CHAPTER 2
Aaron had just lost another round of Faro and downed another glass of whiskey. Drew and Richard, his friends and opponents in the game, clinked glasses to celebrate his loss.
“Your mind is not on the game tonight, friend. What troubles you?’ Richard asked.
“I’m getting married.” He leaned back in his chair and looked at his friends who stared blankly at him before bursting into laughter.
“You? Getting leg-shackled. Oh, you’re jesting.’ Drew bumped Aaron’s shoulder. ‘Your acting skills are exceptional. You almost had me believing you. Now put a smile back on your face and deal the next round.’
They had every reason to think he was jesting. From the three of them, he had always been the most confirmed bachelor. While Drew and Richard had succumbed to love, he had staunchly held onto his rake status and would have continued into the future. But an obscure relative had just died and left him a title and an obligation to marry.
He sat up straight, poured himself another drink and rolled the glass in his hand, watching the golden liquid swirl behind the intricately cut crystal.
‘Oh, I jest not. In the not-too-distant future you will be calling me a married man and the Marquess of Branson.’ He sipped whiskey and waited for the questions.
“What? How?” A deep crease formed between Richard’s brows and Drew just stared with a mixture of awe and surprise in his eyes.
‘A second cousin I have a vague memory of meeting once has died without an heir and apparently, somehow, I have inherited his title and his properties.’
‘And a wife?’ Drew found his voice.
‘No. But I need one to claim the inheritance, so the lawyers inform me.’ He leaned on the table, cupping his chin in his hand. ‘Marriage is suiting you both very well, but that was your choice. This isn’t mine.’
If a recently misjudged investment hadn’t rendered him more than a little purse pinched, he wouldn’t even consider it. But a title and substantial estate would bolster his coffers.
‘Marriage need not be an impediment to a happy life,’ Drew pointed out. ‘There is no reason why it should interfere with your little pleasures. It doesn’t for the ladies we used to entertain here and who you continue to please. You will just need more discretion. I won’t be the first time a match is made for convenience.’
‘Unfortunately. the inheritance doesn’t come with a convenient wife, but apparently there is someone willing to fill the position and as I have neither the time nor the inclination to find a wife for myself, it will be the perfectly convenient arrangement.’
Drew and Richard exchanged glances. They had both unexpectedly found love matches and Aaron was happy for them, but it hadn’t happened for him, and he didn’t feel he was missing out on anything. He had his companions when he wanted them and a carefree life.
‘She will be made well aware that it will be a marriage in name only. She will have all the benefits of a wife without any of the…obligations or expectations.’
‘And what if she is happy to take on those obligations?’ Richard raised an eyebrow.
‘The avidly willing ladies we have been lucky enough to keep company with at the club, and that you have married, are few and far between. But if I am granted such a rarity as well, then the Rakes Club will be defunct. But until then—’
‘Until then, you better get shagging,’ Drew raised his glass.