If anything were to make Daisy unhappy, my wife would suffer as a result…and I will not allow that.” Being well acquainted with the Bowmans, you undoubtedly know about the close relationship between the countess and her sister. I have great affection for my sister-in-law, and I consider her under my protection. “I have one more question to ask, but first I will make my position clear. “My lord,” Matthew said prosaically, “if I have one talent in life, it’s making money. “You have a great deal to gain by such an arrangement.” Settling back, the earl laced his fingers over the lean surface of his midriff, and surveyed him through narrowed eyes. “Approximately an hour and fifteen minutes.” “How long,” Westcliff asked abruptly, “have you known about Bowman’s plan for you and Daisy to marry?” Matthew remained silent, patiently waiting for Westcliff to speak first. He and Westcliff watched Simon Hunt clip the end off a cigar with a pocket knife. Sitting at an outside table, Matthew forced himself to relax back in his chair. The turgid rush of the nearby river underlaid the rustle of the wind in the trees. The breeze that swept across the gardens was thick with the perfume of flowers. An orchard of ancient pear trees was visible in the lush green distance. The three of them went to the back terrace, which overlooked acres of manicured gardens separated by graveled paths and carefully sculpted hedges. “I love hearing about other people’s affairs. Hunt doesn’t want to be bored by a discussion of someone else’s personal affairs-”
Matthew glanced warily at Simon Hunt, who gave him a bland look in return. “You will discuss the matter with me first,” the earl continued. Westcliff knew about Bowman’s intention of marrying him off to Daisy…and not surprisingly, Westcliff had an opinion about it. Even if it hadn’t been for those words, he could tell by the way Westcliff was looking at him.
“Thank you, my lord, but there is a certain matter I wish to discuss with someone, and I-” The “invitation” didn’t seem to allow the possibility of a refusal, but Matthew tried nonetheless. “You and I will converse while Hunt has a cigar,” Westcliff informed him. How odd that funny, feisty, furious Lillian was now Lady Westcliff.
It took a moment for Matthew to recall that “the countess” was Lillian Bowman. “It has always been my habit to enjoy a cigar every now and again, but unfortunately the scent of tobacco is not welcomed by the countess in her condition.”
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