Page 7 of Entwined By Error (Madcaps of Mayfair #1)

When a Gentleman Agrees too Hastily

Daniel had never worried about his station as a younger son until the moment Miss Astley’s fan had flown across the room, landing against his chest. The way in which she turned away, feigning innocence, had been his undoing. She was charming, and he was besotted.

It didn’t matter that she thought nothing of him. Since her fan had hit his chest, she was all he could think about. Her smile filled his dreams; her laugh, like the tinkling of crystal, invaded his every thought.

For the first time in his life, he wished that he were the elder son, the heir to the title—the one who could use his position as a catalyst to seek a courtship with the fair Miss Astley.

As it was, he had a decent inheritance set aside for his use.

He wasn’t destitute, but he lacked the one thing every diamond of the first water seemed to want: a title.

Even the daughters of gentlemen with no title in their family lineage entered the season with one goal in mind; snatching a man who could make them a countess, marchioness, or duchess.

Daniel sat in the library, a book in his hand, yet the words on the page were a blur as his mind replayed the few moments he’d spent in Miss Astley’s presence.

Perhaps he had deserved the punch Southwood had dealt to his back.

The bruise was more than enough of a reprimand for his traitorous thoughts.

One thing was certain; if his brother continued in his designs for Miss Astley, Daniel would have to find a way to avoid any errant thought.

“When will the Astley family arrive?” the earl asked as he entered the library followed by Southwood.

His father’s eyes fell upon Daniel, acknowledging his presence, but he didn’t ask his son to leave.

Daniel closed the book; if his father needed privacy, he would gladly take the book to his private rooms.

Southwood flopped down on the sofa next to him. “We are to host the Astley family for a fortnight. They will arrive within the hour.”

Daniel stood. “I do not wish to eavesdrop.”

The earl stepped forward, patted him on the shoulder, then walked to the sideboard. “Stay, Daniel. This matter concerns you as well.”

Uncertain as to how his brother’s decision to con an innocent woman into marriage concerned him, Daniel turned to Southwood to find the same curiosity written plainly across his features. “What service am I to provide?”

“Astley and his five daughters will be our guests. I expect everyone in this family to do their part to make Miss Astley welcome.”

“I have no other intention, Father.” Daniel looked to his brother, surprised by his father’s request. “Although, is it not Southwood’s duty to see to the young lady’s comfort?

He is the one seeking to win her dow—” Daniel smiled at his brother as he feigned an apology.

“Oh dear, I mean, the one who wishes to win her heart.” He most certainly had not made a mistake in his words, but he did so enjoy taunting Southwood.

The earl nodded. “You are right. But we must make her happy, and if she discovers your brother’s penchant for games of chance, he may very well lose this opportunity.”

Daniel dipped his head. “Then the entire family is meant to persuade her to marriage? Perhaps he should treat her with respect; that, above all, would be the best option. Fall in love with her, make himself an honorable gentleman.”

“Am I to be constantly reminded of my mistakes?” Southwood asked, his voice rising in pitch as he narrowed his eyes, the haunted reality of his latest ruin still fresh upon his darkened features.

“The baron fooled me into believing his horse was superior to all others, a prize horse. If you wish to be angry with someone, do that fellow harm.”

Daniel hadn’t heard about this latest venture. “What baron?”

Southwood waved the question away as though it were nothing to worry about. Yet it was a concern. He might not be heir, but another scandal, another night of losses, was certainly not what their family needed.

The earl stepped away from the sideboard, three glasses of brandy in his hands.

He gave the first to Daniel, the second to Southwood, then he sat across from his sons.

“You should have pulled your wager after the first loss. Instead, you continued to throw money at the horse until you had nothing left. Thankfully, you did not empty the estate coffers. Debtor’s prison is not an achievement, Southwood. ”

Southwood drank the whole of the brandy and slammed the glass on the table next to the sofa. “Will Miss Astley’s dowry be enough to silence you on this subject forever?”

“Her dowry will cover what you owe the estate and the rest of your debts.” The earl swirled the liquid in his glass as he matched Southwood’s glare, their eyes locked in a war of wills, one that would not be won that afternoon.

“Heaven only knows how you convinced the girl to visit our estate. It would have been best for you to propose and entrap her before she has time to think better of the situation.”

Daniel coughed, the brandy burning and catching in his throat as he stared at his father. If the earl was as set on the matter as Southwood, the poor miss hadn’t a prayer against such odds. “Pardon me.” He coughed twice, pressing a fist to his mouth until his breathing steadied.

“Mr. Astley will not allow an offer of marriage until she knows more about me. But it does not matter; Miss Astley believes we are destined to be together.” Southwood sat back, crossing one leg over the other as a pleased smile spread across his face.

“Miss Astley came to this conclusion on her own?” Daniel asked. He’d known Southwood far too long to believe he could ever give his heart to anyone. Southwood was a selfish, self-centered lout.

“I might have claimed to be in love with her.” Southwood brushed his knuckles on his lapel, the pride of his deception lifting his spirit.

“Once she was convinced, she agreed to spend a few days at our estate. It will not take long to appease Mr. Astley’s concerns.

I have no doubt we can send for a special license within the first week. ”

“A quick engagement as well?” Daniel asked, emphasizing his concern as he met his father’s eyes.

He wasn’t surprised by his brother’s admission, but it did bother him to know Southwood could laugh about the entire affair.

Poor Miss Astley would soon discover there was no love, and her dowry would be absorbed into the estate, leaving her with the title of countess, for she was marrying a viscount who would one day be the earl. Was it enough?

“Not every lady within Society can boast such an honor as a marriage by special license. Her friends will shower her with admiration.” Southwood shrugged, a sigh of boredom escaping as he rested his head against the cushion.

“Not only that, but she will also have a title. That is more than most women of her acquaintance can hope. Mr. Astley’s connections are in trade, so her family relations are inconsequential.

The only increase I will receive from this marriage is her dowry. ”

Daniel rolled his eyes, making certain his brother saw the disdain. “She is a gentleman’s daughter and likely has many titled friends. How can you deceive her so?”

“Very easily, Daniel. One day you will do the same—that is, if you wish to secure your future. Otherwise, you will have to live upon your inheritance. What is it? One thousand a year.”

“Five thousand, and it is already settled upon me, so you cannot steal it.”

“Right…” Southwood waved his hand in the air as though he didn’t care. “Not that it matters. When I am earl, I shall have thrice that amount.”

The earl coughed, choking on his brandy as Daniel had moments before. “Not if you continue to squander our fortune on horse racing. You could learn much about finances from your younger brother.”

Southwood silently mimicked their father’s words, his motions exaggerated as he mocked the earl with his hands waving about. When he calmed, he glared at both the earl and Daniel. “If I wanted to be a prude, I’d take lessons from my brother, who wouldn’t take a chance if his life depended upon it.”

“I suppose the desire to live comfortably may seem prudish to a dashed sharper with the devil’s luck,” Daniel retorted.

He didn’t mind that his brother considered him priggish.

Managing his affairs meant he had the comfort of knowing he wouldn’t spend his life hiding from debtors and scraping the bottom of the barrel for his supper.

The earl stood, his face slightly pink. “Life would have been much simpler if Daniel were my heir.” He walked away, but before he opened the door to leave, he turned back.

“Southwood, I trust you will not do anything to ruin your chances with Miss Astley. Treat her as though she were a queen, and you may well see her dowry in our coffers.”

“Of course, Father. I want her dowry as much as you do.”

The earl frowned. He looked as though he would impart wisdom to his son but then threw his hands in the air. “Keep Miss Astley happy, at least until you are wed.”

As soon as the door closed, Southwood turned on Daniel. “I need your assistance.”

Daniel knew he would need to summon all his patience to deal with any requested favors from his brother. “What is it?”

“Nothing so dreadful as what you are thinking.”

“Out with it, Southwood. I am not in the mood for your games.” Daniel took another sip of his drink and then rested the glass on his leg.

“Games?”

“You have a glint of mischief in your eyes. What is it, another horse race for which you haven’t enough to put down on the hopeful champion?”

“I have an obligation in town, one I must see to on the morrow.”