Love in the Afternoon (The Hathaways #5)(57)

“Are you proposing to me?” Beatrix asked hopefully.

“No.” Closing his eyes, Christopher let out a short sigh. “But I’m considering it against all better judgment.”

Chapter Eighteen

They rode directly to Ramsay House, with Albert loping happily along. It was nearly time for dinner, which made it likely that both Leo and Cam would have concluded their work for the day. Beatrix wished that she’d had time to prepare her family for the situation. She was fervently glad that Merripen was still in Ireland, because he tended to view all outsiders with suspicion, and he would not have made the situation easier for Christopher. And Leo might have objections. The best option was to approach Cam, who was by far the most reasonable male in the family.

However, when Beatrix tried to make suggestions to Christopher about whom to approach and what to say, he interrupted her with a kiss and told her that he would manage it on his own.

“Very well,” Beatrix said reluctantly. “But I warn you, they may be resistant to the match.”

“I’m resistant to the match,” Christopher informed her. “At least we’ll have that in common.”

They entered the house and went to the family parlor, where Cam and Leo were involved in conversation, and Catherine was sitting at a small writing desk.

“Phelan,” Cam said, looking up with an easy smile, “have you come to see the timber yard?”

“Thank you, but I’m here for another reason.”

Leo, who was standing near the window, glanced from Christopher’s rumpled attire to Beatrix’s disheveled condition. “Beatrix, darling, have you taken to going off the estate dressed like that?”

“Only this once,” she said apologetically. “I was in a hurry.”

“A hurry involving Captain Phelan?” Leo’s sharp gaze moved to Christopher. “What do you wish to discuss?”

“It’s personal,” Christopher said quietly. “And it concerns your sister.” He looked from Cam to Leo. Ordinarily there would have been no question concerning which one of them to approach. As lord of the manor, Leo would have been the first choice. However, the Hathaways seemed to have settled on an unconventional sharing of roles.

“Which one of you should I talk to?” Christopher asked.

They pointed to each other and replied at the same time.

“Him.”

Cam spoke to Leo. “You’re the viscount.”

“You’re the one who usually deals with that sort of thing,” Leo protested.

“Yes. But you won’t like my opinion on this one.”

“You’re not actually considering giving them your approval, are you?”

“Of all the Hathaway sisters,” Cam said equably, “Beatrix is the one most suited to choose her own husband. I trust her judgment.”

Beatrix gave him a brilliant smile. “Thank you, Cam.”

“What are you thinking?” Leo demanded of his brother-in-law. “You can’t trust Beatrix’s judgment.”

“Why not?”

“She’s too young,” Leo said.

“I’m twenty-three,” Beatrix protested. “In dog years I’d be dead.”

“And you’re female,” Leo persisted.

“I beg your pardon?” Catherine interrupted. “Are you implying that women have poor judgment?”

“In these matters, yes.” Leo gestured to Christopher. “Just look at the fellow, standing there like a bloody Greek god. Do you think she chose him because of his intellect?”

“I graduated from Cambridge,” Christopher said acidly. “Should I have brought my diploma?”

“In this family,” Cam interrupted, “there is no requirement of a university degree to prove one’s intelligence. Lord Ramsay is a perfect example of how one has nothing to do with the other.”

“Phelan,” Leo said, “I don’t intend to be offensive, however—”

“It’s something that comes naturally to him,” Catherine interrupted sweetly.

Leo sent his wife a scowl and returned his attention to Christopher. “You and Beatrix haven’t known each other long enough to consider matrimony. A matter of weeks, to my knowledge. And what about Prudence Mercer? You’re practically betrothed, aren’t you?”

“Those are valid points,” Christopher said. “And I will answer them. But you should know right away that I’m against the match.”

Leo blinked in bemusement. “You mean you’re against a match with Miss Mercer?”

“Well . . . yes. But I’m also against a match with Beatrix.”

Silence fell over the room.

“This is a trick of some sort,” Leo said.

“Unfortunately, it’s not,” Christopher replied.

Another silence.

“Captain Phelan,” Cam asked, choosing his words with care. “Have you come to ask for our consent to marry Beatrix?”

Christopher shook his head. “If I decide to marry Beatrix, I’ll do it with or without your consent.”

Leo looked at Cam. “Good God,” he said in disgust. “This one’s worse than Harry.”

Cam wore an expression of beleaguered patience. “Perhaps we should both talk to Captain Phelan in the library. With brandy.”