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"Quite a bit, I should think. If you wish to avoid the pyrotechnics of your father and mother's match, perhaps you should choose someone for whom you can have a real regard, someone who might share your same... interests."

There was a short, mirthless laugh. "Good Lord, don't tell me you are turning into a blathering romantic! One would almost think you've been stealing a peek at those ridiculous books all the ladies buy from Minerva Press. "

Rafael flushed slightly, but refused to back off. "You haven't answered my question."

Adrian settled deeper into the leather armchair and watched the myriad tiny bubbles in his champagne rise to the surface in a fizz of tiny explosions. Finally, he set the glass aside without a taste.

"We both know that marriage is a practical alliance, one that can work quite well if the parties involved act with discretion and abide by the rules.

Lady Honoria and I shall each get what we desire.

She shall be a countess, gaining one of the oldest and most respected titles in the land, while I shall have a polished wife of impeccable breeding and flawless manners, one who will never give cause for any scandal to attach itself to the Linsley name.

" He drew in a deep breath. "Indeed, the two of us agree—we are an ideal match. "

"How admirable, Adrian." A tinge of sarcasm colored his friend's words. "I can see that you have given perhaps the most important decision in your life the sort of rational, dispassionate consideration it deserves."

He paused to reach for the bottle and refill his glass. "Remind me to take you with me next time I need to choose a new style of coat at Weston's or purchase a hunter at Tattersall's."

A slight tightening of his jaw was the only reaction from the viscount.

"Sorry," mumbled Rafael after a moment. "That was uncalled for.

It's just that although you choose to appear as cool and immovable as one of those Greek statues you place in your garden designs, I know that beneath the facade you present to the rest of the world beats a real heart—one that feels flesh and blood emotion.

One has only to look at your professional work to see that. "

He let out a huff of exasperation. "Hell's teeth, Adrian, you deserve more than a block of stone for a wife, no matter how flawless the exterior appears. I cannot believe you will be happy with such a spiritless match."

"Flesh and blood emotion?" A mocking smile touched the viscount's lips.

"Oh, I have seen just what that can result in.

The Linsley coffers are nigh empty, the lands—what are left of them—have been stripped bare and my estimable parents vie with each other as to who can engage in the most scandalous affairs.

You would have me risk my own future on something as ephemeral as love? "

If anything, his tone became even more sardonic. "Believing in love is equally as dangerous as trusting in luck. I have seen quite enough to know that both those ladies are nothing but fickle temptresses, waiting to destroy any man who thinks he can win at their game."

"Both involve taking a chance, if that’s what you mean,” replied Raphael. “But perhaps you must be willing to hazard some risks in life to reap the rewards."

"That sounds just like one of my father's platitudes!

However, when it comes to my life, I don't intend to leave anything to chance.

" There was a brief ripple of emotion in Adrian's eyes before a flat calm returned.

"You see, despite all that my father has frittered away, I have made him swear that no matter how pressed, he would never stake Woolsey Hall on the turn of a card or roll of dice. "

He twisted at the gold signet ring on his pinkie and flashed a smile of grim satisfaction. "And such precaution on my part is about to pay off. In spades. Not because of luck, but because of meticulous planning and disciplined perseverance."

After taking up his glass, he spun it slowly between his palms.. "Actually, I have another reason to raise a toast. You know that for the past six months I have been working devilishly hard on securing a certain job—well, I've just found out that my proposal has been chosen over all the others."

For the first time that evening, Rafael's eyes lit with real enthusiasm.

"By Jove, that's wonderful news! Such an important commission will almost certainly guarantee a successful future in the field.

Why, with the Duke of Devonhill's backing, you may even be able, in due time, to let the truth come out. "

"Let us not celebrate too soon—I must still come up with the actual plan for the designs of his gardens," warned Adrian, but he couldn’t hide the note of satisfaction in his voice.

"But if all goes as designed, the Hall will soon belong to me outright, for I have a proposal for my father as well.

And when it does, I mean for it to have the countess it deserves. "

His gaze once again strayed to the crackling fire. "So you see, you have no need to feel concern for my happiness, Rafe. Believe me, I have considered everything very carefully and have taken into account all contingencies. I am well satisfied with my plans for the future."

"And your intended? I take it she is aware of what you do and has no objection to it? After all she will be allying herself with a husband whose activities can hardly be deemed... conventional."

For the first time, the viscount betrayed a crack in his composure.

A hint of color rose to his cheeks and he shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

"Er, well, not yet. I shall, of course, make everything known to her in good time. But I assure you, it will not be an issue. I’ve taken a good deal of care to ensure that nobody in the beau monde knows that I work for a living.

” A grim smile. “Indeed, I give true meaning to the term ‘dirtying my hands in trade.”

He shook his head. “There is truly no reason to think that the ton will ever learn the truth unless I choose to reveal it."

"Hmmph." His friend looked at him askance. "Subterfuge and secrets between the two of you? Hardly an auspicious beginning to a lifetime together."

Adrian's color deepened. "I assure you, I am keeping nothing meaningful from Lady Honoria. And as for her—" He gave a short laugh. "Why, you can’t seriously think that she’s harboring any dark secrets."

There was a long silence before Rafael raised his glass in slow salute. "Well then, let us cry friends and say no more on the subject. You know that as your good friend I only wish the best for you, Adrian, but it seems you have everything worked out, down to the last nail..."

A sigh, eloquent in its skepticism, sounded, followed by a further mutter.

"I just hope it isn't sealing your own coffin.

" He swirled what remained of his champagne, then downed it in one gulp.

"I shall not say that I wish you luck, knowing your sentiments on that subject, and merely repeat that I wish you happy. "

Under his breath, he couldn't help but add, "However, to achieve that, I fear that you are going to need more of luck's help than you think."