To Dare a Rogue - Lana Williams (novels for beginners TXT) 📗

Edward spun away, muttering curses before facing James again. “Then explain what you did.”

“Over a drink?” James gestured toward the bar where they had the hope of speaking privately rather than airing the issue before the others who looked on with interest.

“Damn right. And you’re buying with those deep pockets of yours.”

James nearly snorted as he led the way out of the card room and into the bar. “They’re empty now. I was just about to win some blunt so I could pay my valet’s wages for the week.”

“No one’s fault other than your own.” Edward’s tone held no sympathy as they moved toward a quiet table in the back corner.

“True,” James admitted.

“Why did you do it?” The emotion in Edward’s expression caught James, tugging at his sympathy. Edward ran a hand over his face. “Never mind. I already know. I’m still trying to wade through the mess my father left.”

They ordered drinks, each lost in thought while the waiter served them.

“Edward, please accept my apology for that day.” James studied him, noting that it didn’t look as if he’d slept in days. “I never intended to cause harm with my request to court Charlotte.”

Edward held his gaze. “You don’t owe me or my family an apology. What happened was no one’s fault but his own and his foolish pride. As is the mess he left behind.” He shook his head as he stared into his glass. “Why didn’t he tell me? We could’ve found a way to pay the debts.”

“I’m still sorry. If I had spoken with him alone again, he might not have become overly upset.”

“I was there as well and feel equally to blame. But if it hadn’t been that, something else would’ve angered him and pushed him over the edge. The doctor mentioned he had seen him a few days before with complaints of chest pains. My father’s temper always got the better of him. Apparently, it got the better of his heart as well.”

“My deepest condolences.” James didn’t forget for a moment that Edward’s life had been forever changed by that moment. Nor could he release his lingering guilt.

“Thank you.” Edward dipped his head in acknowledgement. “I have to hope he’s happier where he is now. I will admit the house is more peaceful without his presence.”

“To the new Earl of Wynn.” James raised his glass. “May you not follow in your father’s footsteps.”

“If I’m ever as bull-headed as he was, I hope you’ll knock some sense into me.” Edward smiled, and they both took a drink. “Inheriting is more work than I imagined.”

“That is what I am afraid of.” James smiled, appreciating Edward’s attempt to lighten the mood.

“Misery loves company.”

“I don’t think I’ll be inheriting any time soon based on the good health and spirits of my father,” James replied.

“Tell me why you did it.” Edward held James’ gaze.

“It seemed the least I could do, considering my part in what happened.”

“I’m going to repay you.”

James shook his head. “No, you aren’t.”

“I am.” Edward drew a deep breath as he sat back in his chair. “It may take some time. But I insist on it.”

“That isn’t necessary. However, there is one more issue we need to resolve.” Nerves caused his palms to dampen. He hoped he wasn’t refused, though it wouldn’t be a complete surprise after everything that had occurred. “I want to ask for Charlotte’s hand in marriage.”

“You’ll have to ask her first. She requested that I approach Samuelson to see if he was still prepared to marry her in exchange for forgiving Father’s debt.”

James felt his heart stop at the news. He should’ve guessed she would offer to do so.

“I can’t seem to convince her that she bears no guilt for Father’s death. Then again, I’m having a difficult time with that myself.”

“As am I,” James admitted.

“I suppose it will take time for us to work through our remorse over the situation.” Edward was silent for a long moment before a slow smile crossed his face. “I wish you luck with Charlotte. Know that you have my blessing.”

James blew out a relieved breath. Based on the lack of response he’d received since Lord Wynn’s death, she might very well refuse. But he would find a way to convince her to spend the rest of her life with him and do his best every day to make certain she didn’t regret it.

He downed his drink and looked at Edward. “How soon can I speak with her?”

Edward chuckled. “I assume you’d prefer to do so now?”

“Yes, I would.” He loved her with all his heart and couldn’t imagine the future without her. Now he need only convince her of that.

In less than half an hour, he waited in the Wynn drawing room with Edward for Charlotte. He moved to the window, staring out into the fading twilight. To think it hadn’t been that long ago when he’d stood in this very spot, staring at his reflection in the window, barely able to stand the sight. The man he saw now was much improved, filled with purpose and love along with determination.

Would Charlotte see that as well?

~*~

“My lady, Lord Wynn wishes to speak with you in the drawing room.”

Charlotte stared at her maid from the chair where she’d been reading in her bedchamber, barely able to breathe. “Is he alone?”

“No, my lady.”

Charlotte nodded with resignation and watched the maid depart. Edward must’ve met with Lord Samuelson and returned with him. She carefully set aside her book, then clenched her hands to gather her courage and rose, reminding herself this was what she’d wanted—to have the arrangements settled as quickly as possible.

No more waiting and wondering—or longing for what couldn’t be. She need only focus on the reason she was doing this—to save her mother and brother. To help her family.

Her fingers sought the handkerchief still tucked in her sleeve. Though she’d told herself to set it aside, she decided against it. She’d been right to enjoy all of her adventures with James. They would