Excerpt: An Unfashionable Couple

Once Lord Asterby had poured out a glass for both of them and they had settled down in their chairs, the Duke said, “I take it that Lady Amelia is to your taste after all.”

“I have not found any fault with her so far, sir. But even if I had, you have left me no choice but to marry her.”

“Nonsense. If you truly couldn’t stomach being married to the girl we could find a way to get out of this. Nothing’s official yet. We haven’t signed any binding contract so far.”

“Probably not, but it’s still a question of honour. One does not cry off once an offer of marriage has been made.”

“Tell me now once and for all, Edward. Do you want to marry her, or shall I put an end to the engagement?” the Duke demanded.

“There is no need for you to exert yourself, sir,” Lord Asterby said, blushing slightly. “If Lady Amelia will have me, I will marry her; and you may rest assured that I’ll be quite content being her husband.”

“Trust your old father and his experience of women,” the Duke remarked. “She will have you.”

“What makes you so certain, sir? Has she let you know? Has she betrayed any signs in that direction?”

“No, but her father has confided in me that she is to wed Lewis if she refuses you.”

Lord Asterby, who was acquainted with Lord Lewis, laughed, but it was a bitter laugh.

“I am honoured, I’m sure,” he said sarcastically. “Just what I hoped for – a wife who married me for a good reason. Such as escaping marriage with an old roué.”

“What difference does it make, when all is said and done?” the Duke asked.

Lord Asterby did not reply, but he felt that it made a huge difference to him.