Her father shifted. “If it’s money you need, I’ve been spared three of my four daughters participating in society. There’s extra.”
“Extra?” He rubbed his face, trying to follow the thread of this conversation. “You aren’t upset with me for being alone with your daughter?”
It was Winthrop’s turn to look confused. “Upset? You saved her life. Right quickly too. But her reputation is at risk.” He placed a hand on Bad’s shoulder. “I know you came into the Barony unexpectedly. Grace would be an excellent match for you. Our bloodlines are impeccable and our social standing excellent. And you must have noticed that she’s lovely. She’ll make you beautiful babies.”
Ben’s stomach pitched and he nearly toppled over. A baby. His baby. He imagined Grace round with his child and his heart nearly stopped in his chest. “She would.” H
is voice was raspy and he barely found the air to push them out.
Her father nodded eagerly. “You’d be helping her. And in return, we’d help you.”
Bad cleared his throat, trying to calm his body. “I agree with all you’ve said.”
“Good.” He slapped Bad’s arm. “It’s agreed.”
But Bad raised his other hand. “It’s not me I’m concerned about. It’s Grace. As you said, I was not meant for the title. I wasn’t raised for it.” That was an understatement.
Her father shrugged. “You’ve got one now. And a woman like my daughter would aid your success.”
Winthrop was likely right. “Don’t you think Grace could have a duke or a marquess? Do you really want her to settle for a baron?”
The man squinted. “Becoming a baroness is far superior to being a spinster.”
Bad nodded. “I agree. And I won’t let that happen to her, but I wanted to give her a choice of husbands before she’s saddled with me.”
Her father frowned. “I’ll not pay for a season, knowing that a secret like this could ruin her at any moment.” The man stood straighter, still tall and fairly broad.
Bad said a silent prayer that Winthrop wasn’t planning violence, holding up his hands.
“I didn’t want to have to start your relationship like this but I’ll force the issue if I have to,” her father said.
Bad frowned. “I’ve already informed Grace that I will marry her.”
The man instantly relaxed, smiling at Bad. “Good. Perfect. Then there’s no need to continue this conversation.”
“I disagree,” Bad answered. “Take whatever extra money you were going to give me and use it for Grace to participate in this year’s season. If at any point people believe she’s ruined, we’ll marry. But give her a chance to find someone better.”
His heart cracked in his chest. Part of him wanting to take all those words back, agree with her father’s plan, and marry Grace at the earliest possible moment. She could be his.
Like lightning his feelings penetrated his mind. He was in love with her. He’d seen his friends fall one by one and yet he hadn’t recognized the symptoms himself. His inability to be without her, the way every part of her was appealing.
Her father grunted. “You’re willing to be the backup plan?”
“For her? Yes.” His heart stuttered again. In between the beats it cried that he was making a terrible mistake.
“I’m not sure I can support that, but I’ll think on it for a day.”
He gave a nod, ignoring his own pain. This was for her.
Chapter Twelve
Grace looked at the door for what had to have been the tenth time in the last three minutes. She was surrounded by people who loved her and would protect her no matter what, but she didn’t feel right without Ben.
Which only reaffirmed what she already knew. Her attachment to him was about a great deal more than safety.
Not that she didn’t know that, but still, every time he was away, it reaffirmed her feelings.
She took another sip of tea, her eyes sliding to the door again.