The Lonely Duke Waited Months for His Bride — Then She Arrived With His Missing Son
Chapter 8
Theme:
Font Size:
24px
He fetched the book from his study. When she took it, their fingers met. She could have released it at once, but for the span of a breath, neither moved. Outside, Oliver was announcing that the pony's mane looked like a gentleman's wig after a strong wind. Benedict glanced toward his son, then back to Marian, and smiled with a warmth that made the afternoon appear brighter.At supper, he found himself listening for the sound of her laugh, though she was already miles away. He had spent years believing affection required him to guard everyone from harm. Marian was teaching him another kind of care: sometimes, the kindest thing a man could do was ask and wait for an answer.Sir Percival Dacre arrived in a polished carriage. He coveted the water rights at Lower Mill. Benedict had already refused him twice."A 15-year lease," Dacre said, tapping the contract with a manicured finger. "Your Grace receives immediate relief. I receive certainty for my expansion. A civilized compromise.""The proposed payment is substantially below the value of the rights," Benedict answered. "And your diversion could reduce the mill's operation at times when our tenants most depend upon it.""Your note falls due on the 30th of September. I am aware of the date. You cannot pay a debt with noble intentions.""No, but neither need I sell tomorrow's income for the convenience of today's creditor."Afterward, Thomas Finch explained the position. The 2,400-pound debt had originated in repairs and operating expenses. Dacre had acquired the claim lawfully. The family lands themselves were not at risk of instant seizure, but the duke's separate business interest at Lower Mill was pledged. Autumn rents had not yet arrived. Another lender required evidence of cash flow and acceptable security. If the mill closed through the harvest, families who relied on its wages and grain processing would face a hard winter.Benedict possessed investments that might serve as additional collateral. They were the reserve he had set aside for Oliver's education and a future independent of the estate. If the new loan failed, those funds could be lost. He had avoided exposing them to this difficulty."Begin the inquiry," he told Finch, "and have Joseph prepare an honest list of the households affected if we cannot keep the mill working. I will not trade 15 years of their livelihood for temporary relief."That afternoon, Dacre appeared at Lady Honoria's tea, where Marian was present. He praised her courage in rescuing Oliver with the sort of courtesy that made the praise sound dangerous."And you have no significant portion, I understand, Miss Whitlock?""My late father left me an education and an inconvenient habit of asking questions. I have found both useful.""How admirable! One must wonder whether such accomplishments prepare a lady for the expectations placed upon a duchess.""A lady's character is surely not measured in pounds, Sir Percival." Benedict set down his cup. "Miss Whitlock is my aunt's guest. Her circumstances are not subjects for your inspection."Marian appreciated that he had let her speak first.Later, they walked along the sheltered garden path while Honoria spoke with the gardener a short distance away. Benedict admitted that he sometimes feared people saw only his title, his purse, or the uses to which he could be put.