Page 45 of Courting Claudia
“I’m not dallying with anyone. As soon as my problem is sorted out, I will be ready to take Claudia as my wife. I need more time.”
“I’m afraid you don’t have any more time. I didn’t want to resort to drama, but you’ve left me no choice. Either you propose to my daughter immediately, or the queen will hear of your little embezzlement.”
Richard came to his feet. “You must give me more time. I need money now. Give me her dowry now, and I’ll marry her.”
“Why do you need money?”
“I have a debt that needs to be repaid.”
“Or what?”
“Or they’ll kill me,” he yelled.
“Lower your voice. I don’t believe you keep good company, Foxmore. What is the debt for?”
His lips pursed. “Necessities. Living expenses. There is a high price to pay to wear respectable clothes and eat at respectable establishments.”
“Idiot.”
“Will you front me her dowry? I’ll marry her as soon as the debt is paid.”
“What kind of fool do you take me for? No, you won’t get one farthing of her dowry until after you’ve said your vows. I don’t trust you, Foxmore.”
“If you report me to the queen, I’ll hang.”
“Possibly. But more than likely you’ll rot in prison.”
“Give me some more time. Two days, that’s all I ask. I’ll go see my uncle to borrow the money. He’s only a day’s ride from here. As soon as I return, I’ll marry Claudia. You have my word.”
“Your word means nothing to me.” He lit a cigar and took a thoughtful drag. “But your fear speaks loud and clear. I shall give you two days. After that I will post the announcement of your pending nuptials in the Times myself. Is that understood?”
“Yes.”
“One more thing. Leave a letter for Claudia setting up an appointment where you will propose.” He held out a piece of parchment.
Richard took the paper and nodded. He reached for the quill and scratched out a note. He let the ink dry, then folded the letter and wrote her name on the outside.
“I’ll be back in two days.” He held out the letter.
“I look forward to the announcement. And for your sake, Richard, you better be here, or those people to whom you owe your debt will be the least of your worries.”
“I thought you were going to stay home this week, not accept any invitations,” Poppy said, obviously surprised to see her friend.
Claudia removed her gloves. “My father insisted I come. He said I was not permitted to refuse an invitation by Lady Oliver. Besides, it’s not likely I’ll see Derrick here. Only dandies come to these card parties.”
Poppy giggled. “Yes, I see Morris Brimley over there. He is the very picture of a dandy. I was not aware that dots and stripes were complementary patterns.”
“Penelope, watch that mouth,” her mother said as she walked near. “If I heard you, then there’s a chance he did.”
“I doubt it, Lady Livingston, he’s deaf in his left ear,” Claudia offered.
“Regardless, it wasn’t kind. Mind your manners, dear, or you’ll never find a husband.”
That last part Poppy mouthed in perfect unison with her mother. It seemed every chance she got, Lady Livingston reminded her daughter of the importance of behavior and securing a husband. She meant well. It was only because she herself had found such joy in marriage and motherhood that she wanted Poppy to have the same, and she wanted Poppy well cared for.
“Girls, go and find your tables. And behave.”
It was nice having a mother fret over her again. Claudia loved Poppy’s mother. She wasn’t a replacement by any means, but she was the perfect stand-in when Claudia needed one.