A False Proposal by Pam Mingle Read Free Book Online Page A

you’ll have to convince the Baronet you’re the man for the job.”
    “Your family wields the power and influence. If Broxton knows I have your support, that would be a strong inducement for him to let me be the one to replace his current man. Would you be willing to write to him on my behalf?”
    “Of course. I’ll do so immediately. By the way, did Hugh’s sudden appearance at the ball have anything to do with your political ambitions?”
    Confiding in his friend wouldn’t matter, he supposed. “None at all. It seems my brother desires a leg shackle. My father’s idea, apparently.”
    “Does that surprise you?”
    “Worries me,” Adam said. “As you know, he’s very much the same man as my father. But there’s more. He says Father wants to see me. Hugh claims he doesn’t know why.”
    Jack nodded. “Before I lend you my support, I suppose I should ask where your politics lie. Here we sit in a stronghold of Tory ideals. You’re a member here, as am I.”
    “In the spirit of honesty and truthfulness between us…I fall into the liberal Tory camp. Since the Tories hold the power at present, I thought it politic to put my name forward for White’s. You and I both know the old place is more a gambling den than anything else.” As Adam spoke, his gaze roved around the room. A few solitary men sat reading papers; others socialized in small groups. But it was no secret that the majority of those who frequented White’s could usually be found in the rooms dedicated to hazard, whist, and faro.
    Jack quizzed him. “We’ve already established you’re for reform. What about Catholic emancipation?”
    “I favor both, but they’ll be a long time coming, in my opinion. First and foremost, I’d like to see an end to the damned war. It’s been going on far too long, draining the Treasury and killing so many of our young men. We’ll never get anything accomplished here at home until it’s over.”
    “I’m with you on that,” Jack said.
    Adam carried on. “And we need to revise the Poor Laws, to make things a bit easier for people living at subsistence level.”
    “Good man. I agree with you on all those issues.” Jack dropped his gaze momentarily, and when he looked up, Adam could tell that he was trying to prevent a smile from slipping out. “And what about women’s rights? Cass will want to know your stand on that.”
    “Of course I support women in their bid for autonomy and education. You can tell your sister that.”
    “What’s come between you two?” Jack asked, frowning. “I would haul you over the coals for being downright rude to her the other day, if she hadn’t been the same to you.”
    “I didn’t mean…I shouldn’t have said what I did. It was ill-mannered of me. I’ve always been fond of Cassie. I still am. But sometimes she provokes me.” He thought of how she’d provoked him at the ball. To the point he’d found her practically irresistible.
    Jack guffawed. “As her brother, I quite understand. Say no more.”
    He didn’t understand, in fact, but Adam wouldn’t disabuse him of the notion. “We made our peace with each other at the ball last night,” he said, not looking Jack in the eye.
    “Indeed. I saw you dancing together. Be careful there, friend. I’d hate to have to call you out.” Jack tossed back the rest of his drink and stood.
    From Jack’s expression, Adam could see he was only half kidding. A sister’s reputation was a precious thing, especially in Cass’s case. She’d barely weathered one scandal. Another would kill any chance of a decent marriage for her. Adam realized he’d better quash his attraction to the girl, before he got himself into trouble with the very person he needed to help him attain his goal.
    “No worries there. I have the utmost respect for Cass.” He pushed his chair back and got to his feet. “To be clear, I inherited money from my grandparents. I am not without resources. And Deborah has considerable funds of her own. I need