Her lips thinned to a narrow line. “Is that so?”
“Yes. I assume you’re happy with the news. I apologize if I’ve offended you with my presence. It’s as you once told me—our parents were much more interested in the match than either of us.” He began to chuckle, but stopped when he saw the sour look on her face. Whatever she thought of the news, she was not laughing. “I’m sorry if I’ve hurt you in any way, Lady Lavinia,” he decided to add to be safe. No use poking a cobra.
“You haven’t, my lord. I assure you.” Her smile was predatory.
He inclined his head to her. “Well, then, good day, my lady—and all the best to you. I’m certain to see you again sometime.” Seeing as how I hope to soon be your brother-in-law. But he could put up even with Lavinia upon occasion if it meant having Alex forever.
He began to stride away, but Lavinia’s words stopped him. “I heard you say you’ve already found the right lady.”
Ah, so she had been eavesdropping and obviously felt no shame over it. He grinned. He couldn’t help but grin whenever he thought about Alex. “That’s correct.”
“Is it Alexandra?” Lavinia asked, her eyes narrowing to slits.
Owen tugged at his sleeve. He supposed it was safe enough to admit it to her. “Yes, my lady. It is indeed.”
“I see,” she replied, turning away.
For a split second, Owen thought he saw a flash of pure anger in her eyes. He should soften his words. “I do hope you find a man worthy of you, Lady Lavinia.” Or at least willing to put up with you.
She seemed to be looking through him, her eyes unfocused. She was barely paying attention. “I just may have, my lord.”
Well, that was a surprising bit of news. But certainly a welcome bit. Owen wanted to shout. Excellent! If Lavinia were engaged, he and Alex would be free to wed.
“I wish you luck, then,” he replied.
“I don’t need luck,” she spit, her voice cold enough to freeze water. “I always get what I want.”
Owen left the house and jogged down the stairs moments later, shaking his head. The good luck he’d offered her was for whichever unfortunate chap Lady Lavinia had set her sights on. Owen didn’t envy the poor bastard. He whistled as he flipped his hat atop his head and headed for his coach. He was nearly ready to speak with Alex.
But first he had to have a talk with one more person.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
This time it was Owen who barged into his father’s bedchamber. The old man had been taking a nap … in the middle of the afternoon. Imagine that.
“Wake up, Father. I have to speak with you. It’s urgent.”
His father sat up and sputtered and coughed while Owen strolled over to the window and yanked open the curtains. Sunlight poured through the ornately decorated room with its red velvet upholstery and dark carved wooden furnishing. His father held his arm in front of his eyes to block the light.
“Owen, for God’s sake. What do you think you’re about?”
“I’m sorry. Did I wake you? That’s awfully bothersome, isn’t it?” Owen braced his feet apart and folded his arms over his chest.
“I was merely resting my eyes for a bit. I haven’t been feeling well. My gout is acting up and—oh bother, I cannot believe Shakespierre allowed you in.”
“Ah, but I failed to tell Shakespierre I was looking for you,” Owen replied, referring to his father’s butler. “I believe he thinks I’m visiting with Mother in one of the drawing rooms.”
“By God, I’ll have his head when I—”
“Don’t worry, Father. I’ll be brief. I merely came here to inform you that I wouldn’t marry Lady Lavinia Hobbs if she were the last lady in London. In fact, I intend to marry Lady Alexandra Hobbs, if she’ll have me. I am in love with her and am planning to do everything in my power to make myself worthy of her, including a bid for the House of Commons in order to promote legislation that addresses the issues I care about, some charity work, and giving away all my material possessions if I must.”
His father’s eyes were wide gray orbs. “Wh-wh-what are you saying? What about your allowance? Your inheritance?”
“Oh yes, about that. I don’t give a toss about it and have already donated this month’s allowance to a poorhouse in Seven Dials. Lady Alexandra was gracious enough to point out their dire need.”
His father’s sleeping cap was askew. He looked old and tired. For a moment Owen was worried for him, almost pitied him. Here was a man who’d used his status, money, and authority to order people about and bully them into doing his bidding his entire life. His servants were frightened of him, and his wife never dared to confront him. Owen silently vowed he’d never act that way. He and Alex—if she’d have him—would have a loving, equal partnership filled with happiness and respect.