Free An Earl Like No Other by Wilma Counts

consideration,” Mortimer responded.
    â€œPerhaps not, but it is important to me .”
    â€œAll her life I‘ve tried to give my Charlotte whatever it is she wants.”
    â€œA commendable position, I’m sure,” Jeremy said, trying to absorb the shock of what the man was suggesting.
    â€œShe thought she would like to be Lady Kenrick, so I did my best to ensure her heart’s desire.”
    Jeremy sat quietly for a moment. “I confess I did wonder how—or why— all my father’s debts—and my brother’s too—ended up in the hands of one person.”
    â€œI bought them all,” Mortimer said. “Seemed a prudent step to take.”
    â€œIn case Charles proved a reluctant bridegroom?” Jeremy asked coldly.
    Mortimer ignored the tone and chuckled. “Oh, he wasn’t reluctant—not in the least. He liked the idea of having a generous allowance and leaving the work of managing things to someone else.”
    â€œDid he now?” Jeremy knew it was true. Neither Charles nor their father had been overly interested in the most basic matters of estate management. As long as the money poured in—
    â€œOf course, he was also not averse to my daughter’s person. She is, as you have no doubt observed, a lovely woman. They would have made a match—I’m sure of it—but for his untimely death.”
    â€œI think death is rarely timely.”
    â€œRight.”
    They sat in silence, Mortimer apparently allowing his host to absorb what had been said. Offended by the audacity of the conversation, Jeremy was furious at the man’s blatant attempt, even now, to manipulate matters at Kenrick. But it was impotent fury because, so far at least, the other’s machinations had put his quarry right where Mortimer wanted him. The fact that the quarry had changed identities seemed to matter not at all.
    Mortimer now added, “After your brothers died, your father thought that, once you understood matters, you would be agreeable to our plan.”
    â€œSo what—exactly—is it that you two had in mind?” Jeremy challenged, determined to force this arrogant bully to expose the full extent of his vulgarity.
    â€œI think you probably understand.” The man sounded smug. “I offer you exactly what I offered your brother.”
    â€œAnd that was . . . ?”
    â€œI would ensure a generous settlement on my daughter, including an allowance for her husband—in addition to expunging all debt of the earldom.”
    Jeremy frowned. “And you would get . . . ?”
    â€œA father’s assurance that his child was happy.” He said this piously and with a straight face. Then he added in a coldly matter-of-fact tone, “There are conditions. First, I assume title and control of all Kenrick properties—the lands and farms, the mill, the mines, and the brewery. And, secondly—although you keep the peerage and a seat in Parliament—you will take the name of Mortimer. You may add it to your own family name with one of those fancy hyphens, if you wish.”
    Jeremy snorted. “You would strip the entire earldom of its very meaning.”
    â€œNot precisely. I should expect that all would be restored to my grandson one day.”
    â€œLucky for you that my child is a female,” Jeremy said bitterly.
    â€œNo. I would say it was lucky for you ,” Mortimer said. “If the brat had been a boy, I would have foreclosed immediately instead of granting that extension Phillips was so keen on negotiating.”
    â€œAnd if Miss Mortimer does not care for such a match now?” Jeremy asked.
    The lady’s father waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. “Oh, she wants it. I think she likes you better than she did your brother Charles. She and her mother both like the idea of moving in the best circles.”
    â€œAnd I suppose you like the idea well enough too.”
    â€œYes. I admit