A Rake, A Spinster, And An Arrangement

Interlude #3 : Theodore Nott, Duke of Nottingham

Before now, Theo had known this was the right decision. As much as he hated his father, he had a responsibility to his tenants, to those that relied upon him, and to all of his ancestors to continue his line... or at least, to make appearances. There were expectations of him, and since he quite literally could get it up for a woman, despite trying, he would have to work with what he had on hand... a young woman in a compromising situation that would be desperate enough to accept his own.

Miss Daphne Greengrass was a lovely creature, truly, well accomplished, witty, charming... in truth, Theo was rather surprised she had not yet found a husband. In fact, her younger sister was already married, so there had to be some reasoning.

A wart, perhaps? An annoying laugh? A lack of dowry?

Whatever the problem, Theo didn't care. He needed an heir, she needed a husband, and together, they would form some sort of friendship.

And, if he did manage to foist Pansy off onto Neville, he would be able to grant his wife an allowance to do as she pleased while Theo enjoyed the country with his lover... and his heir, if she would allow it.

All in all, the situation was promising.

Except now, as Theo sat across from the lovely Miss Greengrass with her sister as chaperone, he felt ill.

He felt as though he was betraying Charlie.

Not really. In no way was he betraying Charlie. In fact, Charlie was currently asking around the servants to find out more about Miss Greengrass and her circumstances. For as much as Charlie was not a servant, by more or less posturing himself as one...

Charlie's mother had often told him that servants talked. Well, Theo knew that stable boys talked more. They always did.

But Charlie supported this, supporting all of this. He wanted Theo to find a wife and have an heir, the one thing that they couldn't have together. Theo had no intention of sleeping with the girl, and his true love remained with Charlie. They had discussed this, and agreed - if they moved forward with this, then Miss Greengrass would have to know and understand her place.

She would be the Duchess, be the Mistress, be the one in charge, but Charlie... Charlie would be in his bed each night.

They would be friends, and nothing more.

So then why did he feel so terrible about this?

They exchanged pleasantries, chatted about the weather, about the recent union of the Duke and Duchess of Wiltshire, about the upcoming season, about... pleasantries and nothing more.

This was telling him nothing - he needed to speak to Miss Greengrass alone - the less people that knew his secret, the better.

"Is it possible for me to speak to Miss Greengrass alone?" Theo randomly blurted out, interrupting the girl's sister, who was talking up her sister as though to sell her at market.

"Your Grace, there is only one reason why a gentleman should wish to be alone with a young lady, and-"

"And after a private conversation, I will be doing so."

He met the younger woman's eyes in a glare, and Theo knew, with a bit of patience, that he would win. After all, given the current circumstances...

"Of course, your Grace. Please excuse me. I'll be back momentarily."

Both Theo and Miss Greengrass watched as her sister left the room, and as the door shut-

"Thank goodness for that," Miss Greengrass said, slumping back against the couch. "I adore my sister, but she cannot seem to comprehend that my circumstances are not the same as hers."