A Pledge of Passion (The Rules of Engagement #2)(39)

"You intend to leave the Foreign Service?" the Duke of Bedford remarked in surprise. "Were you not recently promoted?"

"Yes, Your Grace," Nick confessed. "I appreciate the opportunity I was given, but I find I am far too English to live my entire life abroad."

The Duke of Richmond chuckled. "Can't fault a man for being too English.”

"If you do not intend to return to Turin, what are your plans?" Bedford asked. "If you are going to settle in the metropolis, I could use a batsman of your skill."

"I don't yet know, Your Grace. I have yet to make inquiries. I had thought to seek a position in the Office of the Exchequer.”

"Then you must call on me at Woburn when the time comes. I'm certain something could be arranged."

"Thank you, Your Grace," Nick replied.

"I trust by your extended absence that your mission was fruitful?" Marcus inquired sotto voce.

"It was indeed," Nick replied with a grin. "I found your advice most helpful in the matter.

"Lord Marcus!" They both looked up to find Mariah racing toward them, skirts in hand. "You must come at once!"

Marcus instantly paled. "What has happened, Mariah? Is it Lydia?"

"Yes!" she replied breathlessly. "Her waters have broken. The birth pains have begun!"

"The devil!" Marcus exclaimed. "Here? Now?"

"I will call for my coach at once," the Duke of Bedford declared.

"But the traffic is execrable tonight," Nick stated. "What if you don't make it home safely?"

"Richmond House would be honored to welcome your heir," the duke offered magnanimously. "Let us take Lady Lydia inside at once. I will alert the duchess to prepare chambers for her lying in."

***

None of the Russell party returned home that night. Six hours later, on the very day of Marcus and Lydia's anniversary, Lord Richmond Marcus Maximillian Russell entered the world.

Exhausted by their all-night vigil, Mariah, Nick, and Lady Russell departed Richmond House by carriage, leaving Marcus behind with his wife and heir.

"I understand we have a second cause for celebration," Lady Russell remarked with a sly smile.

"Yes. We had hoped to perform the nuptials soon," Nick said, "but Mariah has convinced me that I should first try to resolve Lord Rochford's business."

"That would be wise, Needham. It would bode ill to make an enemy of the man. Have you any thoughts on how you wish to proceed?"

"There were two other names on the list, Lady Albinia Albright and Lady Georgiana Throckmorton. Rochford only cares that they be possessed of beauty and a biddable temperament."

"Are you acquainted with either of the ladies, Needham?"

"No, my lady."

"Then I will save you considerable trouble. Lady Albinia, although possessed of a pleasing nature, has exceedingly poor eyesight and rabbit teeth."

"How unfortunate," Mariah said. "What of Lady Georgiana?"

"Georgiana is a noted beauty in Cambridgeshire, but she is spoiled, willful, and prone to tantrums—a veritable termagant."

Mariah grimaced. "What shall we do?"

Lady Russell pursed her lips in thought. "I propose another candidate who should suit Rochford admirably. Indeed, they could not be better matched as both are notorious gamesters with the morals of an alley cat."

"Of whom do you speak?" Nick asked.

"I speak of the recently widowed Lady Cumberbatch. Although the primary estate devolves on her nephew, she is possessed of several other properties and a considerable fortune, which was protected in her marriage settlement."

"Is that so?" Nick inquired with interest.

"Moreover, I believe the countess and Rochford are already quite well acquainted," Lady Russell stated with a knowing look. "Perhaps a query in that direction would not go astray?"

"Madam," Nick smiled. "Once more I stand in awe of your brilliance."

Lady Russell accepted the compliment with an inclination of her head and a wistful sigh. "Were I but a man, Needham, our nation's troubles would have been solved long ago."

***

My Dear Lord Rochford,

I regret to inform you that the business you entrusted me with did not conclude as we had originally discussed. Of the three prospects, the first has already pledged herself to another, and the second and third have been deemed unsuitable, according to your criteria. There is, however, another, a widowed lady of your acquaintance, whom our mutual friend, Lady Russell, assures me would receive your suit with the keenest interest.

I will remain in London awaiting your further instructions.

Your Most Obedient,

Nicolas Needham



Nick signed, sanded, and sealed his missive. "It is done. There is no turning back now."

Mariah sighed. "And now we must await his answer. I do hope he accepts the news with good grace, but at least you do not have to fear for your employment."

"It matters little anymore, my love. I would not give you up now for anyone or anything." He looped an arm around her waist and pulled her onto his lap. "And I refuse to wait any longer to make you mine. 'Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.'"