The “to me” was left unspoken. “She has excellent references and will be a wonderful addition to our staff. Please, Doris, proceed.”
Alice sighed. So much for enlisting the help of her maid. Grudgingly accepting she had, once again, been outmaneuvered by the master, she allowed the new maid to help her dress.
*****
Downstairs in the study, the duke and his future father-in-law sat, sharing a glass of port. “Is it not to your liking, Your Grace?” Lord Whiteshead asked after noticing the duke taking but a small sip.
Colton winced. The port was palatable, but the memory of the effects of overindulging two days prior were still fresh in his mind. “No, Montcalm, the port is fine. I am just not wanting to make a bad impression on my bride to be so early on in our courtship.” The lie rolled easily off his tongue.
Lord Whiteshead leaned back and nodded. “An admirable quality, Your Grace. I appreciate your consideration in regard to my daughter.” He steepled his hands, a look of concern on his face. “Your Grace, it behooves me to provide you with some background information that I feel necessary…”
Colton raised his hand. “No need, good man. Trust me, I have heard much more than I wanted. I am not one to accept idle gossip as fact. More often than not, there is not an ounce of truth to it. No, I am a man who makes his own observations and form my own opinions of one’s character. And I am rarely wrong.” He smiled.
“Good, good. I admire a man of integrity. And I clearly see you are such a man, Your Grace.”
“Please, as we are to be family, I ask that you call me by my Christian name, Colton. In public we may observe proper etiquette, but in a private setting, it is not necessary.” Making his future in-law feel at ease in his own home was the least he could do. His manners had been lacking at their previous meeting, understandably of course.
“Thank you, your…er, Colton. Please, feel free to call me by my given name of Nathan.” Leaning forward, he took a sip of his port. “So, Colton, you have been made aware of my daughter’s previous history, yet you are still willing to risk censure by marrying her?” Nathan quirked his brow.
Colton snorted. “No one would dare censure me, Nathan. I could have them cast from society,” he snapped his fingers, “like that. Let me hear them utter one disparaging word against my wife, and I will make them regret having ever been born.”
Nathan blinked. “Protective and vicious.” A slow smile spread across his face. “I like it!” Lifting his glass, he said, “To the happy couple. You will make an excellent pair!” As it reached his lips, he mumbled into his glass. “If you can get her to the altar.”
“What? She has reservations about marrying me? A duke?” Colton said haughtily.
Nathan sighed. “Oh, don’t take it personally, old man. It is not you, per se. It is more she is upset that circumstances beyond her control have, once again, interfered in her future plans and dictated her life.”
Colton wanted to be offended, he truly did. But knowing of her history, her loss gave him pause. A modicum of compassion tugged at his hardened heart and colored his next words. “Nathan, I will try my utmost best to court your daughter and earn her respect. That much I can give her. I understand she played no part in the events which forced this alliance and, therefore, will make allowances. But make no mistake, this wedding will take place, and she will become my duchess!”
“Well said, Colton! I will drink to that!” Nathan turned up his glass and emptied it. “Now, onto another topic that is of great interest to me. I read, just this morning, of the confiscation of the Tiger’s Eye.”
Colton’s ears perked up, and his senses went on alert. Nathan was heavily invested in shipping and could be a reliable source of information.
Appearing nonchalant about the subject, Colton answered, “I saw that as well. Anyone invested in that ship will surely suffer considerable losses. What a shame.”
Nathan appeared thoughtful. “No doubt there were several. I am fortunate not to be among them, and although I must sometimes associate with some of its investors, I do not consider them my friends.”
“Why is that, Nathan? Because its investors are of the working class?” Colton knew he was deliberately baiting him, but he had to know where Nathan’s loyalties lie.
He did not disappoint. Nathan glared at him. “One’s station in life does not determine my level of association or friendship, Your Grace.” Standing, he picked up his glass and walked over to the decanter, pouring liberally. “For your information, the Tiger’s Eye was a major competitor for the ships and cargo for which I heavily invest.”
He walked back over and resumed his seat. “And many of my coinvestors are of ‘the working class’ as you so eloquently phrased it.” He leaned back and sipped his port.
“My apologies, Nathan. I did not mean to offend. I, personally, have limited knowledge regarding the shipping business, cargoes, investors, and the like. My interests lean more toward new inventions, advanced farming equipment, and, er, equine pursuits.”
“You mean racing?”
“Uh, no. More that I enjoy raising thoroughbreds. I have quite the stable at my country estate. Once the season has ended, I look forward to a visit from you.”
“As do I, Colton. Although it may be an extra month, possibly two. With this whole Tiger’s Eye affair, I will need to capitalize on its misfortune posthaste. Strike while the iron is hot, so to speak. I know it may appear avaricious, but that ship has been a thorn in my side for quite some time.”
Colton took a small sip of his drink. “Why is that, Nathan? I am just curious trying to understand the politics of shipping and its players.”
Nathan studied him for a moment. Then he laughed. “By Jove, you are nearly as good as my daughter! You two will truly make a splendid pair!”
Colton’s mouth tried to form words. Finally he assumed an affronted demeanor. “I do not know what you mean by such a comment, Nathan. I was just looking for clarification.”
Nathan wiped his eyes. “You were looking for information, son. If you want to know something, just ask. You do not need to try to lead me into revealing information.”
“Why would you even think I would try to manipulate you, Nathan?” He was still trying to maintain an offended mien.
“Years of experience with an expert.” Nathan sighed.
“A family member?”
“Two.”
“Two?” Colton asked incredulously.
“My mother and, unfortunately, my daughter.” Lifting his glass again, he grinned at Colton. “Good luck, son!”
Colton choked on the port that he was attempting to swallow. Finally catching his breath, he rasped, “Certainly she cannot be that bad.”
Nathan just laughed. “She learned from the best! Which reminds me, my mother shall be joining us shortly. Best you get your questions of the way before she arrives.”
Colton gave up all pretense of offense and started questioning. “All
