Vexing the Viscount

They each took a book and started to leaf through it. Tia stared at all the names and wondered what his relatives would think of him marrying her. They would probably all be horrified to learn he was marrying the estate’s wise woman. And yet, staring over at him, she no longer cared what anyone thought of her, save Braden.

“This one only goes back to my grandfather,” he said, closing the book. “Anything in yours?”

Tia went back to her book. “It goes back much further, but I’m confused about one thing.”

“What is it?” He leaned in closer and stared down at the same page.

“Right here,” she said, pointing to a page. “It says Lady Violet Tavers, Viscountess Middleton in her own right, married Randolph Haverty, who took her name.”

“That makes no sense. Why would she have inherited the title?”

“I have no idea. Shouldn’t that be in the letter of patent?”

“Yes, but that is most likely at the estate. Perhaps there was a special reason that enabled her to inherit. It’s just so uncommon.” He sat back against the pillows and picked up the last book on family history.

A knock sounded, announcing food had finally arrived. A footman entered the room and stopped when he saw them both lounging on the bed with books in their hands. “Where would you like this, my lord?”

“Right here on the bed.”

Tia almost laughed at the gaped expression on the poor boy’s face. They must have scandalized him.

The footman carefully placed the tray on the bed. “Is there anything else, my lord?”

“No, that will be all. Thank you.”

As soon as the door closed behind him, they both broke out into laughter.

“I believe we may have horrified that young man,” Braden said, still laughing. “We will be the talk of the servant hall tonight.”

“I am quite sure it isn’t the first time.”

“And won’t be the last time either,” he said, pulling the tray closer. “Chicken. How did she know I wanted chicken tonight?”

“Are they not paid to read your mind?” she teased. “I am quite sure Mrs. Abbott knows that chicken is your favorite dish, so she asked cook to prepare it.”

“I do believe my servants need a raise.”

“They probably do,” Tia agreed.

They back sat back against the headboard and pulled their plates onto their laps. Tia had never eaten in bed unless she was ill. It seemed quite decadent to her. “I could get used to this,” she admitted after a bite of chicken.

“Which, the chicken or eating in bed?” he asked. He reached for his wine and sipped it slowly.

“Both.”

They chatted more about the family history they had discovered so far. All too quickly, they had finished their meal. Tia rose and moved the tray off the bed so they could continue reading through the books.

“My lord, I must speak to you immediately,” Mr. Nelson said from the hall frantically.

“Come in, Nelson,” Braden answered.

“My lord, I am dreadfully sorry to disturb you, but this is very important.”

“Well, what is it, Nelson?” Braden asked.

“It’s your brother, my lord.”

“Jonathon?”