The Perfect Bride by Brenda Joyce

oddly at her.
    Blanche knew that she was prying and it was inexplicable. Surely, this wasn’t why Sir Rex had yet to marry? He did not seem at all romantic. “Perhaps you will be next.”
    He glanced aside, reaching for his wineglass. “A romantic notion.” His gaze lifted. “Are you a romantic, Lady Harrington?”
    â€œNo.” She was hardly romantic. She added, “Not only have I never been in love, I will marry for economy and convenience.”
    His stare intensified. “Marriage is usually convenient. I am afraid I do not comprehend how economics might affect your choice.”
    She breathed. This was a perfectly suitable discussion. “Last month, I began to sit with my father’s agents and lawyers in an attempt to unravel my father’s financial affairs. It is all so terribly complicated! There are overseas ventures, shares in companies I have never heard of and odd partnerships, as well. My mind is not mathematical. I am suited to managing our charitable donations and that interests me. I cannot understand account ledgers, much less his various investments.”
    â€œSo you need a husband.” He finished his wine. “I happen to agree. Harrington’s reputation was that he was a brilliant entrepreneur. I have friends who schemed to learn of his latest ventures and investments, in the hopes of copying him. He kept his affairs secret, of course. Why should you have to cope with such a vast inheritance alone?”
    He agreed that she needed a husband. That wasn’t odd, as everyone thought so. But now, she kept thinking about how industrious he was. How meticulously he kept his own affairs—and his estate was a shining example. She was uneasy but had to admit that she did need someone with some of Sir Rex’s more stellar attributes. However, Sir Rex was not the right choice for her, no matter what Bess seemed to think. For his mere presence was too disturbing.
    â€œHow will you choose?”
    She tensed. “How will I choose?”
    â€œHow will you decide which suitor will make the best husband? You have just said you will not marry for affection, but for economy and convenience. That requires some standard which your prospects must meet.”
    She became uncomfortable. “My best friends are advising me.”
    More surprise covered his handsome face. “Lady Waverly and…I cannot recall the brunette.”
    â€œShe is Lady Dagwood now. Felicia is newly wed.”
    â€œAnd what do your lady friends advise you to do?”
    Blanche stared, their gazes locked. And this time, she could not seem to look away. She felt warmth creep into her cheeks. She could not imagine telling him what Bess and Felicia advised.
    He leaned forward. “They are aware, are they not, that of your two hundred and twenty-eight suitors, two hundred of them are fortune-hunting rascals?”
    She wet her lips, for they were terribly dry. “I beg to differ. Of my two hundred and twenty-eight suitors, I am certain that two hundred and twenty-eight are fortune hunters.”
    Relief covered his features. And he began to smile. “Thank God you are a sensible woman. So what do your friends advise and how will you choose from such a lot?”
    â€œThey hope I will choose someone young and handsome, and they do not care if he is interested only in my fortune.”
    â€œSurely you will not heed those two!”
    â€œI am not really interested in a buck years younger than myself and I do not care if my husband is handsome or not.” She stared at the blanket. Sir Rex was also handsome—sometimes she thought him excessively so.
    He calmed. “I hope you will remain this sensible in the face of a charming rake who whispers his undying devotion in your ear—appearing to mean his every word, when every word is insincere.”
    â€œI doubt I will be fooled, Sir Rex,” she said, their gazes once again meeting.
    â€œI must warn you,