Free Mystique by Amanda Quick Page B

discourage her suitors.”
    Hugh reluctantly decided to risk one more piece of the aged bread. “Your problems are over, Sir Ralf. You need not concern yourself with your niece again.”
    “Bah. So you say now, but you have not had extensive experience with Alice.” Ralf narrowed his eyes. “Aye, no experience whatsoever. You don’t know what she can be like, sir.”
    “I shall take my chances.”
    “Will you? What if you change your mind about thebetrothal? Likely you’ll try to return her in a few weeks’ time after you’ve had a taste of her sharp tongue and demanding ways. What am I to do then?”
    “I will not change my mind. You have my oath on it.”
    Ralf looked skeptical. “May I ask why you are so certain that she will suit you?”
    “She is intelligent, healthy, and convenient. Although she does not always choose to practice them in this household, ‘tis clear that she is well trained in the wifely arts. Furthermore, she possesses the manners of a fine lady. What more does a man need? The whole thing seems very efficient and most practical from my point of view.”
    In spite of what he had told Alice, Hugh had no intention of using passion as an explanation for forging this hasty match. He and Ralf were both
men
of the world. They each knew that lust was a ludicrous reason for contracting such an important business arrangement as marriage.
    Looking back on the incident in Alice’s study chamber, Hugh was not certain why he had even broached the possibility of using passion as an excuse. He frowned, wondering what had put the notion into his head. He never allowed himself to be influenced by passion.
    Ralf watched him with a distinctly uneasy expression. “You believe that marrying Alice will be an
efficient
move, my lord?”
    Hugh nodded brusquely. “I require a wife to see to my new household. But I do not wish
to
invest a great deal of time and effort in the business of securing one. You know how complicated that can become. Negotiation can carry on for months, even years.”
    “True, nevertheless, Alice is somewhat unusual and not merely because of her advanced age.”
    “No matter. I feel certain she will do nicely. And I have too many other tasks requiring my immediate attention to be bothered with a long search for another bride.”
    “I understand, sir. Indeed, I do. A man in your position does not want to be burdened with a lot of fuss and bother over a bride.”
    “Aye.”
    “No denying a man does have to acquire one. Thesooner the better, I suppose. One has to see to one’s heirs and lands.”
    “Aye,” Hugh said. “Heirs and lands.”
    “So. You find Alice convenient.”
    “Very.”
    Ralf fiddled with a chunk of bread. His eyes darted to Hugh’s impassive face and quickly slid aside. “Ah, pray forgive me, sir, but I must ask whether or not you have discussed this matter with Alice herself.”
    Hugh raised one brow. “You are concerned with her feelings on the subject?”
    “Nay, nay, ‘tis not that,” Ralf assured him hastily. “‘Tis merely that in my experience, it is exceedingly difficult to persuade Alice to cooperate in a plan if she is not inclined toward it in the first place, if you see what I mean. That woman always seems to have plans of her own.”
    “Have no fears on that point. Your niece and I have already agreed on this arrangement.”
    “You have?” Ralf looked startled by that news.
    “Aye.”
    “And you’re certain that she is in agreement with the scheme?”
    “Aye.”
    “Astounding. Most astounding.” For the first time a cautious flame of hope appeared in Ralf’s eyes.
    Hugh gave up chewing on the hard crust. He tossed it aside. “Come, let us get down to the business at hand.”
    Ralf’s expression promptly turned crafty. “Very well. What is your price? I warn you, I cannot afford to give Alice much in the way of a dowry. The harvest was somewhat less than satisfactory this year.”
    “Was it?”
    “Aye. Very poor. And then there