Once Again, My Laird by Angeline Fortin

Author:Angeline Fortin [Fortin, Angeline]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: My Personal Bubble LLC
Published: 2018-05-29T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Bath, England

April 1800

“Father, I must insist upon your approval of this match.”

“You insist?”

Cowed by his aristocratic glare, she managed to draw herself up regally anyway. “Please, Father.”

“Enough of this. I’ve given my answer to the lieutenant. It will not do.”

Georgiana snatched up her muslin skirts and chased her father, daring to follow him into his office, his private sanctuary, even after he slammed the door between them. She couldn’t give in without trying.

“You must listen to reas—” She winced, biting off the word before it was fully formed.

Wharton didn’t tolerate anyone, whether it be king or daughter, inferring that his logic was not the most sound to be had. From his point of view, he was never unreasonable. Pointing out that he might be in this case wouldn’t earn her any clemency.

She inhaled slowly, striving for calm. A logical, eloquent argument was her only chance to sway him.

“Father, you know Lieutenant MacKintosh has been most amiable. I understand you don’t care for him on a personal level, however affection for one’s in-laws has never been crucial in a marriage. I’d wager your liking or lack thereof for Mama’s family played little into your proposal to her or their acceptance of you.”

Wharton snorted but otherwise ignored her. The sparse outcropping of his gray hair standing on end and his normally immaculate cravat a fraction askew were the only indications that their exchange had become tepid if not fully heated. Seating himself at the desk, he pulled a few sheets of paper from one of his drawers and proceeded to sharpen a quill. The fact that he hadn’t yet ordered her from the room bolstered her resolve.

“He’s won my esteem more than any other gentleman of my acquaintance.” She dared not mention that esteem barely scratched the surface of her depth of love for Mal. Wharton wasn’t one for the softer sentiments in life. “He’s proven himself to be kind and thoughtful. A man of character and learning. Qualities I hope you’d appreciate in the man who would have care of your only child. Am I correct in that, at least?”

The roll of his eyes was the only response. No encouragement.

“I hope?”

“What I appreciate is a gentleman of wealth and station who can support you in the manner you’re accustomed.” His voice was stern, unbending. “I want a son-in-law who brings something to the table to boot. A position of importance or a beneficial alliance.”

“He comes from an excellent family,” she argued, realizing only then that she didn’t truly know. He was a gentleman at least. That much was obvious. “And surely you must admire his fortitude and persistence in the face of your reserved reception of his suit.”

“Of course, he’s persistent,” Wharton barked, jabbing his quill into an inkwell with a scowl. “Any money grubbing fortune hunter would be. It’s their stock and trade.”

Georgiana gasped at the accusation. “He’s no fortune hunter!”

“Bah!” Wharton sneered and began writing. “A third son and common foot soldier? What else could he be? You are the daughter of a duke, a cousin to the king.

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