His Unsuitable Viscountess. Michelle Styles

interruption from Alger non.

      Why couldn’t he be like normal vicars and be interested in his parishioners, or failing that some esoteric academic study? Why was he coming to plague her—and so early in the day?

      One would think he’d have the decency to wait until the afternoon, or better not even to appear without sending a note round. And, from the belligerent set of his jaw, it appeared he intended to stay awhile.

      ‘Ah, Algernon,’ Eleanor said, forcing her voice to stay calm and pleasant. ‘I see you have inherited my stepfather’s bad habit of twisting history. It had nothing to do with my feminine charm—something that you always accuse me of lacking. It is precisely because I pointed out the financial opportunities to Mr Smith and Mr Oley that Moles flourished and became the company it is today. Moles bought all of Mr Smith’s iron ore until he retired and then we bought his business. We continue to share transport with Mr Oley—only now his swords are shipped with ours, instead of the other way round. It saves costs and benefits everyone. Business, not pity.’

      She finished with a brilliant smile.

      Algernon opened and closed his mouth several times as he went his special shade of puce. ‘I will take your word for it.’

      ‘Why are you here, Algernon? I feel certain it is not to go over my various triumphs in business. However, if you insist, I must warn you it will take some considerable time.’

      ‘Francis Percy, the curate at Broomhaugh, contacted me about your pathetic scheme this morning.’

      The back of Eleanor’s neck prickled. Her life needed fewer complications, not more. ‘Who is Francis Percy, and why should he contact you about me? Does he wish to purchase a sword? If so, I would suggest he go through the proper channels. We do have a backlog of work and cannot make exceptions … even for your friends.’

      Algernon jabbed his finger at her. ‘There has been a query about posting banns for one Eleanor Blackwell.’

      ‘Has there?’ Eleanor laced her fingers together and rested her chin on them. It would appear Ben had wasted no time. She should have thought of holding the wedding at the Broomhaugh church. It would solve a multitude of problems. ‘Fancy that.’

      Algernon stuck his nose in the air. ‘Merely posting the banns with some unknown does not mean you will fulfil Uncle’s will. I have instructed Percy to ignore the request.’

      ‘You have instructed him to ignore the request?’ Eleanor gripped the table and struggled to breathe. Was she going to have to fight everyone for this wedding? ‘Will he do so?’

      ‘I have every reason to suspect he will. He thought the enquiry a bit unusual, as the man was unknown to him and you don’t live in the parish. He asked for my advice, and I was happy to give it.’

      Eleanor’s heart thudded. If Ben had waited she would have had it all organised and done before Algernon started creating complications. ‘Your advice was worthless. Do you know what you have done?’

      ‘It may surprise you, Eleanor, but I’m held in the highest regard in certain circles. My advice is actively sought. Even the bishop—’ Algernon stopped and tapped the side of his nose. ‘Your ploy is painfully obvious.’

      ‘Ploy?’ Eleanor stared at him. ‘Why would making an enquiry about posting banns be a ploy? I am attempting to follow your reasoning here, Algernon.’

      ‘You intend to plead a broken heart,’ he said with a huge sigh. ‘Left at the altar in the last moment and therefore in need of more time. However, I have hardened my heart and I intend to enforce the will to the letter. The very letter. You need to post banns and marry like a good Christian woman—in the church where you intend to worship.’

      Eleanor stared at Algernon. Was it just her or did he think that all women lacked intelligence?

      ‘What happens to members of the clergy who wilfully refuse to post genuine banns? What sort of sanction is sued against them?’

      ‘That is not the case here.’ He gave an insufferable sigh. ‘I know you went over to that area yesterday. And Percy has indicated that it was a note, rather than an actual face-to-face meeting. He has no knowledge of the intended bridegroom. Neither you nor this phantom bridegroom lives in that parish. Why should banns be posted there?’

      Eleanor choked back angry words. Algernon was a duplicitous snake, but becoming angry with him would not solve her problem. Calm. Cool. Collected. Her grandfather had always told to hold her temper. Knowing about a problem was halfway to solving it.

      ‘It is good to know that you are having me watched and are so busy blackening my name, but it was my intended who made the enquiry, not me,’ she said finally, when she’d mastered her emotions. ‘He currently resides with Sir Vivian at Broomhaugh Hall.’