An Affair So Right (Rebel Hearts #4)(3)

“A man can indeed have too much of a good thing,” Quinn agreed, bravely joining into the conversation because it would irritate the hell out of his father that he would side with Deacon.

“I require a word with my son, Lord Deacon,” Father said abruptly.

“Oh. Oh, yes of course. Certainly. Go right ahead,” Deacon offered.

Quinn turned slightly to acknowledge his father, but nearly laughed out loud as it became clear that Deacon wasn’t leaving them, and remained planted at Quinn’s side with his arms crossed over his wide chest.

Immovable.

Seeming unaware he wasn’t wanted.

“In private,” Lord Templeton growled, before jerking his head toward the hallway door. “Perhaps you could deliver your compliments to Lady Templeton in person.”

“Oh, of course.” Deacon smacked his forehead, eyes wide. “I’d best rejoin the ladies then.”

With one last happy smile to Father, Deacon rushed away like a hapless schoolboy.

Lord Templeton scowled. “You should end your friendship with that dullard.”

“He’s a good man,” Quinn replied, having suffered the demand many times before.

“Forever nattering on about pork chops and lemon as if I care about such things.”

Father couldn’t abide idle conversation. He was too impatient to care about anyone but himself.

“Mary liked him,” Quinn said with a sincere smile. Mention of Mary was one spectacular way to stop any topic of conversation in its tracks. It worked every time. “She was the one who asked me to include him in my circle of friends, and I promised I would watch out for him.”

Father tossed off his head, jaw clenching briefly. “What did you think of her?”

Ah, there it was—the real reason for Templeton’s rude interruption. “Of whom?”

“The Cushing chit. Her father owns a thousand acres at Colchester and has no heir apparent. She’ll inherit everything I hear.” Templeton gestured to the gentleman in question, eyes narrowed and assessing. “She would be a good match for you.”

For anyone but Quinn. “Doubtful.”

Father looked at him with the dead-eyed stare of a furious man. “It is time you gave up these foolish notions and made an advantageous match.”

“I’m not marrying a woman I don’t care deeply for.”

“That’s your mother’s new nonsense clouding your head.”

Quinn snorted out loud. “You and Mother married as strangers and never became the closest of couples. No wonder she highly recommends love matches over cold alliances like yours.”

Father’s hand finally twitched at his side as Quinn scored a hit. The topic of his parents’ union was a tricky one. His parents barely spent any time together these days and everyone knew it. Father had married Mother for her enormous dowry. He had kept a mistress since Quinn was at least ten years of age.

Templeton’s glory days were over though. His hair was more gray than black, and he’d developed a definite paunch these past few years. When angry, his face mottled an unhealthy red, as it did now.

“Do not speak ill of your mother,” Templeton warned.

“I would never disparage Mother.” His mother put up with so much and never complained except for lack of grandchildren to hold in her arms. However, his sister Sally was well on the way to fulfilling that request, thanks to her recent marriage.

Father grabbed his arm. “Impertinent whelp. How dare you.”

“I won’t allow you to choose my bride for me,” Quinn said in a mild tone. “I will make up my own mind about when I marry, too. You may scheme until your face is blue, but when I marry, believe me, it will not be for the good of my purse alone.”

The grip on his arm tightened to painful levels. “You will call on Miss Cushing tomorrow,” Templeton insisted.

Quinn had borne worse punishments and kept his face impassive. “I will not. I came to dinner tonight to remember Mary, with people who knew and loved her. I’ve no idea why you would disrespect Mother or Mary by forcing strangers upon us at such a time. We loved her more than you ever did.”

Father dug his fingers deeper, just as the other gentlemen stood and began to move noisily about the room. Quinn remained still, enduring the pain without flinching or pulling away. He’d been doing so for years. “Do not embarrass Mother, tonight of all nights,” Quinn warned.

Templeton released Quinn immediately.

Deacon returned, his face beaming an idiot smile. “Ah, Maitland. Are you free now to complete our conversation?”

“Indeed.” Deacon’s timing was impeccable. Despite his father’s plans, Quinn was determined to make his own way, to live his own life in peace now that the war was over. That was why he’d resigned his command so quickly after the war, before his father could hatch a new scheme designed to keep Quinn in his clutches.

He moved toward his friend without a backward glance for his father’s permission. He slapped Deacon on the shoulder and turned him toward the drawing room. “Now, tell me more about this problem you have?”

Deacon winced. “I’m afraid I’m going to need rather a lot of your help.”

“For what?”

“Finding a woman for me to marry, of course.”

“Oh.” Quinn stared at Deacon in astonishment. “I didn’t think you were serious about that.”