He could only stare at his sister for several seconds, horror settling over him as he pictured that scenario playing out.After what felt like an eternity, he shook his head, but the image refused to leave his thoughts.“She wouldn’t do that.And don’t put the idea into her head.”
“I wouldn’t have to.Lady Herschel did that three years ago to force her reluctant son to wed.”
He could actually feel the color drain from his face and found himself at a loss for words.
“So let me help you.I know a good number of suitable young women.We can have you betrothed by the end of the season without causing a scandal.Just tell me what type of woman you’d prefer.”
He crossed his arms over his chest and scowled at his sister.“No, absolutely not.I have no intention of getting leg-shackled anytime soon.”
“Which is precisely why I am here.”
Ashford winced at the soft yet determined voice coming from the doorway and rose to his feet.After taking a moment to school his expression, he turned to face his mother.
The Dowager Viscountess Ashford swept into the room and engulfed him in a hug, the scent she’d favored since he was a boy wrapping around him.It threw him off-balance that his mother was now so effusive in showing affection.She’d always been reserved when he was younger, but that must have been for his father’s benefit.Heaven knew the man had never liked him.
Despite the visible signs she was growing older, his mother was still a beautiful woman.When she pulled back, he couldn’t help but notice the fine lines around her eyes and the lines that bracketed her mouth.Even her dark hair was becoming streaked with gray.But somehow those signs that she was no longer the flawless beauty he’d known growing up did nothing to diminish her appearance.She still looked beautiful in her lavender gown, a color he remembered her wearing often.
She clasped her hands at her waist and frowned up at him.“Now that’s enough nonsense.You’re almost thirty, and it’s time for you to begin securing the family’s future.”
It took a great deal of effort to hold back his snort of amusement.“I was under the impression Father wanted Henry’s children to inherit.That can still happen if I don’t wed.”
He’d long since come to terms with the fact that his father preferred his younger brother to him.If the previous Viscount Ashford could have declared Henry his heir, he would have done so long ago.His father had never come right out and said as much to him, but the man’s constant criticism had made it clear.
That and the fact that his father hadn’t cared when his heir declared his intention to enlist.His father had even gone out of his way to purchase him a commission the very next day.
His mother’s lips pressed together in a firm line and she looked away, but not before he detected a hint of pain in her eyes.When she met his gaze again after several moments, it was as though she’d donned a mask.
“Your brother is not the Viscount Ashford.You are.”
He lifted one shoulder in a shrug.“That doesn’t mean he can’t secure the line through his children.”
“Henry won’t be having children.”
That was an odd statement.He opened his mouth to question her further, but Jane laid a hand on his arm to stop him.He met his sister’s gaze, and she shook her head.There was definitely something here that neither his mother nor his sister wanted to talk about.Had his brother had an accident that rendered him incapable of performing sexually?He winced inwardly at the thought and let the subject drop.
His mother moved to his side and took his arm.“We can discuss this further over dinner,” she said as she turned them toward the door.“I’ve been told you haven’t even looked at the invitations you’ve received.Now that I’m here, I’ll handle matters and ensure you’re seen at only the most sought-after events.Your wife must be a woman of impeccable breeding.I’ll start making inquiries in the morning as to which families are in town.”
He cast a pleading glance at his sister, hoping she would say something to curtail his mother’s determination.
Instead, Jane smiled at him and joined forces with their mother.“I’ve already started a list.We can compare notes.”