Chapter 11

A chill descended upon Callum’s shoulders. He stared into Rosemont’s demanding eyes while uncomfortably aware of Emily’s presence. She’d stilled in response to the question and seemed to hold her breath now while waiting to see how he would respond.

He wouldn’t lie, but he did have a question of his own that needed asking.

“It sounds as though you believe I might be struggling. You’re not wrong, but I’d like to know how you found out.”

“It’s difficult not to notice when a duke begins using hackneys in favor of his own carriage.” Rosemont tilted his head while studying Callum. “That aside, you and your reprobate friends have all been selling off various items in recent weeks. A source tells me you’ve put the furniture at your country estate up for auction. Adding two and two together isn’t hard when one can recall the foolish excess that governed your lives just one year ago.”

Callum hung his head in defeat. He’d worried his situation would become public knowledge as soon as he’d started ridding himself of his belongings, but what other choice had there been? He’d had expenses and no income. It wasn’t until he’d received his share of the advance on the book he and his friends had written that things had started looking up. If only a little. The funds had provided some peace of mind but that didn’t mean he shouldn’t be cautious. He’d learned a valuable lesson from his mistake and intended to take better care of his money from now on.

“You’re right.” He lifted his gaze while doing his best to ignore Emily’s presence. How disappointed she must be in him. It didn’t bear thinking about at the moment. Later, when they had a chance to speak privately, he would explain. “I spent more than I could afford and have had to face the consequences, but you’re wrong if you think me a fortune hunter. My only interest in Lady Emily is in Lady Emily herself. I do not care about her dowry, my lord.”

“I wish I could believe that.”

Callum dipped his chin. “You’re free to craft the marriage contract in such a way that I’ll have no access to her fortune.”

“I can assure you that already crossed my mind,” Rosemont told him. “What I wish to know is what you will be bringing to this marriage, Your Grace. Besides a title, that is.”

“Most people would think a title enough,” Callum said, his muscles tensing in response to the thinly veiled suggestion that he had nothing to offer besides that.

“I am not most people,” Rosemont informed him. “I don’t subscribe to the idea of buying a title through marriage. As an earl, I’m also of the opinion that my daughter will do just fine without becoming the Duchess of Stratton. So if that’s your only asset, I must say I’m quite unimpressed.”

“Naturally, I’m also offering myself, Lord Rosemont. I’d like to think that I am worth more than a title. Having spent a decent amount of time with your daughter lately, I believe she and I will suit each other well. We get along and seem to enjoy each other’s company tremendously. Beyond that, I’m incredibly fond of her.”

Rosemont exchanged a look with his wife before glancing at his daughter. “What say you, Emily? I’m sure we can find a way out of this for you if you desire.”

Callum froze. His heart started pounding. This entire debacle, from going to Seaton Hall, to pretending they were courting, to him going down on bended knee, had been a colossal mistake from start to finish. But, it had also made him certain of one thing: he wanted Emily for his wife. Desperately.

He turned to her for the first time since this conversation began and saw the stunned look on her face. Her eyes were wide, her lips slightly parted, as though she were lost and had no idea of the direction in which to turn.

Callum took her hand and willed her gaze to meet his. Once it did, he told her gently, “I will always be your friend, ready to offer support and guidance whenever you need it. I’ll do what I can to ensure your happiness, and while it is true that I’m not as wealthy as one might expect, I’m no pauper either. Stratton House is a fine place to live and although I’ve had to be frugal lately, I’m not yet in debt.”

Thankfully this was something he’d managed to stay out of by refusing to take loans.

Indecision swam in Emily’s eyes. “I worry this isn’t the only thing you’ve been hiding.”

“I wasn’t hiding anything. It simply wasn’t relevant until this moment.”

“When my father brought it up.”

She had him there. Even though he’d intended to be transparent with her about his finances, it was impossible for him to prove it. She’d always think he’d attempted to trick her into marrying someone who couldn’t afford to keep his own carriage. Especially now that her father had questioned if he’d been after her money all along.

“Your grandparents will understand your reason for breaking off the engagement as soon as we tell them the duke tried to trap you,” Rosemont said.

The insult stabbed at Callum’s pride. Anger burn at the base of his skull. He fisted his hands and sent the earl a disdainful glare. “I did no such thing, my lord!”

“The evidence says otherwise.” Rosemont huffed a breath and scrubbed his jaw. “Thankfully, no public announcement has yet been made.”

“And I trust there have been no compromising acts in public,” Lady Rosemont said.

“Of course not,” Emily promised her mother.

“In other words,” Rosemont said, “the engagement can be easily undone.”

The earl’s words clawed at Callum’s heart. This couldn’t be happening. Although it was true that he’d had no aspirations of marriage that morning, he was suddenly eager to cling to them with dear life.

For the briefest moment, when Emily had agreed to become his wife, joy had consumed him. He could not allow her father to ruin that – to turn her against him and crush the chance they had of a happily ever after. He had to stand his ground.

Praying she would believe him, he told her in earnest, “I would have told you about my financial problems eventually.”

“When?” she asked, her voice filled with doubt and disappointment.

“I don’t know, but I would have.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything sooner, but the chance to do so did not present itself, Emily. It wasn’t the sort of thing I could bring up while I proposed in front of your grandparents, nor was it something I wished to discuss in front of your servants. You and I have not had a moment alone.”

“That’s true,” she agreed. “Bu—”

“Had he wished to,” Rosemont said, cutting her off, “he could have drawn you aside and told you about it discreetly. Without anyone else overhearing.”

“Thank you.” Lady Rosemont placed her hand on her husband’s arm. “I do believe your point has been firmly made.”

“I’m merely trying to protect our daughter,” the earl grumbled.

“I know, Papa. You’ve always looked out for me and I’m grateful for that.” Emily turned to Callum. “Do you swear to me upon your honor that you’ve not tried to deceive me?”

“Of course.”

She held his gaze. “To be honest, I believe there’s more to marriage than the wealth provided by each party. At least I’d like there to be.”

“Me too.” He took her hand and held it firmly within his own. “As I mentioned before, I want to marry you, not your dowry. The contract can reflect that.”

“Did you also mean what you said about being fond of me?” This question was spoken in barely a whisper.

He squeezed her hand. “Yes. Having gotten to know you, I’ve realized there is no other woman I’d rather wake up next to each morning, no other I’d rather spend my days talking to, and no other I’d rather kiss good night every evening. I want you in my life, Emily. Forever.”

A slow smile pulled at her lips. “I feel the same way about you.”

It wasn’t a declaration of love on either one’s part, but it was enough to make Callum’s heart race with increased excitement. “Does that mean you’ll still agree to marry me?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

He could have leapt with joy, but since Lord Rosemont did not look like he’d approve of such a display in his parlor, Callum refrained. Instead, he schooled his features and asked his future parents-in-law, “Do we have your blessing?”

Rosemont looked like he might say no. He tightened his jaw, expelled a deep breath, and finally nodded. “If it is what Emily wants.”

Relief swept through Callum. She would be his! He could scarcely believe his good fortune. He also couldn’t wait to tell Peter. The boy would be thrilled to have Heidi come live with them.

Aware that the Rosemonts wished to be on their way, Callum stood, as did everyone else. “Thank you for your time. I’ll not delay you any longer.”

“I trust you’ll make sure an announcement appears in the paper,” Lord Rosemont said.

“Of course.” Callum hesitated briefly before deciding to reach for Emily’s hand. He raised it to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckles while taking an uncommon amount of pleasure in seeing her blush. “Until we meet again.”

He’d wanted to make plans to see her the following day, but decided she might need a moment in which to adjust to the new course her life had taken. It was all so sudden, he felt rather dizzy himself. But, he reflected when he arrived home, he was also extremely happy. And since he longed to share his news with someone, he went in search of Peter as soon as he’d handed his hat and gloves to his butler.

“That’s brilliant news!” Peter exclaimed. He was just as excited as Callum expected him to be. “I’ll be able to take Heidi out for a walk every day. We’ll play together all the time. Do you think she’ll be able to sleep in my room?”

Callum grinned. “I’ve no idea. We’ll have to ask Emily about that.”

This didn’t seem to dimmish Peter’s joy. He actually laughed, which was something Callum found rather delightful.

Dawson appeared in the doorway. “Begging your pardon, Your Grace, but the Dukes of Westcliffe and Corwin are here to see you. Shall I show them in?”

Anthony and Brody had both come to call? Their timing couldn’t be better.

“Please let them know I’ll join them shortly.” He turned to Peter. “Will you excuse me for a bit? I need to speak with my friends but maybe you and I can play a game of marbles afterward?”

He tried to engage the boy in various games he’d purchased for him, but Peter’s constant response had been disinterest.

“I’ll set it up while I wait,” Peter said, surprising Callum in the best way possible

Impulsively, Callum reached out and pulled Peter into his arms so he could give him a tight hug. When he set him back on his feet, he ruffled his hair and gave him a sly smile. “Maybe you can be my best man at the wedding.”

Peter’s eyes grew to the size of saucers. “Really?”

Callum grinned. “I can think of no one more perfect for the part.”

He left Peter gaping and went to greet his friends who’d both been shown into the parlor. “You’ve no idea how glad I am to see you right now. I’ve got news that I’m terribly eager to share.”

“How intriguing,” Anthony said, his expression curious. Standing next to the sideboard, he was in the process of pouring himself and Brody a drink. “Brandy?”

“Thank you.” Callum grabbed the already filled glasses and brought them to the table. He set one down in front of Brody, who reclined on the sofa, and lowered himself to one of the armchairs. Keeping the wide grin that threatened at bay was a struggle. Eventually he had no choice but to let it win over. He raised his glass as Anthony came to join them. “I’m to be married, my friends.”

Anthony lost his footing and spilled his brandy while in the process of claiming his seat. Brody choked on his drink.

“What?” both men asked at the same exact time.

Callum smirked and raised his glass in salute. He took a sip and savored the heat the brandy produced as it slid down his throat. “I proposed to Lady Emily today and she has accepted.”

Anthony shook his head as though baffled, then raised his glass. “Congratulations, my friend.”

“That’s marvelous news,” Brody said. “A bit surprising since I’d no idea you had an interest there, but I’m happy for you.”

“Our wives will be pleased as well since Emily is a good friend to them both,” Anthony said. “Have you considered a date?”

“Not yet.” Callum still couldn’t quite believe this was happening. It felt like a dream. “The plan so far is to make the announcement in the paper. Beyond that, it’s all rather new.”

“Well cheers to you and your fiancée,” Brody said while extending his glass.

Callum clinked his own against it and drank. “Thank you. I look forward to celebrating a bit more with you both in the coming weeks.”

“I trust you’ve told her about the book we’re releasing?” Anthony asked.

“Not yet,” Callum confessed. “I barely had the chance to address my poor financial state, which was brought up by her father.”

“How does he know you’re struggling?” Brody asked.

“Apparently people take note when dukes start parting ways with their belongings or when they stop using their own carriage in favor of hiring hackneys.”

“Ah.” Anthony grimaced. “I’d not really thought of that. Or at least, I’d not imagined anyone would be quite so astute.”

“Rosemont probably took an increased interest in me when I began spending time with his daughter.” Callum relaxed against his chair and stretched out his legs. “Whatever the case, the fact remains that Emily and I are betrothed.”

“You yourself look like you can scarcely believe it,” Brody said.

Callum sent him a sideways glance. “If I told you about my history with Emily and how our engagement came to be, you’d have a hard time believing it too.”

“Fill us in and we’ll put that theory to the test,” Anthony told him.

“Very well.” Callum set his glass aside and proceeded to give his friends an account of the mishaps that had taken place between himself and Emily. He went on to explain how the two had put their differences aside in favor of helping Peter. Finally, he told them about the favor Emily had asked of him and how he’d decided to follow his instinct.

“You’re right,” Brody said once Callum had finished. “That is an unbelievable story.”

Anthony frowned. “Elements of it are very familiar though, wouldn’t you say, Brody?”

“What are you talking about?” Callum asked. “I’ve never told either of you about any of this before.”

“True,” Anthony drawled. He glanced at Brody while tapping his thumb against the side of his glass. “Brody?”

Brody, Callum had noted, had gone slightly pale. He stared at Callum. “You haven’t mentioned the book we’ve written to Emily.”

“That’s what I said.” He couldn’t figure out why they both looked slightly horrified all of a sudden.

“It would probably be wise of you to do so,” Anthony murmured. “Immediately, if not sooner.”

“And I will. I just don’t see the rush.” Callum glanced at each of his friends in turn. “My having written a book is not a terrible thing, even if it is a romance. It’s hardly going to have a negative impact on our marriage. If anything, it will improve upon it by securing an income. Besides, when I told Emily I like to write as a hobby she showed a keen interest. She even asked if I’d thought about publishing. Surely that means she’d be supportive.”

“Callum.” Brody shifted his weight on the sofa and leaned forward, his forearms resting upon his thighs as he met Callum’s gaze directly. “You wrote the middle of the story.”

“I am aware,” Callum said with a scowl. “What of it?”

“Have you completely forgotten how you wrote one of the hero’s friends?”

Callum opened his mouth, then promptly shut it again. A queasy sensation took root in his stomach. He gripped the armrest and swallowed. “Like a lovesick fool whose nerves kept getting the best of him whenever he met Miss Emelia Parker.”

“And Emelia?” Anthony quietly asked.

It was getting increasingly hard to breathe. Callum tugged at this cravat. Hell, even the name he’d used was strikingly close to Emily. How could he have dismissed that?

He forced himself to answer the question. “Like an unforgiving shrew who doesn’t deserve Mr. Dalton’s affection.”

“If I recall, they were described as always stumbling into each other,” Brody said, his expression grim. “Much like you’ve just described yourself stumbling into Lady Emily numerous times. It does make one wonder.”

“The incidents are only mentioned in passing. They play no larger role in the plot.” There was no reason for anyone to draw a parallel, Callum decided, attempting to relax. “It’s hardly noteworthy.”

“Are you certain Emily will share that view?” Anthony asked.

“She may not even read the book,” Callum said. He was suddenly bothered by the unnecessary amount of worry his friends were causing.

Brody gazed at him in dismay. “Of course she will when you tell her you wrote it.”

This was probably true. “I’ll simply have to not tell her then. The author will be anonymous anyway.”

“I don’t recommend that you start your marriage with a lie,” Brody said. “If I were you, I’d get ahead of the problem by speaking with her straight away. Tell her about the book and what she’ll find when she reads it. Explain that you wrote it before you fell madly in love with her.”

“I’m not really ready to use that word yet,” Callum hedged.

“Doesn’t matter,” Brody insisted. “The only thing that counts is the fact that she’ll be less hurt if you open your heart completely.”

Anthony, who’d fallen quiet for a few minutes suddenly added, “It may already be too late.”

Callum froze. “What do you mean?”

“Brody and I came to give you some news of our own. The Lady Librarian has informed Ada that she has begun reading our novel and that she expects to have finished it by the end of the week.”

“That’s excellent news,” Callum said. “I don’t see how it relates to the problem of Emily possibly reading the book though.”

Anthony’s jaw tightened. “I’m not supposed to know this, so it is imperative that you keep what I am about to share with you both a secret. Do I have your words of honor?”

“Of course,” Callum and Brody assured him in unison.

“Very well.” Anthony took a deep breath and expelled it. “Emily is The Lady Librarian.”

Callum gaped at his friend. It felt like a ton of bricks had been launched directly at his sternum. He blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

“I’d no idea,” Brody muttered, “although it does make a great deal of sense.”

“How?” Callum demanded. “How does Emily being the most influential book reviewer in London make even the tiniest bit of sense?”

Brody sent a swift glance in Anthony’s direction and shrugged. “From what I gather, she’s extremely fond of reading.”

“Many people are,” Callum said. He shoved his fingers through his hair and stood. “That doesn’t make them famous reviewers.”

“I suppose not,” Brody agreed while Callum began to pace. He had to think this through and then he had to figure out what to do. The more he delved into the situation, the greater his concern. Anthony and Brody were right. If Emily read the book, as she was apparently already doing, she was bound to suspect his involvement.

Leaving his friends in the parlor, he hurried to the library and collected the book from the shelf where he’d placed it. He flipped through the pages, searching for the part that threatened to ruin everything he’d just gained.

The segment wasn’t long, but it was enough.

Sutherland glanced at Mr. Dalton, who appeared rather tense this evening. Having recently entered the packed assembly room together, they’d positioned themselves to the right of the entrance. From there, they had an excellent view of the dance floor, it being slightly lower than where they stood.

“Are you well?” Sutherland asked of his friend while attempting to catch a glimpse of the woman who’d captured his heart. She was supposed to be here.

“As well as I can be with Miss Emilia Parker present.” Mr. Dalton sent Sutherland a sidelong glance. “I swear, I’m forever making the wrong move when she is near.”

“How so?”

Mr. Dalton snorted. “I’ve stepped on her toes, toppled her into a fountain, spilled punch down the front of her gown, tripped her up, and caused her to catch on fire. I’m not myself around her.”

Sutherland raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like you might be smitten.”

“Highly unlikely,” Mr. Dalton grumbled.

“Oh? And why is that?”

“Because I would have to like the lady in question for that to be true. But how can I do so when all she ever does is curse me for being clumsy? No, indeed, Miss Emelia Parker is, without doubt, the very last woman upon this earth for whom I would ever develop a tendre. Frankly, if she treats other gentlemen as she treats me, it’s no wonder she’s not yet married.”

Callum stared at the page while panic stormed through him.

Bloody hell, he was in trouble.