business to know everyone in the ranks of society who did not actively support England’s effort in the war by either word or deed. These three were politically uninvolved in any way, probably the only point in their respective favors. He scratched his stubbled chin as he mused over each name.
“Well, let’s see. Bathgate’s a toad. He’ll put her off with the first words out of his mouth, which are likely to be profane. Simpson is set on the church, so I hear. Quite preachy.” He thumped the list. “And Lawney. Now there is an obnoxious bore, even when he’s not cupshot.” Neville sighed and tossed the list aside. “But they’re all in hock up to their overstarched collars and should be delighted to bow and scrape for a license to bed and a few quid a week.”
“Oh, my. Do you know any other more acceptable men that I might suggest to her?”
Neville grinned. “Bachelors who meet her criteria aren’t exactly thick on the ground, but I was about to add one who might do nicely. Why don’t we let her meet the others first, though? Advise her not to decide until she has looked over the lot.”
Tood had relaxed after two snifters of brandy. “So who is your addition to her gang of three?”
“Why, me, of course.” Neville smiled.
Tood almost choked. “You would marry her?” he gasped.
Neville inclined his head, but avoided answering. He could not name a worse choice of husband for any woman, let alone one he esteemed. He trusted no woman enough to commit to her for life. He had seldom witnessed a marriage that remained happy. Most were simply endured. Not to mention that he would have to remodel his entire existence if he took a wife.
Though he wanted to bed the winsome Miranda more than anything else he could imagine, Neville was not certain he would marry any woman just to have her. Thus far, he had never found it necessary.
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