Page 104 of The Duke's Indecent Match

More likely, he’d had business with Nathanial’s father.

“Show him in, please, Stalling.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Stalling had gone from slight disapproval to pure disapproval, but he was too good a butler not to do his duty.Nathanial could not help but miss Daniel’s lack of standing on ceremony as he finished his missive to the man.When they returned to Hereford Hall, he would likely leave Stalling here to help set up Hereford House once the renters had departed.

A stiffly upright butler was expected in London.Out in the country, he’d prefer someone more relaxed.

Just as Nathanial finished signing his letter, Stalling returned with the Marquess in tow.

“The Marquess of Carmathen,” Stalling announced, stepping aside for the other man to enter.

Perhaps a few years younger than Nathanial, the Marquess was several inches taller than Stalling and with broader shoulders as well.Not just physically imposing; the way his sharp gaze moved around the room, taking in every detail, his mental acuity was obvious.They had never met before, but Nathanial’s immediate impression was that the Marquess was both clever and dangerous.

He was dressed impeccably, despite his dissolute reputation.The edges of his shirt collar were sharp against his square jaw, he was clean-shaven, and his dark hair was expertly styled.Dressed in all black, other than his white shirt and neatly tied cravat, he appeared almost like a painting of what a proper gentleman should look like.Even Stalling would not be able to complain about his appearance.

Yet there was no doubt that, even in a room with a duke, the Marquess was confident of his own standing and power.

“Carmathen.”

“Hereford.”The Marquess bowed, not quite as deeply as he should for a duke, yet close enough that no complaint could be made without appearing petulant.Nathanial’s lips twitched in amusement.

“Come, have a seat.”He gestured to the wingback leather chairs across from his desk.Carmathen prowled forward, his focus now on studying Nathanial as he chose the seat on the left and lowered himself into it.

Nathanial met his gaze steadily.Carmathen’s lips curved.

“You are not much like your father,” Carmathen observed.

A small huff of air escaped from Nathanial’s lungs as the marquess confirmed why he was there.

“I am not,” Nathanial agreed.As far as he was concerned, the Marquess had just paid him a compliment.Indeed, when Carmathen’s smile widened, it was clear he had meant it as one.

“I will be frank with you, Hereford, your father lost quite a bit gambling with me.I do not necessarily believe a son should have to pay his father’s debts when his father left him nothing… however, it seems you’ve landed on your feet.”

“Ah.”The mystery of the letter recently delivered to Nathanial suddenly became clear.He turned slightly and pulled open the uppermost right drawer on his desk, taking out the letter on top and the envelope with the seal he had not recognized.“I take it this was from you.”

“It is.”Carmathen frowned.“Did you not know?”

Nathanial slid the letter and envelope across the desk to the other man.Curiosity writ over his features, Carmathen leaned forward and picked it up.Giving the letter a brief glance, as it required nothing more in order to read it, he snorted.

“I must apologize.My steward is in charge of collecting my debts, and he has a flair for the dramatic.Although I do see he added my seal.Nothing more is usually needed, as those receiving the letter would know it immediately.”

“I did not recognize it,” Nathanial admitted.“I planned to start asking my friends if any of them did.”

“Just as well I showed up then.”Carmathen tossed the letter and envelope back onto the desk and leaned back.“Unless you wanted everyone to know we’re doing business.”

“To be honest, I would hope that the business can be concluded quickly.”He wanted everything from his father’s business done and over with.“What did my father owe you?”

The smile that flashed across Carmathen’s face was not at all reassuring.

“Your sister’s hand in marriage.”

It was like a blow to the chest.

“What?!”Shock.Outrage.Horror.He knew all of it flashed over his face before he could cover it.

Carmathen did not seem insulted at Nathanial’s reaction to such a union; if anything, he was amused.