The Redemption of Julian Price(42)

"Then why did you choose it?" she asked.

"I didn't precisely seek it out. I had set my sights long ago on a post in the Office of the Exchequer."

"The Exchequer?" she repeated with surprise.

"You think it sounds dull?" He laughed then, a warm and rumbling sound that tickled her ears. "I suppose it does to most people, but I have always had a remarkable aptitude for numbers and had aspirations of one day achieving a cabinet post."

"An admirable ambition," Mariah said.

"But it wasn't to be," he replied with a sigh. "Attaining such a position is nearly impossible without patronage."

"Patronage? What do you mean?"

"I mean that government posts, even lowly clerkships, are rarely granted according to a man's ability, but rather according to their social and political connections, of which I had few. I next thought to seek out a position as an estate factor, but then Marcus secured his diplomatic position and asked me to assist him."

"You have done this for six years, but you don't enjoy it?"

"I enjoy some aspects of the job, but I am an Englishman and miss my own country."

"I think I would as well," she said. "I would very much love to travel, but I am certain I would not like to be away for a lengthy period. Now that you are home again, how long will you stay?"

"That depends very much upon the outcome of the house party."

"I don't understand the connection."

"You may be aware that there is a forthcoming peace congress. We and our allies are to meet with the French at Aix-la-Chappelle in hope of ending this pointless war. The delegates will be announced at some point during the party."

"Lady Russell mentioned that Lord Marcus desires to be chosen."

"Yes, but there are others who also perceive this as the ideal opportunity to make their careers. Marcus's chief rival is Edward Montagu, who just happens to be Lord Sandwich's nephew. As Secretary for the Southern Department, the selection really should fall to the Duke of Bedford, but he's far more enamored of cricket than matters of state. Were it up to the duke, he would probably choose the best cricket players."

"How absurd!" she declared. "I can hardly countenance that our ministry could be run by such frivolous methods."

He shrugged. "When the vast majority of the power is in the hands of the few, there is no one to govern the whims of those who rule."

"You sound as if you would change it."

"I would," he said, "were it within my power to do so. But as it is, I have no voice. I suspect, however, that the duke will permit Lord Sandwich, as the plenipotentiary, to choose his own people."

"Lady Russell seems to think Lydia can help Marcus in his career."

"Although statecraft is a man's game, one should never underestimate the influence of women. In truth, foreign policy is shaped as often in the bedchamber as in the council chamber." He flushed. "I pray you will pardon my indelicate remarks."

"I take no offense at frank speech, Mr. Needham. In truth, I prefer it to guessing what people really mean."

He smiled warmly. "Your candor is most refreshing after my years in diplomatic circles, where people take disingenuousness to an art form."

"Is Lord Marcus such a man?" she asked.

His gaze narrowed. "What do you mean?"

"I care greatly for Lydia. She has already been hurt deeply by Lord Marcus. One can't help but question his sincerity. She waited six years for him, and only now that she's decided to call it off does he show any interest in wedding her. Is this all just a game to him, Mr. Needham?"

He considered the question. "Mayhap it was a game at first, but I think it all changed once he saw her again. I believe his desire to win her back is genuine, although his means of doing so may leave much to be desired."

"His means?" The hairs on her nape instantly rose. "What are you saying, Mr. Needham?"

"Let us say that Marcus ascribes wholeheartedly to the belief that all is fair in love and war."

"Love?" Mariah pulled back with a frown. "Is it true? Do you really believe he loves her?"

"In the years I have known Marcus, I have never seen him so obsessed."

"If that is so, why did he wait so long?"

"Because was too young and immature. Furthermore, he resented the arranged marriage. Had they wed sooner, it would have been an unmitigated disaster."

"Why would you think he's ready now? Has he changed so very much?"

"Yes, I believe he has. Marcus is still Marcus, but his wild streak has tempered. Moreover, whether he realizes it yet or not, I believe Marcus is indeed in love with Miss Trent."

"That sheds quite a different light on matters, doesn't it?" Mariah said.

"Marcus does not like to be thwarted. He is formidably single-minded when he wants something. One might call him an unstoppable force."

"And Lydia is the immovable object. How do you suppose it will end?"

He shook his head with a sigh. "Either very well or very badly. After six hours together in the coach, I daresay they will come to some sort of understanding."

Lydia had given up on Marcus in the belief that he didn't want her, but if what Mr. Needham said was true, and the love match Lydia had always dreamt of was more than just a dream, she hoped Lydia would find it in her heart to forgive Marcus.