A Bargain With Fate. Ann Cree Elizabeth

that would show you at least a measure of resistance. I rather pity Lady Jeffreys if she has fallen in love with you.’ She rose to her feet, clearly agitated. ‘Michael, this is a very difficult situation. You have offered marriage to Lady Jeffreys so you cannot with honour back away from it. But there is Miss Randall to consider. Certain promises have been made to her also.’

      ‘But I did not make them. I have never met Miss Randall. I cannot conceive why she would be particularly eager to marry a man she has not met. Has she ever given you any indication she wishes to marry me?‘

      ‘No, she has not,’ Lady Spence said slowly. She thought for a minute. ‘I think she wishes to do her duty, but I’ve never had any strong feeling that she considered the marriage as settled. I believe she was told the marriage would take place after you had met and decided there was some compatibility. It is not likely that it will be Miss Randall who will feel slighted but rather Lord Sheringwood and Eversleigh. Your father will kick up quite a dust over this, Michael.’

      ‘He’ll settle down. He’ll be so pleased that I have at last found a suitable bride he’ll forget he didn’t choose her himself. And I am certain he will consider Lady Jeffreys quite suitable. She is well-bred; her manners are pleasing; she is intelligent. Just imagine how relieved he’ll be that I didn’t bring home one of my dashing widows.’

      ‘I don’t think he’ll be that pleased to have his plans overset.’ Lady Spence stared at him with a frown. ‘You’re up to something, aren’t you, Michael? How very convenient for you to find a bride in the nick of time. Are you in love with Lady Jeffreys?’

      Michael shrugged and said lightly, ‘I have been in love a hundred times. But I am very fond of Lady Jeffreys. She is pretty and charming and intelligent, and I will endeavour to be a good husband.’

      Lady Spence rolled her eyes upwards. ‘God help her. You’ll lead her a merry dance. Well, what will you say to your father?’

      ‘I was hoping you would help out in that regard. He’ll listen to you,’ said Michael. His mouth curved in an engaging smile.

      ‘I shall have to meet Lady Jeffreys again before I attempt to do any such thing. I still can’t believe you actually plan to marry someone decent. I would have been less surprised if you had announced you wanted to marry Lady Marchant or one of the other ill-bred creatures you’ve associated with. Sometimes I have felt you deliberately go out of your way to find the most annoying and vulgar sorts merely to irritate your father and the rest of the family as well.’

      Michael grinned. ‘Caroline has frequently accused me of the very same thing.’

      ‘You’re a rogue, Michael.’ She sighed. ‘And far too charming for your own good. I will call on Lady Jeffreys and decide if I wish to plead your cause.’