Earl of Sussex (Wicked Lords of London 0.50)

“I feign nothing,” he replied evenly. The man needed to have more faith in his daughter’s charms.

“Yes, I am aware.” The older man cleared his throat. “Your interest was evident to every person present. What I am now concerned about is your intentions.”

“My intentions are to marry her. Is that not why I am here?” He heard his father’s intake of breath and he saw His Grace visibly relax. He relaxed as well, though he kept his body still, not wanting to reveal a thing.

“I am glad to hear it, as your interest bordered on scandalous.” He cleared his throat. “As it stands, I think we should announce the engagement quickly.”

“Nothing would make me happier than to agree.” Luke leaned forward in his chair. “Lady Tabitha feels some hesitation do to my prior reputation—”

“I am also aware of my daughter’s feelings,” the duke cut in.

Luke’s father cleared his throat but blessedly he remained quiet and allowed his son to continue on.

“I have told her that I would give her time so that I might prove myself.”

“That is of little consequence—” the duke began.

“Your Grace,” Luke interrupted, which was a risky maneuver. “With all due respect, you are married. How would your wife feel about you making promises to her that you did not keep? You well know how intelligent she is—”

“’Tis a plague, really.” The duke looked up to the ceiling.

Luke relaxed, grinning. He had found the argument that would persuade the man to give him more time. If only he had been so effective with the daughter. “I can’t speak to that. But Tabitha is unlikely to forget if I fail in my first promise, and I would see her happy in our marriage.”

Tabbie’s father assessed him for several seconds longer than was necessary but a small smile pulled at one corner of his lips. “Very good. I too would prefer to see my daughter happy and so I will grant you time. But keep your public attentions appropriate. We will be attending the Wilkinson’s masquerade ball this coming Friday. You will join us.” His eyes travelled over the earl, the hard edge returning. “Tricia is coming out this season. I’d like Tabbie engaged. If not to you then…” the duke allowed his words to trail off.

Luke tightened and he suppressed the rumble in his chest. Tabbie would be his, no one else’s. But he wouldn’t say that out loud now. The man who started the Wicked Earls’ Club, the Earl of Coventry, had taught him a great deal about when to speak and when to remain quiet.

These skills had allowed him to substantially grow his holdings through successful negotiation. And he would use every skill he had to make Tabbie his.

He stood, shaking the duke’s hand and exiting the man’s study. It was absurd that two days prior he hadn’t known her and that three days ago he’d been sure he would never marry.

Meeting her had shifted his focus in ways he hadn’t thought possible. Hell, he had barely had a drink, hadn’t thought about gambling, wanted nothing to do with light skirts, or any other woman for that matter. His life had come into sharp focus. This was the person he wanted to be.

His father, just behind him, reached out his hand. “Luke.”

Luke slowed his pace to allow his father to catch up. He wasn’t sure he wanted to discuss this now. “I must find Lady Tabitha and say my goodbyes before we return to London.”

“You’re truly serious about this lady?” His father raised his eyebrows.

Luke shrugged. “I am.”

“May I ask, why her? I’m thrilled. It’s what your mother and I have always wanted. I just expected it to be more difficult.”

“I’ll explain as soon as I can form it into the appropriate words. It isn’t just that she is what I have wanted, it’s that she brings out pieces of me that I thought gone.”

His father’s eye lit with surprise. “Coventry was right.”

But Luke’s own eyes narrowed. “What?”

“I don’t know how the two of you are acquainted but he seems to know you well enough to suggest that the duke’s daughter was an ideal match for you.”

Coventry had been involved? He needed to get back to

the club and speak with his mentor.

But first, he needed to find Tabbie.

Tabbie sat staring out the window as her mother droned on. “How long were you hiding behind that plant? It’s ridiculous. You should have danced the night away. You’re quite pretty, Tabbie. If only…” Her mother continued on but Tabbie ignored her.