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you’d like me to stay . . .”
    His wife smiled. “You mustn’t keep your parents waiting, my dear. Have a good evening.”
    When Miss Webster and Appertan had gone, Michael sat back down.
    Lady Blackthorne, hands on her armrests as if she meant to rise, paused to ask, “Is there something you wish to discuss, my lord?”
    â€œI have no business asking personal questions of Lord Appertan, but I have some for you if you would humor me.”
    She dismissed the footmen, and they closed the doors as they departed, leaving the two of them alone again. She carefully drew her gloves back on. Did she wear them all the time, or did she choose this moment to bow to propriety?
    After folding her hands in her lap, she spoke calmly. “I’ll answer what I can.”
    â€œYou married me for access to your funds, but from what I’ve been able to see, you aren’t in London enjoying your freedom.”
    â€œI’m grateful for the favor you did me, and I’m using my financial freedom as I see fit.”
    â€œTaking care of your brother and his estate,” he pointed out.
    Her shoulders were stiff with tension, and he guessed she wanted to tell him to go to hell—in a ladylike manner, of course.
    â€œMy brother is very young, only twenty years of age. He inherited the title at eighteen, while all of his friends were—and still are—enjoying their youth. He needs to experience the same, just like any other young man.”
    â€œSo does his steward report to him?”
    â€œHe reports to me.”
    â€œAnd the lawyers and bankers for such a vast estate?”
    â€œThey come to me.”
    He steepled his fingers, and he saw her glance at his bare hands. “And this pleases you? Do you plan to continue in this capacity?”
    â€œOf course not.” She leaned across the table toward him, and her eyes softened with earnestness. “It’s only temporary, until he’s a bit older.”
    He arched a brow in surprise. Was she truly naïve or just telling herself this? “You don’t think you run the risk of him enjoying your coddling so much that he never behaves as a man?”
    â€œYou do not know this family, Lord Blackthorne,” she said mildly.
    â€œI knew your father well. Would this arrangement please him?”
    â€œIt would. I respect and admire the long tradition of my ancestors. These grounds and every estate in the earldom deserve the best care, and I’m devoted to them.”
    She spoke with such pride and fervor, as if the estates and its people meant everything to her. He admired her devotion, even as he knew she would someday be disappointed with this foolish path she’d chosen. She needed her own life, not that of her brother.
    â€œYou must be devoted,” he said quietly, “to beg a stranger to marry you.”
    Cecilia knew she was blushing again but couldn’t refute his words. She’d been devoted—and desperate. She had no choice but to go forward and minimize the damage. If she could just outlast his curiosity, surely her lawyers could somehow extract her without her losing everything.
    â€œAnd Appertan’s guardian?” he asked.
    â€œHe is a busy man and trusts me with the day-to-day affairs. Once a month he visits and examines everything. He’s due in less than a week.” She hoped Lord Blackthorne would not ask more—it was none of his business, after all. Lord Doddridge had been Oliver’s idea—handpicked as a friend of their father’s, yet one who was so busy with his own estates and Parliament, he would permit Oliver much leeway. As the new earl, Oliver had been allowed to choose his own guardian, and he’d thought the Hanburys far too rustic to oversee a prominent peer. Cecilia had no such choice and had been stuck with the Hanburys, to the distress of everyone involved—until she’d married Lord Blackthorne.
    Lord Doddridge had