Page 10 of The Dandy Lyon

His lordship sputtered, the brandy wasted as it cascaded down over his chin.

“In any case, I am more than willing to do whatever it takes to prove that I am a gentleman by actions and temperament, if not by birth. I’ve bettered myself already with tutors who have instructed me in the social graces and a more cultured way of speaking.” He’d been a quick learner, perhaps because he wanted so much to be like the men he served every night at The Dandy. “I’ve even started the process of selling my gaming establishments, with the intent of investing in a manor house and lands that would bring in sufficient income of a more genteel nature.”

Braeton stared at him across the desk, then rose and strode to the sideboard once more. “You sound serious about putting your past behind you, Dandridge. I cannot fault a man for trying to make a better life for himself.” He poured another splash of the brandy into his glass and then poured a like amount into a second one. “From the look Lady Joanna gave me, I assume she knows your true identity.”

“We met and danced at Lady Hamilton’s ball in May.” Lord Braeton’s mild manner could mean that his friend, Lord Longford, had not informed him of the debacle at the ball, but this opening should give him the opportunity to dismiss Marcus from the lodge if he had. “I was rather surprised when she did not give me away to Lady Braeton.”

“She is a formidable young lady with a mind of her own.” Braeton turned and handed him the brandy, his face wiped of all expression. “Perhaps she wished to find out the explanation for your subterfuge before she revealed who you are.”

“Then I will be certain to inform her of it at dinner.” Marcus tossed the cognac down his throat, relishing the burn but all the while keenly listening for Braeton’s next words. Would he in fact be staying for the evening meal?

“See that you do, Dandridge. As a guest here you will be given due respect, however, know that you skate on thin ice.” The earl’s gaze had turned hard. “Lady Joanna is my friend and more importantly my best friend’s sister. As such, I will not hesitate to protect her from anyone making inappropriate advances or attempting to upset her in any way.”

“You need have no worry on that account, my lord. I would never, under any circumstances, do anything that would be detrimental to Lady Joanna’s health or happiness.” He hoped Lord Braeton took his words at their face value, for they were nothing but the truth from his heart.

“Very well then. You will make your apology to my wife for your misrepresentation of yourself before we gather for dinner, and I will consider the matter ended.” The earl set his glass down on the desk.

“Thank you, my lord. I will find Lady Braeton immediately and make my confession and contrition known to her.” Marcus rose and set his glass down as well. This interview had gone much better than he’d ever expected. He turned to go, relieved that a major hurdle had been cleared.

“He will not allow her to marry you, you know.”

Marcus spun back around to find Lord Braeton staring at him calmly, as if unaware of the cannonball he’d just lobbed at Marcus’s heart. “I beg your pardon?”

“Lord Longford. He’s a high stickler when it comes to his family lineage. I doubt there’s any argument you can put forth that will make him forget your lack of breeding.” Braeton shrugged. “I thought it kindest to warn you of that now.”

“And why would you think I needed such a warning, my lord?” Marcus’s mantle of cool disinterest—the one that had been instrumental in winning an untold number of card games—descended like a steel trap. “I met Lady Joanna once and while we enjoyed a dance together, that would scarcely be enough to infer that I wished to marry her.”

A smile puckered Lord Braeton’s mouth. “Perhaps not, however when you looked at her in the drawing room just now, your face spoke volumes about your intentions. I’ve heard you’re inscrutable when you play cards, Dandridge. No player can tell your hand by looking at your face.” Braeton shook his head. “The same cannot be said when you gaze at Lady Joanna.”

Marcus sighed. There were some things one simply could not control. “All I wish is a chance to speak with her, to further our acquaintance. To see if she wishes the same with me. If she does not, I will leave and there is the end to it.”

“I fear there will be an end to it whether the lady is interested in furthering your acquaintance or not. She cannot marry without her brother’s permission for the next three years.”

Of course, the earl wasn’t thinking perhaps that permission was needed if the lady’s dowry were of a concern, which in this case it certainly wasn’t. All Marcus had to do was convince her to marry him. And they were also very conveniently situated in Scotland at present…

“That is true, my lord, however let us not put the cart before the horse.” Marcus presented his most engaging smile. “Allow me to further our acquaintanceship if possible and we will see where we stand at the end of the week.”

Lord Braeton rose and extended his hand. “You will give me your word you will attempt nothing beyond the bounds of the prescribed activities of courtship?”

“I do, my lord.” He grasped the offered hand and shook it. “I will behave as any gentleman would when courting a young lady whose affection he seeks.”

“Very well.” His lordship took his seat once more. “I will write to Lord Longford today and inform him of your suit. I do not hold out much hope for you, Dandridge, but I have no objection to you courting Lady Joanna as long as the boundaries of courtship are not breached.”

The sickening drop in the pit of Marcus’s stomach felt as though he’d plummeted through the trap of the gallows and was merely waiting for the noose to tighten around his neck. “Very good, my lord.” God, he hoped his countenance didn’t give away his panic now. He managed to bow, rather stiffly, and saunter out of the study instead of the full-fledged rout he’d have preferred to take.

Once he entered the corridor, he quickened his pace toward the drawing room in search of his hostess to render his apology. His courtship of Lady Joanna was just as doomed here as it had been in London. The only shred of hope left to him now was that he could woo the lady and bring her affections to fruition before Lord Longford appeared and pounded him into the cold Scottish ground.

Chapter Six

“Is this your first Glorious Twelfth here in Scotland, Lady Joanna?” Lord Wisbech sounded vaguely interested in her answer, although Joanna believed he was completely bored with her. And they weren’t even through the soup yet.

“Oh, no, my lord.” She smiled and lifted her spoon, filled with the creamy white soup. “I have been coming to Thorncroft ever since I was in leading strings. My family and the Braetons have been close friends for hundreds of years.”

The shocked look on the gentleman’s face made her want to giggle. Lord Wisbech had been an absolute bore at every entertainment she’d seen him at during the summer. If he were the type of suitor Geoffrey wished her to marry, she’d remain a spinster all her days. She glanced at her other dinner partner, Sir Henry Mears, and wished fervently it was time to turn. Sir Henry was a much more interesting conversationalist, but unfortunately was of a lower rank and therefore on her left side. She’d have to endure Lord Wisbech for several more dishes before she could engage Sir Henry about his latest experiments with livestock.

In truth, Joanna would prefer to be able to speak to Mr. Dandridge. She’d not had a chance to talk to him since Thomas had led him away to his study. More than anything, she wanted to know what had transpired in that interview, although it must have gone well for there Mr. Dandridge sat, across the table from her, seeming very happy to converse with Lady Marchand. That lady appeared to enjoy Mr. Dandridge’s company very much as she was laughing and flirting shamelessly with the gentleman, despite her husband’s presence just two places down from her.

Joanna sniffed and turned back to her companion. “How many birds do you think you’ll bag tomorrow, my lord? Are you a good shot?”