Page 11 of Two Ruins Make a Right

James had seen Nell’s sadness reflected in her beautiful turquoise eyes.

The sheen of tears made him want to cross the room and hold her, all the while murmuring that he’d take care of it for her.

Whatever had driven her from his arms all those years ago was now driving her to distraction.

He’d bet his fortune on it. Funny how their tables had turned.

He possessed a healthy allowance from the ducal coffers.

Not being frivolous, he’d invested it in land.

He was currently the second-wealthiest landowner in the county, after his uncle.

Though Nell’s husband, the Marquess of Whitton, had been a wealthy man in his own right, rumors had abounded that he’d left Nell a respectable sum of money for her to live on, but few extras, such as seasons in London or hosting house parties like the one under the duke and duchess’s roof now.

It was a shame, as the marquess could have provided more for Nell.

Leaving James to wonder what Nell’s true motive was for organizing Mounthaven’s courting of Christa.

Perhaps Nell wanted to ensure that her sister’s marriage left her in a wealthier position than Nell currently had.

Whatever her reasoning, he’d been granted at least a reprieve to see if he could convince her to allow the couple to make their case for marriage.

“Thank you, Nell,” he acknowledged. “Perhaps we should make plans. I’d like to have the opportunity to show you a few things before you make up your mind about your sister.

” He stepped closer until he could see the beautiful sparkles of dark blue that only enhanced her eyes’ unique color.

“Would you be able to stay a few days? That is, if it’s agreeable to you and it won’t inconvenience Mounthaven or you? ”

She nodded but didn’t look at him, a newfound sense of shyness about her. He much preferred the Nell who went toe-to-toe with him. He took her hand in one of his and raised it to his lips. The brush of his mouth against her tender skin caused her to shiver.

An absurd sense of satisfaction rolled through him that his touch still affected her.

“Come, let’s find Harry and Christa.” With the gentlest of touches, he tucked her arm around his.

Valentina burst through the door and slid to a stop right in front of them. “Papa, you’ll never guess what has happened.”

James bent as much as he could while still holding on to Nell’s arm. “What is it?”

“Auntie has sent all the ladies away. I told her that I found the one I wanted for my mum.” She shrugged her little shoulders. “It’s settled.” Valentina coyly looked at Nell. “We can play dolls and eat luncheon in my rooms every day.”

“She did what?” James asked incredulously.

The duchess entered with a flourish and waved a hand sporting a large ruby ring.

“The child mostly has the right of it. I’ve sent them to the ducal hunting lodge.

It’s only an hour’s carriage ride from here.

There’s enough artwork to keep them enthralled until James can join them and choose a bride.

” She glided across the room and stopped before Nell.

“That’ll give us time to figure out what to do with your sister and Harry. ”

“A sound plan, Your Grace.” James nodded. “I was going to ask if there could be a way to remove the ladies from the house.”

His aunt wrinkled her nose. “You make them sound like vermin that’s invaded our home.

” Before he could respond, she nodded in agreement.

“Good analogy, dear boy. Several of them do bear a marked resemblance to rodents. Now, where was I?” she mused.

“Oh, that’s right,” she answered with a smile. “What to do about Harry and Christa?”

“I’m afraid I was a bit harsh with my sister.” Nell let go of his arm.

Immediately, he felt the loss of her heat. Valentina frowned his way as if it were his fault that Nell stepped away from his side.

“We were all a bit shocked at the news,” the duchess said sympathetically.

“I have four sisters myself. We used to squabble all the time, but at the end of the day, we were bosom buddies again. I’m certain that will happen for you and Christa.

” The duchess took Nell’s hand with hers.

“You love her, and she knows that. Though she may be angry right now, she knows that deep inside”—the duchess pointed to her heart—“you’re doing what you think is best for her and her future. ”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Nell said.

“However, even I’ll admit that sometimes I get things wrong.” She blinked innocently at James, then Nell. “Have you ever made a wrong decision?”

At that moment, James deduced that Valentina had recruited the duchess to be an ally in her quest to make Nell her new mother. He dipped his head to hide his smile. His daughter would make a marvelous politician or ambassador when she grew up. The child did know how to woo others to her side.

He’d better be careful over the next several days. Valentina was beginning to achieve the impossible.

Convince him that Nell would, indeed, make an excellent mother.

The jury was still out on the position of wife.

* * *

“Deuce it,” Harry exclaimed, running both hands through his hair.

He was pacing faster than a caged animal desperate to escape an iron-clad prison.

“I thought if Lady Whitton saw how sincere Christa and I are in our intentions to marry, she’d agree.

As I escort her over the hills and dales, I’ll watch her every mood and movement.

Looking for a sign of approval, or worse, her displeasure.

It’ll be torture,” He stopped his pacing and settled his gaze on James.

“Do you think this was the right tactic to take with her?” Before James could answer, Harry continued his pacing.

“It was the only option I could think of yesterday afternoon. Christa thought it might work.” He stopped suddenly, then tilted his head to the ceiling.

“I could tell by Lady Whitton’s demeanor in your study that she was against me marrying her sister. ” Harry let out a painful sigh.

James knew that feeling. He’d felt the same when he’d received Nell’s letter breaking off their engagement.

He’d been desperate to understand how Nell could have changed her mind.

He’d thought repeatedly of his proposal.

Perhaps it wasn’t convincing enough. Possibly, Nell didn’t love him the way he loved her.

It’d been hell, and he’d lived through its aftermath.

As Harry faced some of the same doubts, the only thing he could do was offer comfort.

“You’ve done everything correctly. I would say that Nell was fair-minded, but I don’t want to give you false hope.

I’ve seen firsthand the havoc she can create when she sets her mind to something.

” He rose from the desk and headed straight for the side table where a fresh pot of tea stood ready to offer comfort and courage to face the day and the drama that would undoubtedly unfold later.

Nell’s visibly distraught reaction to seeing her sister and Harry together still haunted James.

Perhaps she had finally recognized the effect her marriage had on Christa.

The younger woman was intelligent and steadfast in her beliefs.

Her refusal to submit to an eternity with Mounthaven was proof of that.

“Any advice on the best way to proceed?” Harry accepted the tea James offered and headed for one of the leather sofas flanking the fireplace. As soon as he plopped down, he held his saucer in the air to acknowledge thanks.

“How old is Christa?” James sat on the sofa opposite Harry.

“Twenty-one last month.”

“She’s an adult. She doesn’t need anyone’s permission if she wants to marry you.

You both are taking the high road to appease Nell.

Of course, if you did marry without permission, you risk forgoing her dowry.

” James shouldn’t encourage Harry to do something Nell would undoubtedly see as a betrayal.

However, he wanted what was best for the couple.

Harry shook his head. “I’m not certain there is a dowry.”

“No dowry?” James slowly lowered his cup back to its saucer. “Nell had one.”

“Are you certain?” Harry stood and filled his empty cup. He motioned toward James. “Another?”

James shook his head at the offer of tea. “I’m very certain there was a dowry. My memory isn’t faulty. Nell and I discussed it.” By then, Harry took his place opposite James. The steam from the hot tea swirled like a haunting wraith.

Appropriate since James had been haunted by Nell as soon as he saw her at Redmond Hall.

“I never asked about one, and Christa never brought it up in conversation. I don’t want her to be concerned that I wouldn’t be interested in marriage otherwise.” Harry’s gaze locked with James’s as he placed his empty cup on a side table within reach. “It doesn’t make a difference to me.”

“Smart thinking,” James said distractingly. This was the first time he had heard such a tale, but he shouldn’t care. “She is not my concern,” he mumbled beneath his breath.

However, it was loud enough that Harry heard it. “Christa or Lady Whitton?”

James looked at his cousin. “Pardon me?”

“I assume you are speaking of Lady Whitton. Are you saying that she is not your concern? Anymore? Is that correct?” He frowned slightly. “That’s odd. Because Lady Whitton seems to be concerned with you.” James waggled his eyebrows. “She can’t seem to keep her gaze off of you.”

James’s cheeks heated. “You, sir, are exaggerating.” But for a moment, his chest puffed with pride.

It pleased him to think Nell was as consumed with him as he was with her.

“You know our history.” He finished his tea and smiled, hoping it would distract Harry from asking another question.

But the urge to rub the middle of his chest was nearly impossible to ignore. It ached for no reason.

Most likely, the feeble organ was still tender from Nell’s careless regard. He should focus on that instead of the truce they had reached last night.

“I might ask for your assistance in convincing Lady Whitton that I’m sincere and would make an excellent husband for her sister.

Lady Whitton seems determined to arrange a match between Christa and Mounthaven.

” Harry propped his arm on the back of the sofa.

“Unfortunately for you, cousin, it’s your concern, as I believe Lady Whitton will listen to you.

But I would understand if you didn’t want to intervene on my behalf.

I could ask the duke for help.” He nodded once.

“I would like to help you.” James sat on the edge of his seat. “But I cannot guarantee success.”

Harry tilted his head as he regarded James. “You know the family. You know Lady Whitton. If anyone can convince her of this marriage, it’s you. You almost married her.”

“The word ‘almost’ best describes the situation.” James shook his head. “She didn’t listen to me then, why would she now?”

“Nonsense.” Harry laughed. “Perhaps it was fortuitous that their carriage broke down in front of Redmond Hall.”

“Fortuitous? More like fate laughing at me. Right now, as we speak, there are women at the ducal estate. They’re here because I need to marry. Then, out of the clear blue, in waltzes my past to place a damper on my plans and my future .”

“Perhaps it’s a chance to rewrite history? Mayhap, you don’t need to look anywhere else for a mother for Valentina.” Harry cocked one eyebrow.

His cousin always had the unique talent to find the positive in every situation.

James narrowed his eyes.

Harry shook his head as he stared at the carpet. “I believe it’s fate giving you another chance.” Slowly, his gaze rose to meet James’s.

“Nonsense,” he bit out.

“It’s the opposite of nonsense. Hear me out.” This time, it was Harry who sat on the edge of his seat. “Perhaps it’s a chance, an opportunity even, to put the past finally?—”

“Where it belongs,” James interrupted. “In the past.”

Harry shook his head. “You and I both know that the past never stays where it belongs. It has the unique ability to appear when it’s least expected.”

“God help us all,” James moaned.

“I never thought I would see you frightened over something like this.” Harry regarded him with a slight grin.

“I have a right to be concerned.” James rested his forearms on his legs and clasped his hands together. “May I share something with you?”

“Of course,” Harry answered solemnly.

After studying his hands, James raised his eyes to meet Harry's gaze. "I fear that I would not be able to forgive myself if I pursue a future with Nell and it is all for naught. If she rejected me again, it wouldn’t just be me who would have a broken heart. I also must think of Valentina.”

“Of course. As her father, it’s your responsibility to see her happy and well-loved.

” Harry extended his long legs and rested his clasped hands on his stomach.

It was a languid pose, but James knew his cousin.

Harry was quick-witted and knew exactly how to cut to the chase when something important was at stake.

“But could you choose another woman if there was a chance of happiness with Nell? You tried that before, and you weren’t happy. ”

James opened his mouth to protest, but Harry raised his hand to stop him.

“You were content. But is that really what you want for Valentina and you? Contentment? If I had the chance at true happiness, I would fight for it until I had no fight left in me.” He furrowed his brow.

“That’s exactly what I’m doing now. And I suggest you fight for your happiness and Valentina’s happiness beside me.

” His lips tugged into a grin. “I wager that what will make you and Valentina happy will make Nell happy as well.”

James bent his head to hide his smile.

Perhaps his cousin had the right of it. Perhaps he owed it to himself and Valentina to go after what he wanted.

And as importantly, he owed it to Nell.