The Marriage Debt: A Regency romance by Allen Louise

Author:Allen, Louise
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-02-10T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

‘I think you would make an excellent clergyman,’ Katherine said firmly, catching Robert’s hands in an effort to convince him of her sincerity. ‘Surely your father can have no objection now that he knows Theo is safe?’

Her brother-in-law returned the pressure of her hands with an answering squeeze. ‘I suppose so. It is cowardly of me, I confess, but I have suppressed the very idea for so long that it is hard to talk of it now, let alone believe it would be possible.’

‘It is not so hard, you are telling me,’ Katherine said encouragingly.

‘And I hardly know you. I should be showing you around the house, not pouring my troubles out into your ears.’

‘I am scared of the house and quite comfortable with you, so I would much rather hear about your ambitions. I have heard of many members of the nobility in the church. You will become an archbishop. I can tell you are destined for great things.’

‘And I can tell you are a darling,’ Robert said warmly, planting a kiss on her cheek.

Katherine laughed. ‘Thank you, but you flatter me. Oh look, here is Theo.’

He must have had a difficult interview with his father, she realised, seeing the black fire flickering dangerously in his eyes. ‘Theo, I was a complete ninny and had to confess to being totally confused by the house within minutes, so Lord Robert brought me out here to enjoy the gardens.’

‘So that is what he is doing, is it?’ She saw Theo glance at his brother and felt a sudden qualm. Surely he did not think..?

It appeared that Robert also recognised danger when he saw it. ‘I was confessing my secret ambitions to Katherine and she has taken it on herself to encourage me.’

One dark brow rose and Robert added hastily, ‘I wish to enter the church.’

‘Good God!’

‘Do not blaspheme, Theo,’ Katherine said sternly. ‘Your brother is perfectly serious. ‘I am sure he would make an excellent clergyman. Now you are home safe, shouldn’t he speak to your father as soon as possible?’

The darkness had left Theo’s eyes as he regarded his brother with affectionate amusement. ‘Father should jump at the chance of elevating the moral tone of this family.’ Katherine sent him a reproving look and he added with the seriousness which always made her suspect he was teasing her, ‘However, he may not want you committed to this course of action until he sees me married and setting up my nursery.’

‘You are married,’ Robert pointed out.

‘And I have made it quite clear that is a temporary state of affairs,’ Katherine interjected hastily. Theo was teasing, the wretch. Katherine schooled her face and added, ‘But I am sure we can have everything tidied up before next Season and you can find yourself an eminently suitable bride.’ She turned to Robert, ‘I still think you should speak to his grace sooner rather than later.’

‘Did I mention that I have an exceedingly managing wife?’ Theo enquired.

‘Er, no.’ Robert was watching her face with

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