Jacquie D'Alessandro - [Regency Historical 04] by Not Quite A Gentleman Page B

fell in love with him because she saw him wearing no clothes.”
    He laughed. “Yes. But it does beg the question: If all the accoutrements of wealth and privilege were stripped away, leaving nothing but the true person exposed, would that person still be loved? Admired? Sought after? I think not.”
    “A rather cynical view.”
    “No, merely a realistic one. Take yourself as an example, Lady Victoria. You father is currently entertaining offers from not one, but two earls. If either man wassuddenly stripped of his wealth, position, and title, would you still consider marrying him?”
    There was no mistaking the challenge in his gaze, and a fissure of irritation wound through Victoria. “You make it sound as if there is something wrong with a woman wishing to marry well.”
    “Not at all. I’m merely challenging the definition of ‘well.’ Has it more to do with one’s title, wealth, and position, or with one’s character, honor, and integrity?”
    “Surely those things are not exclusive to each other. One can be titled and wealthy and still possess honor and integrity.”
    “Naturally. But if faced with choosing one or the other…an interesting dilemma. Personally, I think that if the fairy tale’s most beautiful princess in the world had seen the master in his ragged clothes and hadn’t been tricked into believing he was wealthy, she would never have given him a second glance.”
    “One can hardly fault a princess for that.”
    “I suppose not. But it was still the master’s outward appearance that she fell in love with—not the man himself. Therefore, the story makes a case for the theory that appearances do indeed play a role in matters of the heart.”
    There was something in his tone that aroused Victoria’s curiosity, and she suddenly wondered if there was a woman who owned his heart. The thought unsettled her in a way she couldn’t define, then a frown burrowed between her brows. If he were committed to someone, that could wreak havoc with her plans.
    “I gather that means that when you choose a wife you shall do so with a blindfold tied around your eyes,” she remarked lightly, watching him closely. “Or have you already chosen someone?”
    He shook his head and grinned. “No blindfold—I might mistakenly choose a potted gardenia, thinking the lady smelled nice and was delightfully reserved. And no, I haven’t settled on a wife. I don’t even know if I shall marry at all. Since I’m not the heir nor in need of securing an heiress to pay off gambling debts or things of that sort, I’ve no reason to marry—except for love.”
    In spite of her relief at his single status, Victoria’s brows shot up. “Love? I wouldn’t have thought spies were so…sentimental.”
    “I don’t know where you’ve gotten these notions about spies, Lady Victoria. Torrid novels, perhaps? My reason has just as much to do with logic as sentiment. Since I do not need to produce an heir nor add to the family coffers, why would I consider pledging my life to one woman unless I loved her?”
    “How very…unfashionable.”
    “In the exalted circles in which you socialize, yes, I’m certain it is. However, ’tis quite common once one steps away from the glitter of Society. Besides, I care nothing for what’s fashionable. Never have. I would never allow the capricious rules of Society to dictate with whom I spend the rest of my life.” He shook his head. “I actually pity Colin the marital responsibilities being the heir forces upon him. I have freedoms he will never know.”
    Victoria digested his words with no small degree of surprise. She’d never before considered that a younger son wouldn’t envy the heir his title and position. Before she could give the matter full consideration, however, she noted that they were nearing the stables. Her gaze settled on the structure he’d built alongside the stables for his animals. And her eyes widened.
    A pair of ducks flapped through the open door, thenwaddled