Forever Your Earl by Eva Leigh Read Free Book Online Page B

Allam said. “Your father’s been dead for five years, and since none of those halfwits you call friends have the capacity to advise you properly—­”
    â€œI might point out that your own son is one of my friends.”
    Allam waved his hand dismissively. “Cameron has his own obstacles to overcome.”
    â€œPerhaps he could benefit from your counsel better than I can.”
    A shadow passed over Allam’s face. “Once, he might have listened to me. Now . . .” He shook his head. “Don’t distract me from the topic, lad. I’ve risked being late to dinner and my wife’s wrath to speak to you.”
    Daniel continued to work on the knot of his cravat as an anxious Strathmore hovered nearby, ready to swoop in lest Daniel’s neckcloth-­tying skills proved anything less than impeccable.
    â€œThe suspense has me riddled with terrified anticipation,” Daniel said.
    Allam rapped his cane on the floor. “None of that fashionable irony! It’s as if your entire generation has been infected with the disease of disaffection.”
    â€œMaybe because we find so little to engender true interest.”
    â€œBloody rot,” Allam returned hotly. “The world hasn’t altered so much that one can’t still feel a sense of wonder. Hasn’t there been anything that piqued your curiosity beyond the superficial?”
    A smart retort died on Daniel’s lips as he recalled Miss Hawke at her desk, and her pacing the length of her office, a whirl of motion and thought. She had pierced the fog that had chronically enveloped him. But for all their closeness, he couldn’t tell Allam about her.
    Can’t, or won’t? Part of him wanted to keep her private, his own secret to enjoy alone.
    The secret he bore regarding Jonathan held no enjoyment for him at all. And the two were soon to be inexorably linked.
    â€œIt’s another Season,” Daniel said instead. “There’s no end to the amusements available.”
    â€œI’m not talking of amusement,” Allam replied. “I’m talking of something bigger, something more consequential. Like marriage.”
    Daniel crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against a dresser. “Ah, here it is.” He should have guessed his godfather’s purpose in coming here tonight. Every few months, Allam dropped hints, and Daniel subsequently ignored them. But it seemed as though the time of hints was over, and a more direct approach was being undertaken.
    â€œShortly before your father went to his Maker,” Allam said, gripping his cane, “he made me promise that I would see to the perpetuation of his title. And I made that promise.”
    â€œI know my duty.”
    â€œDo you? I see your name in the scandal sheets. All this gallivanting around, but to what end? How many Seasons have come and gone, and you haven’t once declared your intention toward any girl.”
    â€œI might not care for any of the girls,” Daniel answered.
    â€œYou don’t have to care for them, only esteem them enough to give them your name. And in exchange, the girl will give you the heirs you need.”
    â€œWhat a romantic prospect.”
    Allam rolled his eyes. “You aren’t a novel-­reading chit, for God’s sake. Helena and I were lucky, it’s true, but you have more at stake than something as inconsequential as romance.”
    Daniel rubbed the spot between his eyebrows, where a headache brewed. This had been a deeply disturbing issue for him since before Jonathan had gone missing. “I understand that the young women on the marriage market are just looking after their own security. I cannot fault them for that. But . . .”
    Allam leaned forward. “Yes?”
    Spreading his hands, Daniel said, “Didn’t it trouble you? Before you met Helena and were just another young buck attending assemblies. As soon as you enter a room,