The Offer (Baron 2)

“I still would like to kill him. So would Susannah,” Rohan added, picturing his wife of six months in his mind’s eye and her rage upon hearing this.

Phillip said, “My God, the fellow will be my brother-in-law. How’s that for a fist in the face?”

Rohan Carrington said, “What do you want us to do, Phillip?”

“I need you to be your most autocratic and persuasive, Rohan. Do you think we can pull it off?”

“Oh yes,” Rohan said, sipping his brandy. “There’s but one problem I see looming and that is the aunt, Lady Barresford. If she can be brought around to see reason, then I daresay we shouldn’t have much difficulty with the rest of society. It’s the relatives that always cause the most problems. It’s a pity my mother isn’t here. She could deal with Lady Barresford and still have enough energy to waltz the entire night.”

“Ah no, Rohan, leave that lady to me.” He actually rubbed his hands together. “Oh yes, I want the privilege of dealing with that one. Not only will she reinstate Sabrina in her good graces for all society to see, she will also hold the private ceremony at her home. The wedding festivities will, of course, be held here.”

“How much time do we have?” Charles asked.

“I want the ring on her finger by Saturday afternoon. In short, gentlemen, we have four days.” Actually, what Phillip wanted more than anything was to see Sabrina smile.

“This is close to a miracle you’re asking for,” Charles said.

“That’s right,” Phillip said and grinned at them. “Why do you think I got the two of you over here? Well, shall we take on the world?”

Rohan raised his glass. “To your imminent demise as a bachelor. It’s not bad, Phillip, trust me. Susannah’s my very best friend. Actually, truth be told, I really can’t imagine how I got along without her.”

“I’ll remain a bachelor,” Charles said. He drank down the rest of his brandy. “It’s a challenge to while away the winter hours. Very well, Phillip. I’m off to White’s to begin working my magic.”

“And I,” Rohan said, shaking Phillip’s hand, “am off to see my dearest friend, Lady Sally Jersey.”

“Thank you both,” Phillip said. “Really, thank you.”

After Rohan Carrington took his leave, Charles said, “What do you intend to do about Teresa Elliott? It is she, you know, who brought the whole thing about in the first place.”

Phillip shrugged. “If it hadn’t been Teresa, it would have been someone else.”

“Teresa wanted you. What if she treats Sabrina badly?”

“Why, I’ll ruin her.”

Charles nodded. He believed him.

“Besides, Charles, after we get this damned wedding over with and Sabrina has a chance to settle down, Teresa Elliott will discover quickly that she’s no match at all for Viscountess Derencourt.”

The following morning, after fortifying himself with two strong cups of Spanish coffee and a haunch of rare sirloin, Phillip drove his curricle to the Barresford town house. Although the day was overcast, he was in good spirits; indeed, he was looking forward to his meeting with Lady Barresford. He jumped lightly from his curricle, tossed the reins to his tiger, Lanscombe, and walked up the wide front steps.

“I shall announce myself,” he said to the butler. He heard the man groan as he made his way to the Barresford drawing room on the second floor. He wasn’t at all surprised that the butler knew exactly who he was. He doubtless knew everything, like every servant in London.

“Good morning, ma’am,” he said in an obnoxiously cheerful voice as he walked into the drawing room.

Lady Barresford was on her feet in a surprisingly short amount of time, given her bulk. “My lord. What are you doing here?”

He saw the pen and stationery spread on the small writing table. He wondered how many letters she’d already written, bemoaning her betrayal by her immoral niece. His smile never slipped.

“I hope you’ll forgive me visiting at such an early hour, ma’am. However, you already seem to be quite busy writing letters. Now I can provide you with good news to write.”

“You will leave, my lord. I have nothing at all to say to you.” She took a step toward him and waved her fat hands toward the door. “I imagine you’re here to plead for Sabrina, but it will do you no good. I will never speak to her again. Leave, if you please.”

He eyed her with a joyful expression. “Surely, ma’am, you would like to visit for a little while with your future nephew-in-law?”

Lady Barresford slowly lowered her hand. She stared at him. “I don’t believe you. You haven’t offered for her, it’s impossible. No gentleman would, at least not now, now that it’s known what she is, and everyone has had the opportunity to chew it over for a week.”

“Not so impossible. I’ve offered for Sabrina several times, ma’am. I suppose I must thank you. If you hadn’t treated her so badly I doubt she would have ever accepted my offer.”