t matter? I shall appreciate your honesty, regardless.” Priscilla steeled herself, held her body firm and rigid in preparation.
“Very well.” Mr Chandler brushed his hand through his ebony locks. “There is nothing I could ever do or say to repay the debt I owe to Lord Morford. I do not believe I would be the man I am today had it not been for his friendship and support.”
Various questions formed in her mind although now was not the time to ask.
“Lord Morford is one of the kindest gentlemen I know,” she agreed.
“Indeed. Tristan has loved the same woman for many years, but Lady Morford refuses to accept his choice. As his friend, I cannot allow his mother to manipulate events to suit her own purpose. And, after all he has done for me, it eases my conscience to know he has a chance of finding true happiness.”
Priscilla’s shoulders sagged. They were noble words. It was reassuring to know Mr Chandler had a conscience. “You would sacrifice your own happiness for that of a friend?”
“I am not a complete martyr to the cause. Like most men, there is a limit to my benevolence.” He cleared his throat. “I am a gambler by nature. What I mean is I live in the moment. I do not wallow in the past. Nor do I plan for the future.”
“So you base all decisions on current feelings?” Perhaps he did find her attractive. Perhaps he also felt the strange connection that thrummed in the air.
“I base all decisions on the current situation,” he corrected. “Tonight, I played recklessly at the tables. I lost more than I care to contemplate. It proved a factor in my decision to make you an offer.”
The sensation of ice-cold fingers crawling up her spine made her shiver. “You used me for your own gain?” One did not need to be a wise seer to know her dowry would ease his financial burden.
“Used is an ugly word. We have assisted each other in order to secure our position and reputation. Trust me. All will be well.”
Things could not be any worse. No doubt his penchant for gambling was the reason the matrons called him a rogue.
“Did you play in the card game?”
“Unfortunately, I did.”
“How … how much did you lose? A hundred pounds?” One could but hope. “A … a thousand?”
He swallowed audibly. “Too much.”
Too much!
“What happened to your desire for honesty? Is vagueness not a mere mask for deceit, Mr Chandler? Let me at least hope I am not marrying a hypocrite.”
“You’re right.” His raised brow conveyed a hint of admiration. “Forgive my lack of clarity. I lost ten thousand pounds this evening.”
Priscilla covered her mouth with her hand for fear of blurting an obscenity. “Ten thousand,” she eventually said. “Am I to understand you lack the funds to pay?”
“The full amount would pose a problem.” His tone held no hint of shame. “I can raise almost half the sum.”
Heaven help her. What sort of person gambled with money they didn’t have?
“And do you plan to pay the debt with my dowry?”
“I do.”
The reality of the situation hit her like a hard slap to the face. She jerked her head back, blinked to clear her blurred vision. Her mind scrambled amidst the chaotic thoughts hoping to find a way to extricate herself from her obligation.
“And what if I refuse to marry you?”
He shrugged. “Then I shall have no option but to seek other methods to raise the funds I need. In your case, I expect every fortune hunter in town will come knocking.”
“The words cold-hearted devil spring to mind.” What a naive fool she was!
“Is that your way of saying you’ve changed your mind?” he continued. “If so, let me offer a more detailed explanation that might sway your judgement somewhat.”
She waved a hand for him to continue. “I may as well hear it all.”