Page 97 of The Muse of Maiden Lane

But only temporarily.

“But you’re not married,” he said in a voice of perilous calm.

“You’re only four-and-twenty,” Laura added lamely.

Teddy didn’t know why she must continue to harp on his age. He may not be as old as Alex or Tom, but he was no lad just out of the schoolroom. “Prince Albert was but twenty when he married the Queen.”

A muscle flexed in Alex’s jaw. “If I hear one more word about the late, lamented Prince Albert, I vow I shall not be responsible for my actions.”

Teddy ignored him. Laura was the one Teddy had to convince. It was her well-being that was making Alex behave unreasonably. “You said that you never worried about Neville leaving the Abbey because he had Clara with him,” he reminded her. “Do you remember?”

“Yes, but—”

“If I was married, you’d have no more reason to object to me setting up a household of my own, would you?”

Her brows pulled into an uncertain line. “I suppose I wouldn’t.”

“Not unless you tied yourself to some artist’s model for hire who’d rob you the instant you fell asleep.” Alex narrowed his eyes at Teddy. “That is what you’re contemplating, I presume.”

Teddy didn’t answer.

For an instant, his brother-in-law appeared genuinely furious. “If I thought for a moment that you were going to do something that stupid, that bloody reckless and foolish, all so you could remain in London in that godforsaken house you’ve let—”

“Alex—” Laura’s fingers curled around his hand. “He wouldn’t.”

“My sister’s right,” Teddy said. “I’d never marry a girl who’d be so vulgar as to rob me in my sleep.” He raised his teacup back to his lips. “I’ve chosen someone wholly respectable. Indeed, you’ve both met her.”

Laura gaped. “Not Miss Hobhouse!”

“Why the tone of shock?” Teddy’s wry question was threaded with an unmistakable edge of challenge. Didn’t they believe a respectable lady would have him? Didn’t they think he had enough to offer?

“Are you serious?” Alex asked.

“I am,” Teddy said. “I proposed to her this afternoon, and she did me the honor of accepting.”

Saying the words, Teddy still couldn’t quite believe it. Nor could he believe the romantic nonsense he’d murmured to Stella after kissing her. The way he’d held her face in his hands and gazed into her eyes, his breath coming quickly, and his voice sinking deep. My beautiful shining star, he’d called her.

Marriage of convenience? Like hell. He’d only offered such antiseptic terms to persuade Stella to accept him. But she hadn’t wanted that. She wanted something real.

By God, so did he.

“Is Miss Hobhouse the young lady you were corresponding with while we were in Devon?” Jenny asked.

“She is,” Teddy answered. “She’s presently in London, staying with Captain and Mrs. Blunt at Brown’s Hotel. They return home next week. After that, Miss Hobhouse will be stopping briefly with Ahmad and his wife.”

“Ahmad!” Jenny exclaimed. “She’s acquainted with he and Evelyn, too?”

“Miss Hobhouse is one of the Four Horsewomen,” Tom explained quietly. “You’ll have seen her in the park, riding with Evelyn, Mrs. Blunt, and Lady Anne Deveril.”

“The gray-haired young lady?” Jenny’s brows lifted. “Well, that’s a turn up. I’d no idea Teddy even knew her.”

“But this is too sudden,” Laura objected. “Only a short time ago, she refused to even let you paint her. And now I’m to believe she’s willing to marry you?”

“She’s not only willing,” Teddy said. “She’s determined.” He held his sister’s gaze. “And so am I. Which reminds me—” He addressed Tom. “Miss Hobhouse will need to consult with you about legal mechanisms to protect her assets. She has her horse, and a small inheritance she’d like to shield in the event the marriage breaks down.”

“What about your assets?” Laura asked, indignant. “Tom must surely act to secure your interests, not hers.”

“No,” Teddy said emphatically, leaving no room for debate. “Miss Hobhouse must have the best. I shall deal with another solicitor. Tom can recommend one to me.”