He’d certainly noticed Lady Felicity’s eyes. Not that she was the one woman in the world for him. Far from it. He had no intention of settling for one woman just yet. Someday perhaps, but not now. No, as enticing as her brown eyes were, as appealing as her appearance was, as intriguing as her manner might be, Lady Felicity Melville was absolutely not the right woman for him. Not in any kind of permanent sense. He had rules about women like her. Young, unmarried, well-bred virgins. The Lady Felicitys of the world had only one thing on their minds when it came to eligible men like him. That alone was enough to dissuade him from ever seeing her again. Cryptic comments or not, it would be best to avoid Lady Felicity from this point forward.
“Your mother’s wisdom and courage were as much help to me as her money. Today the family fortune is once again on sound footing. When it is placed in your hands”—his gaze met his son’s—“your job will be substantially easier than mine was.”
“How do you know I won’t muck it up?”
“I have every confidence in you.”
Misplaced, no doubt. Nigel kept the thought to himself. He’d had no idea his father held him in such high regard. It was both surprising and gratifying. Still, it was probably no more than parental affection or fatherly optimism. Nigel had certainly done nothing to earn it.
“However, I do not wish you to come into your inheritance unprepared.” The viscount tapped his finger on a leather-bound notebook. “This details the family’s assets, including all property as well as various ventures in which I have invested.” He slid the notebook across the desk toward Nigel.
“How interesting.” Nigel slid the notebook back toward his father.
“Study it.” The viscount again pushed the book toward his son. “I want you to become familiar with the family’s interests over the next fortnight or so. Then you’ll begin spending a least a portion of each day here. In six weeks you’ll be thirty-one years of age. At that time, I will hand over management of the majority of all this to you.”
“What?” Nigel jerked upright in his chair. “You can’t possibly be serious?”
“Oh, but I am.” The older man sipped his brandy and considered his son with obvious amusement. “Would you prefer to wait until I die?”
“Don’t be absurd.” Nigel jumped to his feet and paced the room. “But no one turns over management of family affairs to a son before…Well, it simply isn’t done.”
“You thought you’d have more time, didn’t you?”
“Yes. A great deal more time.” Nigel ran his hand through his hair and struggled against a rising sense of panic.
His father shrugged. “You have six weeks.”
Nigel stared. “That’s scarcely any time at all.”
“It’s more than you would receive if—”
Nigel braced his hands on the desk and leaned toward his father. “I’m not ready for this.”
“No one ever is.”
“But what if I fail miserably? Lose the entire fortune? Plunge the family into poverty.” Nigel’s voice rose. “Or worse? You have the futures of two other children to consider. Why, Robin is barely in his twenties and Phoebe is only sixteen. What ever I do will surely affect their lives. No doubt adversely.”
“Robin is a scholar and is destined to remain a scholar. His head as well as his heart is in the study of antiquities. Scholars are notorious for having little interest in anything save the subject they pursue. Maintaining such a life is not especially costly. As for Phoebe…” He blew a resigned breath. “Well, daughters, especially daughters as fond of lovely things as she is, are extremely expensive. At least until they wed; then they become another man’s problem. I can tell you my expenses became considerably less once Madeline was married.”
“Have you mentioned this plan of yours to Maddy?”
“It’s none of her concern. She is married to a fine man and has a family of her own.”
“Still, she is my twin sister and I should think—”
“I should think she of all people would applaud my decision. I suspect she too thinks it’s time for you to begin bearing the responsibilities that are your birthright,” the viscount said firmly. “Nigel, I have no intention of running off to the south of Italy with your mother and leaving you entirely to your own devices. I shall be here to advise you and guide you. But I will warn you, your mother has always wished to travel the world, and I want to indulge her before we are too old to do so.”
Nigel stared at his father for a long moment. “Why are you doing this to me?”
The viscount laughed. “I’m not doing anything to you that will not happen eventually. As it is, you will have my guidance and not be left to flounder on your own.” His expression sobered. “I should apologize to you as well, I think.”
Nigel huffed. “At the very least.”
“Not about thrusting this responsibility onto your shoulders. I believe it’s time for that. But for allowing you to live your life thus far without a mind for anything beyond fun and frolic. I suppose I did so because I did not have the same opportunity at your age to be without a care in the world. I must admit, I have rather enjoyed watching your escapades.”
“Then you shall no doubt enjoy the next six weeks.” Nigel straightened and squared his shoulders. “I warn you, Father, I plan on having a rousing good time.”
The viscount rose to his feet. “I expect no less.”
“There might even be a minor scandal or two.”
His father nodded. “I would not be at all surprised.”
“I could even take up with Lady Pomfrey again,” Nigel threatened.
The older man stifled a grin.
“Well, perhaps not Lady Pomfrey,” Nigel muttered. “But someone equally as notorious.”
“Or more so. One should always strive for the best.” The viscount picked up the notebook and handed it to his son. “One last thing.”
Nigel cast a disgusted look at the notebook in his hand and grimaced. “There’s more?”
“You should, in these next six weeks, casually begin looking for a wife as well.”
“Oh no.” Nigel shook his head vehemently. “I have no desire to be shackled to one woman for the rest of my days as of yet, and I suspect I will be no more ready in six weeks than I am today. I am less ready for a wife than I am for this.”
“It was simply a suggestion,” his father said mildly.
“And I shall take it as such.” Nigel blew a resigned breath. “You’re certain about all of this, then? If you wish to reconsider…”
“I never reconsider good decisions. I have absolutely no doubts as to this course. I have every confidence in you, my boy, as does your mother. The only one who doesn’t”—affection shone in the older man’s eyes—“is you.”
Four
What a sister really wants is to be helpful.
Madeline, the Countess of Windham
“You what?” The Countess of Windham, Madeline Windham née Cavendish, stared at her guest as if she had suddenly sprouted wings and a tail.
Felicity resisted the urge to glance over her shoulder to see if indeed she had and instead cast Lady Windham her brightest smile. “I intend to marry your brother.”
Lady Windham’s eyes widened with delight. “You plan to marry Robin? How wonderful.”
It was Felicity’s turn to stare. “Who is Robin?”
“My brother, of course. Robin, or rather, Robert Cavendish.”
“Dear Lord.” Sheer embarrassment swept through Felicity. “My apologies, Lady Windham. Apparently I have made a dreadful mistake.” How could her information be so wrong? Felicity rose to her feet. It was bad enough that she had the nerve to call on Nigel’s sister in the first place, but to call on the wrong woman entirely put this encounter in the category of humiliations she would never forget. The sooner she could take her leave, the better. “I was given to believe that you were the sister, indeed I was told you were the twin sister of Mr. Nigel Cavendish.”
Lady Windham choked. “You w
ere speaking of Nigel? Nigel Cavendish?”
“Yes?” Felicity said slowly.
“Have you actually met Nigel Cavendish?”
Felicity nodded. “Yes.”
“And you still want to marry him?”
“Yes,” Felicity said firmly. Her resolve to marry Nigel was only strengthened by the time spent with him last night. There was simply something about the man. It made no sense but there it was. Still, she did wish to know a bit more about him than could be gathered simply from the gossip of servants. “Are you then a relation? Was I right about that at least?”
“Oh, you were right about everything. I am indeed Nigel’s sister as well as Robin’s. When you said you wished to marry my brother, I simply assumed you were speaking of Robin because he is the sort of man women do wish to marry, whereas Nigel, well, Nigel is the kind of man marriage-minded women tend to avoid. Nigel is not at all inclined toward marriage, and he makes no attempt to hide that fact.” Lady Windham gestured at the spot Felicity had just vacated. “Now do sit down, my dear. We have a great deal to talk about.”
“I would so appreciate it.” Felicity sank back down on the brocade settee with a sigh of relief. “I can’t tell you how embarrassed I was at the thought that I had come to the wrong person.”
“You have definitely come to the right person.” Lady Windham studied her curiously. “Might I ask how you know Nigel? You don’t seem at all the type of woman he is usually interested in.”
“Oh, he’s not interested in me,” Felicity said quickly. “At least not yet. Although with any luck at all, he might be a tiny bit intrigued.”
“But you intend to marry him nonetheless?” Lady Windham said slowly.
“Indeed I do.”
“Why?” Lady Windham’s eyes narrowed. “If your interest is merely due to his position as my father’s heir, then I—”
“But it isn’t,” Felicity said quickly. “Although admittedly it was something of a relief to learn he was of good family and prospects instead of a common burglar or thief or number of other things I initially thought he might be.”
“I can see where it would be,” Lady Windham murmured. “Where did you say you met my brother?”
“I didn’t. But I suppose there would be no harm in telling you. You are his sister.” Felicity wasn’t quite sure how to explain the circumstances of her first meeting with Nigel. She drew a deep breath. “You see, I am something of an astronomer, nothing but an amateur really, although it is a passion of mine. Several evenings ago, the sky was exceptionally clear, and one should take advantage of clear nights, particularly in London. Not so much in the country where clear nights are not as rare. So naturally I was on my balcony with my telescope and I was studying the stars. Not really studying, if truth were told, but—”
“My dear.” Lady Windham leaned closer and laid a hand on Felicity’s arm. “You’re babbling. Perhaps if you came to the point?”
“Yes, of course. You should know I am not usually a babbler. I tend to be quite well spoken but I do seem to be somewhat nervous. Very well then. The point, as it were.” Felicity paused to gather her thoughts. “You see, my house is separated from Lord and Lady Pomfrey’s by nothing more than an expanse of lawn and a garden wall. And on the evening in question—”
Lady Windham thrust out her hand. “Stop. I’ve heard quite enough. I can well imagine the rest, and do believe me, I have an excellent imagination. And this…this…this meeting?”
Felicity nodded.
Doubt crossed Lady Windham’s face. “This convinced you that you wished to marry him?”
It did sound rather absurd. Felicity smiled weakly. “More or less. I did speak with him again last night at Lady Denton’s ball.”
“I see.” Lady Windham smiled pleasantly. “Might I ask you if there is any insanity in your family?
“Not that I am an aware of.”
“And there isn’t…That is, you and Nigel haven’t…On the night you met…Given the odd circumstances…Oh dear.” Lady Windham sighed. “I don’t know how to put this delicately. You’re not…compromised?”
“Com—” Felicity gasped. Heat washed up her face. “Good Lord, no! He and I have barely danced together.”
“Good.” Lady Windham breathed a sigh of relief. “I do apologize, but given Nigel’s well-earned reputation…” Her brows drew together. “If you’re not insane or ruined, why on earth would someone like you wish to marry someone like Nigel?”
“Someone like me?” Felicity brushed aside a twinge of annoyance and kept her tone cool. “Is there something wrong with me?”
“Not at all, and therein lies my confusion. You appear to be quite acceptable, practically perfect at least in regards to a potential wife. You may well be the answer to my prayers.” She studied Felicity with a critical eye. “You’re attractive but not overly so. You’re of good family. Your demeanor is proper but not too proper. Obviously, otherwise you certainly wouldn’t be here.”
Felicity raised a brow. “And that’s good? I’ve always considered that more of a flaw than anything else.”
Lady Windham shook her head. “Not for someone interested in marrying Nigel. Too proper won’t do for him at all.” She glanced at Felicity’s calling card still in her hand. “Your family name is vaguely familiar.” She looked up. “You’re the daughter of the Earl of Dunbury then?”
Felicity nodded.
“I don’t know your parents but then I don’t know of them either, which is probably to your, or rather their, credit.” Lady Windham set down the card and again considered Felicity. “I’m not certain why I know nothing about you, however. I’ve been keeping my eyes open for a prospective bride for my brother for years. Nigel, that is. Robin will present an entirely different sort of problem as he is completely wrapped up in his books, but then he is not nearly as old as Nigel. I can’t believe you escaped my notice.”
“I spent most of last year abroad, and before that, well, I might not have been especially noticeable.”
Lady Windham scoffed. “I can’t imagine that.”
“Thank you?” Felicity wasn’t sure if she should be flattered or offended.
“My dear girl, that was indeed a compliment. You’re eminently noticeable. Beyond that, you’ve decided you want Nigel and you’re taking steps toward that goal. It’s quite admirable and I applaud you. The last thing Nigel needs in a wife is some insipid little beauty with no mind of her own who will do precisely what he wants without question. He would be bored to tears within a month. But what I still don’t understand is”—her brow furrowed—“why Nigel?”
“Why Nigel?” Felicity wasn’t sure anything she might say would make sense, but then what about her conviction that Nigel was the right man for her did? She certainly couldn’t tell his sister she had been wishing for an exciting man when he had magically appeared in her life. No, that might well make Lady Windham reconsider her query about insanity in Felicity’s family. “You must admit he’s quite handsome and extremely charming.”
Lady Windham waved away the comment. “Nigel has perfected charming to the level of fine art. And in spite of your intention to marry my brother, you strike me as a fairly sensible young woman. Sensible young women are not swayed by handsome charmers with wicked reputations.”
“He’s clever and witty, and intelligent as well, I think.”
Lady Windham stared at her. “You noticed that? It has always seemed to me that Nigel goes to extremes to avoid any display of intelligence.”
“Does he?” Felicity widened her eyes. “How very strange. Why would one wish to be thought a fool when one so obviously isn’t?”
“My brother is…I’m not sure how to put it.” Lady Windham thought for a moment. “He has always been well aware that he is our father’s heir and the next viscount. My father is extremely intelligent and capable, whether that involves leading men into battle or management of the family estates or politics. In truth, he is the kind of man legends are made of. It’s rather daunting to
be the heir to a legend. Nigel fears he cannot live up to Father’s standards, and therefore he makes no attempt to do so.”
“I see,” Felicity murmured. She never would have imagined this man who exuded confidence had even the least bit of doubt as to anything about himself. Her heart twisted for him.
“But surely there’s more?” Lady Windham said. “As to why you wish to marry him.”
“I think, in spite of his reputation, that he is a good and honorable man. Furthermore, I suspect life with Mr. Cavendish will never be dull.”
“You have a point there. But as perceptive as you are, and I must admit you have ascertained his character with surprising accuracy, you’ve only met him twice. How can you be certain he is the right man for you?”
Because I wished for him and there he was. “I don’t know why I’m so certain, I just am.” Felicity shrugged. “It sounds absurd, I know. I might add I have never been so confident of anything in my life. I know I should have been terrified when he climbed onto my balcony—”
“Dear Lord.” Lady Windham rolled her gaze toward the ceiling.
“But I wasn’t. And last night, when I met him again, well, my heart thudded and my mouth was dry and I wanted nothing more than to fling myself into his arms. For the rest of my days. I can tell you nothing like that has ever happened to me before. Beyond that he seems…right. I can’t explain it any better than that. I’ve never felt that sense of rightness about any man. It seems a feeling one should not ignore. Ultimately, I believe”—she met Lady Windham’s gaze firmly—“he is my fate.”
“Fate? I see.” Lady Felicity thought for a long moment, then drew a deep breath. “Well, I, for one, do believe in fate. I always have. It explains so much in life. And there are stranger things than meeting the right man when he”—she winced—“climbs over your balcony in the dead of night. I believe as well that my brother needs a good, sensible, proper—”
“But not too proper?”
“No.” Lady Windham smiled. “A not too proper woman to set him on the right path. It will be a great deal of work, you know. Reforming my brother. He shall not go down the road of acceptable behavior willingly. Are you up for the task?”
What a Lady Wants Page 6