had let it slip about my small dowry.” Helen rubbed her temples. “I cannot help but wonder if it was he who—”
A knock interrupted their exchange. Watson opened it to announce the arrival of His Grace, the Duke of Willowbard.
Ten
Chapter 10
Helen’s head rose to the sight of Mr. Marcellus. He paused in the doorway to remove his hat, gloves, and walking stick and passed them to Watson. Dark shadows appeared under his eyes. Though he was impeccably groomed, she could sense his exhaustion.
Helen and her father stood and greeted him.
“Mr. Davenport, Miss Davenport.” He bowed.
“Mr. Marcellus, lad, please join us. The tea is still warm.” Papa gestured to the extra place setting.
Strange that she and Papa were both aware they should refer to him as Your Grace, but neither of them seemed able to break the habit of calling him any name but Mr. Marcellus.
“Thank you for receiving me straightaway. Regrettably, I’m unable to stay long. There is still much to be done. The whisperings of our entanglement in Hyde Parkhaveindeedcome to light.”
Her gaze met the duke’s. The intense swirling turquoise reminded her of the wild, stormy sea. “When?” she asked.
He shifted his weight from foot to foot. “I heard it departing the ball last evening and once more en route to my solicitor’s office this afternoon.”
Papa removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. “It appears we have run out of time, Helen. You must marry.”
From his pocket, Mr. Marcellus removed a set of rolled documents. “As we discussed a few days ago, sir, I’ve had a marriage settlement drawn up. Here is what I am prepared to settle upon for Miss Davenport.”
He slid the documents across the table to Papa.
Helen’s throat grew dry. “You still wish to offer for me? Even after last evening?”
“I stand by what I said the day we met. I am a gentleman. I will do whatever is in my power to do right by you. Regardless of how you perceived our discussion last evening”—He glanced to the side at Papa.—“I’ve come to care for you a great deal, Miss Davenport. I believe we would suit one another very well indeed.”
Papa let out a low whistle. “You are too generous.”
“May I?” she asked quizzically.
Mr. Marcellus nodded.
Papa offered the papers to Helen. “This sum is too much.” Her mouth formed the shape of an O. “Thirty thousand pounds for me and ten thousand for each future child?”
Mr. Marcellus rubbed the nape of his neck. “I wanted to ensure that my future family is well provided for. Should we welcome any daughters into our midst, they will each receive additional sums for their dowries. I am a very wealthy man, and I want my funds to go towards my most valuable asset—my family.”
Helen glanced to her father. “Papa, might I have a few words with Mr. Marcellus? Alone?”
Mr. Davenport pushed his chair back, stood, and tucked the newspaper under his arm. “I shall be in the hall if you require me.”
Helen stood, her body quivering. “Mr. Marcellus, I have wanted to offer you my sincerest apologies for my behavior last night. It was unsightly of me to—”
“Miss Davenport.” He claimed her hand. “Do. Not. Apologize.”
Her mouth opened and closed.
