The Desperate Viscount by Gayle Buck

Author:Gayle Buck [Buck, Gayle]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: (¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
Publisher: Regency Reads
Published: 1993-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

After a week of vacillating, of weighing the positive aspects against the worst factors, of being borne up by high-winging happiness, then plunged into the chasms of fear and uncertainty, Mary finally decided, somewhat timorously, to accept the viscount’s proposal. She would be staking her future on a rare risk that, as her father’s daughter, she was aware was foolhardy.

Yet she knew in her heart that she would never love another. Her sometimes regrettable levelheadedness assured her of that certainty. Perhaps, given the chance, she could cause the viscount to come to love her as well. As her father had said, many marriages began with less and she at least had the advantage of knowing her own heart.

Mr. Pepperidge was delighted by her decision, and added, “I am confident that you shall have no reason to ever regret it, my dear. I have done as we discussed and looked into his lordship’s private affairs. He is indeed in desperate straits and it will cost me a pretty penny to bring him about, I make no doubt. However, I was encouraged to learn that Lord St. John is apparently not the profligate his parent was before him, having it on excellent authority that he has been making a push to save his birthright, Rosethorn Hall. I gather it is a snug property, greatly neglected in past years and hopelessly mortgaged, of course, but held by his lordship in such esteem that the restricted rents he derives are put straight back into the land. I therefore consider it to be a moderately safe investment on my part to bring his lordship to safe port.”

Mary laughed, shaking her head at her father’s manner of expression. “I know you to be too shrewd to put your money into a foolhardy venture, so I am reassured indeed. Lord St. John will undoubtedly prove to be an excellent husband for me.”

“I hope that he may be that indeed, Mary, for you know that my fondest wish is for your happiness,” said Mr. Pepperidge.

She stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “Indeed, and I do know it. I promise you, Papa, I shall be as happy as I can contrive.”

“Good girl,” he approved. He rubbed his hands together as his thoughts turned to the details that needed to be addressed. “I shall send round to Lord St. John’s man of business—this Mr. Witherspoon—and get down to brass tacks. We shall see what sort of negotiator is this fine gentleman.”

Mary knew that her father was already anticipating the part of business that he most enjoyed. “I shall leave it all to you, Papa. Only do, pray, keep in mind that I wish a few weeks at least to have my bridal clothes done up.”

Mr. Pepperidge nodded as though surprised. “But of course, my dear. I know well what is due you. In fact, I wish you to go down to the warehouse and choose whatever pretty fabrics and laces you desire. Do not think to spare the expense, for I am of a mind to send you off in grand style.

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