Page 1 of Marrying a Marquess (Widows of Mayfair #3)

“M y mother told me I’m going to marry you when I’m eighteen,” Lady Priscilla Amesbury, all of ten years old, tilted her chin in defiance, much like her mother did on occasion.

The Earl of Crowley’s entire body shuddered.

At twenty-four, the thought of marrying some future version of this ten-year-old was inconceivable.

At his age, he was the epitome of a rake, and he worked hard to keep his reputation intact.

His nights were spent at his clubs, gambling dens, and private parties full of rakehells and lightskirts.

Occasionally, he attended a formal ball or Almack’s to appease his mother.

Otherwise, he lived for his pleasure only.

He did, however, have his standards. He never gambled more than he could afford to lose, and when it came to courtesans, he was very selective.

Feet stomping on the wooden floor of the entry hall pulled him out of his wayward thoughts. “Did you hear what I said?” Lady Priscilla, arms crossed, lips trembling, and pools of tears in her hazel eyes, glared at him.

“I heard every word you said, Priscilla.”

“It’s Lady Priscilla to you.”

He swallowed his chuckle. “Lady Priscilla it is then. I heard what you said. That is still eight years away. Much can happen in that time.” He paused and touched his fingertip to her small, pert nose. “You may find a dashing prince to marry and leave me at the altar.”

She stomped her booted foot again. “I would never do that to you. I love you, and no prince will change that. I will be your march... march...”

“Marchioness.”

“Yes. That. Mother said I will be that someday when your father is gone.”

“Sprite, I’ll make a deal with you. If I’m still single at thirty-four and you have no suitors during your first Season, I will marry you if you wish.

But anything can happen in those years. You may come to dislike me and prefer someone else.

I may marry another lady and have a nursery full of children by then. ”

“Noooo!” she shrieked, covering her ears with her little hands. “Nooo. Mother said I was to marry you. You can’t marry someone else. Motherrrrr!” she screamed as she ran up the stairs to the drawing room.

Nick took that opportunity to slip out the door to his waiting carriage. Several hours at White’s was just what he needed to get his mind off his future.