Part 42 (1/2)

”Not so fast, young Wesley.”

Wesley did as he was bid, though he sat straight with tension. He wanted to be gone, to confront Ridley and kill him if he didn't like what his brother had to say.

The earl stood and paced the room thoughtfully. ”It saddens me that this union is not to be, but I love all my children and cannot bear to see them unhappy.”

Wesley nodded, pleased to hear that the earl would at least ensure Lady Anne's happiness in any endeavor.

”I have tried to coax Anne into accepting Lord Graham-this is an important alliance. This strife between our families has gone on for much too long and we both know a truce without a marriage is flimsier than the parchment it is written on.”

The earl kept looking at a huge set of antlers mounted on the wall. Every time he did this, Wesley's gaze was also drawn to the antlers, wondering what was so fascinating about them.

”Anne, the simple child, reminded me of our purpose. She said to me, 'Father, if the union is that important, what does it matter who weds, so long as it is an Irvine and a Graham of gentle birth?' ”

Wesley c.o.c.ked a cautious brow. What did he mean? Had he another daughter to offer Ridley? Wesley knew Dornock had many children, both legitimate and of b.a.s.t.a.r.d birth, but he'd thought they were all either married or betrothed or far too young to consider. Perhaps one of the children? The idea of Ridley married to a little girl would be amusing if it weren't so alarming for other reasons.

”And what did Lady Anne propose?” Wesley asked when the earl was not immediately forthcoming.

”Well,” the earl said, rubbing his hands together and turning toward the antlers, as if addressing them. ”Lady Anne has expressed a preference for you, lad.”

The words were so unexpected they did not register. Wesley turned hesitantly to look behind him. Perhaps Lord Dornock spoke to another occupant in the room Wesley had not been aware of. But they were quite alone.

The earl turned back to Wesley, watching him expectantly.

Wesley pointed to himself. ”Me?”

A smile began to grow on the earl's red face. ”Aye-you, lad!”

Wesley could form no coherent words. ”But... but... I have nothing.” Not even Gealach now, it seemed, as Ridley was handing out promises of the tower like indulgences.

The earl nodded and began pacing again. ”Aye-I know this and pointed it out to Anne. Once again, she reminded me that the alliance was paramount. She comes richly dowered, boy. You'll be a laird in your own right.”

”Wed to Lady Anne, I'd be a king.” Wesley didn't realize he'd spoken aloud until he heard a crash that seemed to originate from the wall behind the antlers. The earl looked sharply at the antlers and cleared his throat.

Wesley stood. ”Shall I investigate?”

The earl shook his head, his jowls wagging merrily. ”Och, no, lad. 'Tis nothing.”

”Perhaps someone has been hurt? It sounded like a fall.”

”Aye, well, 'tis no more than she deserves.”

”What?”

”Nothing!” The earl crossed the room to slap Wesley's back jovially. ”Very well! Then it's settled. So long as Lord Graham agrees.”

The disbelieving happiness that had been slowly blooming in Wesley's chest deflated. Ridley would never agree. But Wesley couldn't bring himself to tell Lord Dornock this. Another thought occurred to him. Who cares if Ridley agrees? Had he ever intended to bestow the tower on Wesley? Or anyone else for that matter? Crumbs, thrown to keep Wesley loyal, only to be s.n.a.t.c.hed away when his usefulness ran out.

Wesley needed time to sort this out, to decide how to proceed, so he said, ”My lord, I will return to Lord Graham and present this proposal to him.” He started for the door, his mind whirling with confused plots to convince Ridley to agree. There must be some way to frame the request that would make it sound reasonable. Or perhaps he wouldn't even return to Ridley. If Ridley could forge letters, so could Wesley.

Wesley's mind was churning with possible deceptions when a soft, feminine cough echoed nearby. He turned.