Filber shifted from one foot to the other as he watched Sir Oliver expectantly.
Sir Oliver’s mind reeled at the implied nature of the earl’s visit to him. He had been very much aware of the earl’s constant attention to Kate during the past week, and simple avarice had led him to nurture some fantastic notions that the earl might offer for her. But the earl was here, now, and wanted to see him. He cursed himself, remembering how he had forced Kate to receive the attentions of that oaf, Robert Bleddoes. But how could he have imagined that the miserable little creature would do better for herself? Good God, she would be a countess. The countess of March. It was fortunate that his need for money was greater at the moment than his abhorrence of his daughter, for the mere thought of her queening and pluming herself about him was nearly enough to dampen his enthusiasm.
He became suddenly aware that Filber was covertly observing him and quickly decided on what he considered to be a suitable settlement from the earl. He rose from his chair. “Filber, tell his lordship that I will be with him directly. And don’t tarry, man.”
Filber obligingly scurried from the room, and Sir Oliver stepped to a small mirror on the mantelpiece and adjusted his cravat to a more acceptable shape. His face was pale with suppressed excitement, and he shook his head in sheer wonderment as he left the book room to greet his future son-in-law.
11
When Julien was informed by Filber that Sir Oliver would join him directly, he asked quietly, “Is Miss Katharine about, Filber?”
Filber noticed the softening of his lordship’s voice at the mention of his mistress’s name, and allowed a slight conspiratorial smile.
“No, my lord, she isn’t here inside the hall, but I fancy she’s walking in the grounds. She enjoys walking. It is possible that she is by the small fish pond behind the gardens. It’s one of her favorite places.”
Julien nodded. On the brink of making his first offer of marriage, Julien found himself unusually calm, for which he was profoundly grateful. He felt at his ease, and confident, particularly about the interview he would shortly have with Sir Oliver. He’d taken the man’s measure and had determined that despite his officious, sanctimonious ways, Sir Oliver was eager to see Harry well placed and Kate off his hands as quickly as possible. Since he seemed as solitary as he was cheerless, and appeared to nurture for some curious and inexplicable reason a profound dislike for his own daughter, it wasn’t likely he would thrust himself upon them after their marriage— surely a blessing.
“My lord, welcome, welcome.” Sir Oliver executed a formal bow and advanced toward Julien with his hand outstretched.
Julien returned his greeting, aware instantly that his purpose was quite evident to Sir Oliver.
“Please do be seated, my lord.”
Julien obliged, easing his long frame into a worn leather chair next to the fireplace. Sir Oliver seated himself opposite and looked expectantly at him, for all the world like the pug Julien had had as a boy.
“I would imagine, sir, that you can easily guess the nature of my visit.”
Sir Oliver could not repress the gleam of anticipation in his eyes, and Julien realized that he could dispense with any further formalities.
He said smoothly, “As you know, sir, I have developed a great regard for your daughter and cherish hopes that she returns my affection. I’ve taken the liberty to have a marriage settlement drawn up.” He paused for a moment and pulled a folded sheet of paper from his pocket. “You’ll notice, sir, that I’ve included the promise to buy Harry a pair of colors and see him admitted to an elite cavalry regiment.”
Julien was pleased with himself that he had thought of this, for the pleasure was evident on Sir Oliver’s face. “As you see, the sum to be presented to you, sir, upon my marriage to your daughter, is named, I believe, in the third paragraph.”
As Julien had anticipated, Sir Oliver’s eyes widened and he was voluble in his expression of gratitude. “Very, very generous of you, my lord. Indeed, it is good of you, for I detest haggling over something as odious as money, and you know my daughter’s beauty and accomplishments, not to mention her immense charm and kindness— ah, yes, all of those things, surely. I count it a rare privilege that our two families will be united. Naturally Katharine is worthy of the exalted position your lordship offers and if she isn’t, well then, you will instruct her.”
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