A Rogue No More - Lana Williams Page 0,54

I would allow any harm to befall the lady.”

“A rogue no more, eh?” Aberland asked, one brow raised.

Thomas had relived the moment of his and Annabelle’s discovery every which way over the course of a sleepless night. Though tempted to drown the change of his plans in a bottle of port, he decided he’d prefer to do what had to be done this morning with a clear head.

“No. Those days are over.” A heavy weight settled in his chest at the memory of Annabelle’s protests the previous evening. Based on her determination to deny that anything had happened, he was certain she didn’t want to marry him. Was it any wonder based on his life thus far? Perhaps his father hadn’t been so wrong after all.

Aberland nodded. “I’m pleased to hear that. Playing the part of rogue is overrated.”

Thomas stared at him, puzzled by his statement and the knowing look in the man’s eye. He knew Aberland had been a terrible rake before his marriage to Annabelle’s sister. Did the earl think to lecture him about how his life would be forever changed?

It would, in fact. But not in the way Aberland believed.

From this day on, he would be forced to look at Annabelle, knowing he didn’t deserve her. While he didn’t think himself the worthless bounder his father had so often called him, he hadn’t yet accomplished anything of note. However, he intended to do all in his power to be a good husband and a man of whom she would be proud.

Yet he couldn’t help but worry that this would be another one of those occasions when, despite his best intentions, he’d fall short. He would cause harm where he intended none, much like riding his father’s horse so many years ago had ended in disaster. He had to do all he could to make the best of the situation and protect Annabelle.

She was the one who mattered.

If only she hadn’t come into the library. If only he’d insisted she leave. He would’ve gladly faced the consequences of being caught rifling through Sir Alexander’s desk. Then at least she wouldn’t be involved. Worst of all was that he had no true evidence that proved Sir Alexander’s involvement in the murder, only a suggestion that he might have known about it.

“I certainly never meant for this to happen,” Thomas said as he realized his two visitors seemed to be waiting for him to say something more. “But I intend to move forward with this new course and do all I can to make it work.”

“I’ll be watching to make certain you do.” The steady regard in Aberland’s brown eyes reinforced his statement. “Annabelle deserves no less.”

That much they agreed on.

Graham stepped forward to slap him on the shoulder, a grin on his face. “You might find that marriage agrees with you more than you anticipated.”

“Indeed,” Aberland added. “At times, fate throws unexpected events into our lap, and it is only with the passage of time that we realize it was for the best.”

“Hmm.” Thomas wondered if he or Annabelle would ever view the situation that way.

“I’m not certain how much you know about Sir Reginald,” Aberland began.

“I’m aware his memory is failing.” He glanced at his brother. “The family prefers to keep that private.”

“Of course.” Graham nodded. “I’m sorry to hear this. How difficult that must be.”

“I would be pleased to discuss the financial details after you call upon Sir Reginald.” Aberland smiled. “I look forward to comparing notes as to how that meeting proceeds.”

At least Thomas was prepared for Sir Reginald’s odd behavior. He had to wonder if Aberland hadn’t had the same advantage.

“Why don’t we meet at White’s later today so you can share how things progress with your proposal?” Graham suggested. He turned to Aberland. “Care to join us?”

“I wouldn’t miss it. Best of luck to you.” Aberland’s grin caused Thomas to frown as he wondered how Sir Reginald might react.

“Yes, best of luck,” Graham said. “I thought Hugh would be the next of us to marry, but apparently it will be you.”

Thomas managed a smile, but he felt far from joyous at the turn of events.

All too soon, he found himself knocking on the door of the Gold home, uncertain how the meeting would go. Sir Reginald had remembered that Thomas’s father had declared him worthless. Would he agree to give Thomas his daughter’s hand in marriage or do so only with resentment?

Feeling far from confident, he handed the butler his card and waited in