“I need a wife with the pedigree and fortitude to introduce my four adolescent half-siblings, who were born on the wrong side of the blanket, into polite society. They are unruly and require guidance.”
“Why can’t you manage them yourself?” To her, he seemed like the kind of man who could manage anything.
His lashes flickered—his version, she suspected, of a startled look.
“Because they do not know me,” he said. “I’m more or less a stranger to them, someone who appeared on their doorstep after their father died. I took them from their home in France to live in London with me, and they haven’t…adjusted.”
“Maybe they need time.” She thought of all the places she and her brothers had lived. By now, she was used to constant upheaval, but when she’d been younger, it had taken her time to settle in a place. Time and the security of her parents’ love.
“I do not have the time or the experience to deal with a family,” he said curtly. “That job is better delegated to a wife.”
“What do you mean you don’t ’ave experience with a family?” She tilted her head. “What about the one you grew up in?”
Something raw flashed in his eyes before he schooled his expression.
“That is beside the point,” he said dismissively. “As a busy man, I wish to have a wife to oversee the domestic sphere. What I’m offering her in return is more than a fair exchange.”
“What are you offering…other than money and status, I mean?”
“Other than money and status?” He arched his dark brows. “My dear Miss Sheridan, what else would a lady want from a marriage?”
She couldn’t bring herself to say it aloud. Was too afraid of giving herself away.
“Ah, I see.” His mouth formed a tight line. “This is about love, is it?”
Now that he’d brought up the topic, she wasn’t about to back down.
She lifted her chin. “Bea deserves a husband who loves ’er. She deserves every ’appiness.”
“If you want your friend to be happy, Miss Sheridan, then do not wish love upon her.”
Taken aback by his bleak statement, she said, “But love…it’s the key to ’appiness. Love is everything.”
“As someone who is older, who has seen more of the world, I must disabuse you of your romantic notions.” His flat words sent a chill through her. “Love might seem wonderful, but it is far more likely to lead to pain than joy.”
“Did someone ’urt you?” she asked without thinking.
There it was, that flash in his gaze. Catching a better glimpse this time, she saw pain…mingled with sadness.
His mask of composure slid back into place. “It would be ill-bred of me to discuss intimate matters with you, Miss Sheridan.”
“I’m sorry.” She bit her lip, questions whirling in her head. “I didn’t mean to pry.”
“I would not fault you for your innocence.” He clasped his hands behind his back. “Take it from me, a gentleman who has more experience of the world, love is unreliable. Money and social position are far less risky propositions.”
She didn’t know why he expressed such cynicism, but she couldn’t agree with it.
“I ain’t inexperienced, Your Grace,” she said with quiet pride. She thought of her many travels, the people she’d met who’d been devoted to one another, the love between her own mother and father. “I know what love is, and I’ve seen more o’ the world than you know.”
He looked briefly astonished, his eyelids lifting a fraction.
“I see.” He made a clearing sound in his throat. “Be that as it may, my proposal to Lady Beatrice is solid and real, a true foundation for a marital union. Unlike Murray, I will not stoop to seduction and false promises.”
She frowned. “Why do you think Mr. Murray’s promises are false?”
“Because I know Murray. He is a rake.”
Fancy didn’t doubt that Mr. Murray, with his looks and charm, had all the makings of a rake. But even rakes could fall in love. And her intuition told her that Mr. Murray truly cared for Bea and vice versa.
“People can change,” she averred.
“Certainly, like a leopard can change its spots.” A muscle stood out along Knighton’s jaw. “I’m not making any headway with you, am I? You won’t support my suit because I won’t promise to love Lady Beatrice.”
“That’s not why,” she said honestly. “I won’t support it because I think Mr. Murray is falling in love with Bea and she with ’im.”
“We’ll see about that.” Knighton donned his hat and gave her a stiff nod. “Good day to you,