does give one pause. The expense is not inconsiderable."
So Lord Streetham pointed out to his son some hours later when that young man described his recent activities. Nor was the earl in any way appeased when Lord Berne embarked upon an impassioned soliloquy regarding the young lady's numerous perfections, among which her intriguing hard-headedness figured most prominently.
He had no business being intrigued, his father retorted. Mindless infatuation had no place in business matters. All Tony had accomplished was to degenerate himself into a moonstruck schoolboy, while both the young lady and the memoirs remained as unapproachable as ever.
Lord Streetham coldly observed that he'd erred gravely in entrusting so sensitive an enterprise to his fribble of an heir. Accordingly, he ordered his son off to Brighton, where the fresh salt air might clear his fevered brain.
Lord Berne hastened to defend himself. He'd made an excellent start, he insisted. Even the formidable aunt had behaved almost amiably. "In another two days they'll be convinced I mean to offer for the girl. What better way than that to obtain Miss Desmond's confidence and trust?"
"What better way for them to trap you is more like it," Lord Streetham returned.
"So you'll keep me in leading strings to protect me from an inexperienced miss? And while I'm safely in Brighton, Langdon will seduce her."
"Inexperienced — hah! That embrace Atkins reported was the chit's doing, rely upon it. Jack has never seduced anyone in his whole life. She was trying to ensnare him — as she will you. You are too much taken with her. You are sure to forget yourself, and her family will be quick to cry Dishonour if you so much as kiss her hand. Remember, Desmond is not like the other fathers you've outraged. He will not be quieted with a bribe — not when he can make that black-haired wench of his a countess."
"But surely your influence — "
"One has no influence over knaves who leap out of alleys in the dead of night. You forget of whom we speak. Besides, if he has made a laughingstock of me in his curst story, I will have as much influence in the world as the coal scuttle. As usual, the Devil holds all the winning cards. You will go to Brighton or I shall cut off your allowance."
----
Chapter 8
While Lord Berne was quarrelling with his father, Delilah was confiding in hers. Until the viscount had appeared at church, she had not permitted herself to consider his scheme seriously. Now she was forced to consider it, but she wished to have her father's perspective as well.
When she was done, Mr. Desmond leaned back comfortably in his chair and acknowledged that Lord Berne's was an interesting approach to the problem.
"It is brilliant, Papa," she answered. "I only wish you could have seen the parishioners today. They were positively agog. Even Aunt Millicent was impressed. Lord Berne's reputation must be far worse than I thought, if one appearance at church could cause such a stir. Still, I cannot help but question his motives. Though it seems a deal of trouble to go to, I do wonder if he only wants to win my trust so he can seduce me."
"That's simple enough," said her father. "Don't get seduced."
She did not appear to hear him. Her brow furrowed.
"I find your expression ominous, Delilah," said Mr. Desmond. "You are hatching something, and I am certain it is mischief."
She was staring at the carpet, and when she spoke, it was as though she were simply thinking aloud.
"Not being seduced is simple," she said. "What is difficult is maintaining his interest. He is reputed very fickle." Absently she rose from her chair and began pacing the room. "If it could be done, he might be brought round — eventually. But is there time — and is he worth the effort, I wonder? Still, he will be Earl of Streetham one day and — " She glanced at her father, who was watching her with every evidence of amusement.
"He is very beautiful, Papa. That we must admit."
"I am sure there is
So Lord Streetham pointed out to his son some hours later when that young man described his recent activities. Nor was the earl in any way appeased when Lord Berne embarked upon an impassioned soliloquy regarding the young lady's numerous perfections, among which her intriguing hard-headedness figured most prominently.
He had no business being intrigued, his father retorted. Mindless infatuation had no place in business matters. All Tony had accomplished was to degenerate himself into a moonstruck schoolboy, while both the young lady and the memoirs remained as unapproachable as ever.
Lord Streetham coldly observed that he'd erred gravely in entrusting so sensitive an enterprise to his fribble of an heir. Accordingly, he ordered his son off to Brighton, where the fresh salt air might clear his fevered brain.
Lord Berne hastened to defend himself. He'd made an excellent start, he insisted. Even the formidable aunt had behaved almost amiably. "In another two days they'll be convinced I mean to offer for the girl. What better way than that to obtain Miss Desmond's confidence and trust?"
"What better way for them to trap you is more like it," Lord Streetham returned.
"So you'll keep me in leading strings to protect me from an inexperienced miss? And while I'm safely in Brighton, Langdon will seduce her."
"Inexperienced — hah! That embrace Atkins reported was the chit's doing, rely upon it. Jack has never seduced anyone in his whole life. She was trying to ensnare him — as she will you. You are too much taken with her. You are sure to forget yourself, and her family will be quick to cry Dishonour if you so much as kiss her hand. Remember, Desmond is not like the other fathers you've outraged. He will not be quieted with a bribe — not when he can make that black-haired wench of his a countess."
"But surely your influence — "
"One has no influence over knaves who leap out of alleys in the dead of night. You forget of whom we speak. Besides, if he has made a laughingstock of me in his curst story, I will have as much influence in the world as the coal scuttle. As usual, the Devil holds all the winning cards. You will go to Brighton or I shall cut off your allowance."
----
Chapter 8
While Lord Berne was quarrelling with his father, Delilah was confiding in hers. Until the viscount had appeared at church, she had not permitted herself to consider his scheme seriously. Now she was forced to consider it, but she wished to have her father's perspective as well.
When she was done, Mr. Desmond leaned back comfortably in his chair and acknowledged that Lord Berne's was an interesting approach to the problem.
"It is brilliant, Papa," she answered. "I only wish you could have seen the parishioners today. They were positively agog. Even Aunt Millicent was impressed. Lord Berne's reputation must be far worse than I thought, if one appearance at church could cause such a stir. Still, I cannot help but question his motives. Though it seems a deal of trouble to go to, I do wonder if he only wants to win my trust so he can seduce me."
"That's simple enough," said her father. "Don't get seduced."
She did not appear to hear him. Her brow furrowed.
"I find your expression ominous, Delilah," said Mr. Desmond. "You are hatching something, and I am certain it is mischief."
She was staring at the carpet, and when she spoke, it was as though she were simply thinking aloud.
"Not being seduced is simple," she said. "What is difficult is maintaining his interest. He is reputed very fickle." Absently she rose from her chair and began pacing the room. "If it could be done, he might be brought round — eventually. But is there time — and is he worth the effort, I wonder? Still, he will be Earl of Streetham one day and — " She glanced at her father, who was watching her with every evidence of amusement.
"He is very beautiful, Papa. That we must admit."
"I am sure there is
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