Sarah and Rosa. Rage and regret kicked him in the gut, hard and brutal. He had been so damnably blind to their needs. His daughters had been going through governesses like sand through a sieve. The tutor he’d resorted to hiring also seemed at his wits end. No one could tolerate their antics for long, and it had taken him too long to realize they required the comfort and guidance of a mother, and the stability of a normal family life. After losing Maryann, Edmond had vowed never to take another wife. What a damnable ass he had been.
Memory had finally pierced through the cold fog of his misery. He did not need to engage his heart with his next duchess. There was certainly no need for him to ever risk the torment of loss that still haunted his sleep and waking thoughts. The ton mocked any hint of tender emotions between man and wife, thinking it very unfashionable. He’d broken the mold once and married for such sentiments, this time he would do it for very sensible and pragmatic reasons. Many in the ton had such uncomplicated marriage arraignments, and he would simply seek a similar situation for the benefit of his children.
Ignoring the eyes of the multitude of guests and returning a few nods from other gentleman, he made it to the entrance hall and headed directly to the library. Lord Gladstone, the man he was visiting to negotiate with, acknowledged his presence with a nod, then the earl made his way from his guests towards Edmond.
“Wolverton,” Lord Gladstone greeted, falling into step beside him.
“Gladstone, pleased to see you.” Edmond wanted to waste no time with inane pleasantries. He had corresponded with the earl and had made an offer for his daughter, Lady Evelyn. He remembered her vaguely from a few years ago, and she had appeared a likable young lady, a bit too cheerful, but she had a pleasant countenance. The reports from her father also boasted of a young woman of sense and intelligence. She spoke three languages fluently, was adept at painting and playing the pianoforte.
A hard smile twisted Edmond’s lips. She was perfect. She would fill the void he needed, without overtly tempting his baser needs. Female companionship was a comfort he had eschewed since the loss of his wife. In fact, the reason Edmond had even made an offer for Lady Evelyn was because he was certain he would feel nothing physical for her.
They entered the library.
“Brandy?” Gladstone asked, strolling to the sideboard.
Edmond inclined his head and the man prepared two glasses. Discomfort was evident in every line of the earl’s posture. Awareness stirred, and Edmond gritted his teeth in denial. “Is your daughter aware that I am here?”
The earl handed him the drink with a sigh. “No.”
“I made arrangements to return to my estate in a few days’ time.”
“I would urge you to stay for the duration of the house party. There will be a game of croquet on the lawn tomorrow. We plan hunting on Friday, and a ball tomorrow night. I’ve also heard my daughter mention a few parlor games and tricks. Take this as an opportunity to get to know her,” Gladstone urged.
Edmond took a sip of his brandy, considering the earl. The man already knew Edmond’s terms. “No,” he said flatly. “If you have changed your mind, say so, and I will do what needs to be done and find another.”
Gladstone grimaced. “Do not be hasty. My countess has summoned Lady Evelyn.”
There was a guarded note in the man’s tone that had caution settling in Edmond’s gut. He studied the earl and he did not like the guilt he saw on the man. Hell. “Is Lady Evelyn even aware of my offer?”
A tic appeared on Gladstone’s forehead and grew more pronounced as the silence lengthened. “No,” he finally muttered, tugging at his cravat.
Edmond lowered his glass of brandy slowly. “We have been negotiating the terms of the marriage for two months now and you have not seen fit to inform her?” Never would he have acted with such callous disregard for his own daughters’ emotions. You have done worse, his conscience reminded him, and he ruthlessly repressed the guilt.
Before Gladstone answered the door burst opened, and in swept Lady Evelyn.
“Father, is all well? Mother—”
Dark green eyes widened when they landed on him and she inhaled audibly. A blush climbed her cheeks and Edmond wondered if he’d ever seen a more becoming young lady.
“Forgive me, I was not aware you had company.”
She was a beauty with her gold spun hair and elegant carriage. Why was she in her third season without any offers? Could it be the ton was aware of her father’s impoverished state? The earl thought the knowledge well hidden. If not for the thorough investigation Edmond had launched into the background of the families his mother had suggested for a potential alliance, he would not have uncovered their state.