A Gentleman's Curse (Avenging Lords 4)

How fortunate he had no intention of ever marrying. “Some men are born for bachelorhood. Some men prefer the freedom that comes with remaining unattached.”

Miss Darling’s gaze turned inquisitive. “And you place yourself in this category of gentlemen?”

“I do.” And he was not ashamed to admit it.

“Naturally, circumstances lead you to distrust people’s motives. If one cannot trust their kin what hope have they of trusting a wife?”

“Precisely.” Evidently, Miss Darling was one of the few women who could accurately hear the unspoken.

Lockhart doubted he would ever trust another living soul. His friends were like brothers, and he hated that a small part of him reserved doubt over their loyalty. He did not trust the lady seated opposite, either, which was why he hoped to see the matter of vengeance concluded quickly.

“So you have no desire to produce an heir?” Miss Darling scanned the carriage’s plush interior—the blue velvet seats, the silk blind with a gold tassel. “Are men of means not eager to secure their wealth for future generations?”

“For the living, money is a necessary evil. My friends will enjoy my fortune when I’m dead.”

“Money is the cause of most people’s problems.” Tiny furrows appeared between her brows.

“Including yours.” Had she not been desperate for funds, she would not be sitting opposite him now.

“My father was a little lapse in his accounting.”

“You could marry. There must be a wealthy squire in the district keen to find a wife.”

“And have him send my sister to an institute when he grows weary and considers her a burden?”

“So you’re just as distrusting.” It was a small comfort to know he wasn’t the only person suspicious of other people’s motives.

“I, too, know that snakes hide in the grass waiting for the right moment to strike.”

“Then we have something in common, Miss Darling.” Though he doubted she had a relative who wanted to frame her for murder. Doubted her betrothed had deserted her and married her sibling.

“Claudia,” she corrected. “You must become accustomed to using my given name, Hudson. And while both of us lack faith in the integrity of others, there must be an element of trust between us for your plan to succeed.”

His plan? His plan amounted to walking into the ballroom and hoping his brother died from the shock. His plan amounted to his sister-in-law dropping to her knees, poor and destitute, while he refused every request for help.

Both were unlikely.

Should he tell Miss Darling that they had little hope of success? Should he tell her that this elaborate deception might only serve to open old wounds? He might never discover his family’s motive for wanting him dead. He might swing from the gallows—an innocent man—and the gentleman’s curse would claim yet another victim.

“How long have we been married?” Miss Darling asked.

“Twelve months.”

“I need a specific date. Ladies often ask such things.”

He shrugged.

“What about the second of November?” she suggested.

“The second it is. We were married by the Reverend Fischer in a small makeshift chapel in Meerut because St John’s church is in the process of being built.”

Miss Darling nodded. “The information will prove useful, but when two people are in love, the place hardly matters.”

“No, I don’t suppose it does.” The mere mention of marriage reminded him of why he needed a wife to help him deceive his family. “You are currently with child.”

“With child?” Miss Darling placed her hand on her stomach. “Oh, I see. Your family must think I am carrying your heir.”

“Indeed.” Lockhart needed to prove a point. “I want them to think I am deliriously happy.” He wanted Selina Lockhart to wallow in guilt and regret. “I want them to see that my life is unhindered by the evil wrought upon me.”