Hearts Entwined (Victorian Love #3) - M.A. Nichols Page 0,55

held back a roll of his eyes. “You speak of her as though she’s passed away.”

Charles huffed. “No, but it is a waste. I’d thought to court her once upon a time.”

“And you still could. She is free now,” said Oliver, but that was met with gaping silence.

“You think I’d want Alfred’s leavings?” The question was asked with such mock horror that it was clear Charles thought any reply other than “no” was inconceivable.

Peter come around to Oliver’s side and threw an arm around his shoulders, which Oliver shook off. “They’ve been courting for nigh on a year now. What gentleman in their right might would want her now? Even if she remained unspoilt—”

That statement was met with a few jeering chuckles, and Peter spoke over them. “Even if she remained unspoilt, clearly she is unsuitable or Alfred would’ve married the chit. If her dowry were greater, perhaps someone might take her off her father’s hands, but as is, I cannot imagine anyone bothering.”

And with that, the gentlemen began discussing the various merits of the ladies in their acquaintance as they meandered along, but Oliver was lost in the realization that his situation was far more settled than he’d imagined.

Oliver would marry Victoria Caswell. Not simply because his family objected to the Banfields, but because to do anything less would be to subject her to the same scorn poor Miss Landry was receiving. The derision on the gentlemen’s faces would be equally turned to Miss Caswell as it was to Miss Landry.

For better or worse, Oliver had already bound his future to Miss Caswell’s, and there was no undoing it without ruining her.

“The look on your face is the exact reason why I see no purpose in courting,” said Allen.

Oliver stumbled over a rock but kept himself from falling face-first into the water, and the three younger gentlemen brayed at it; if Oliver cared about their opinions, he might’ve been unnerved, but as it was, they were more annoyances than companions. Perhaps it had been a mistake to join them.

“Courtship has merits,” replied Oliver.

“And costs. Do you truly wish to get trapped into marriage?” asked Allen.

“Trapped is hardly the word,” said Oliver.

Allen’s lips pursed, a wicked twinkle sparkling in his eye. “With Miss Caswell on the hunt for a husband with deep pockets, I would say that snared might be a better description.”

Hands clenched at his sides, Oliver leveled a hard look at the fellow. “Do not cast aspersions when you know nothing of Miss Caswell—”

“Aspersions nothing,” said Allen. “It is the cold, hard truth. I have it from reliable sources that she has a pittance for a dowry and her family coffers are empty. Without a fatted calf, the Caswells may be ruined.”

Oliver schooled his features, hiding his upheaval behind a nonplussed mask. Of course, Allen likely thought Oliver reeling from that revelation, but the emotions waging war inside him had little to do with Banfield’s accusations against the Caswells.

“Whether or not that is true is of no relevance,” replied Oliver. “I do not fear marriage nor view it with any animosity.”

“I suppose you must secure an heir for your estate,” said Allen with a rueful grin. “I praise my luck for being the second son.”

Oliver turned to look at the fellow, his brow arched. “I will not lie and say I do not wish for an heir, but I would marry regardless of that. I have no bitter feelings towards the institution and rather anticipate the opportunity to partake in it.”

Allen gave a dramatic gape. “I had thought you more sensible than that.”

And Oliver had thought Allen less irritating than he was proving to be. But thoughts of a proper set-down fled as Oliver noticed the other young men in the group, who were watching Allen as though he were one of the ancient heroes of old whose every action and word was all it should be.

Hiding a scowl at that foolishness, Oliver chose to speak the truth—something these young fools were unlikely to hear from Allen.

“Any man of sense would long for a marriage to a good woman,” said Oliver. “It is a blessing to both parties that only increases as they give life to children and grow their family. I welcome it and look forward to the day when I pledge my life to my wife.”

Stepping closer, Oliver held Allen’s gaze. The other was far broader and likely more skilled at brawling than he, for Oliver had never felt a penchant for boxing nor found himself