Page 8 of A Marriage of Necessity

Chapter Two

The following morning, Kennedy had just called for his carriage when a footman announced the arrival of a guest, Sir Stirling James. Kennedy frowned. What was the marquess doing here so early, and without an appointment?

“Show him in,” he said.

Moments later, the footman reappeared and announced Sir Stirling James. Kennedy rose, circled his desk and extended a hand toward Sir Stirling. They clasped hands.

“Forgive the intrusion,” Sir Stirling said, and released him.

Kennedy indicated the chairs and divan hear the window. Stirling took the seat and Kennedy sat on the divan.

“It’s no intrusion,” Kennedy said. “What can I do for you this morning.”

“I believe it is what I can do for you,” Sir Stirling replied. “I understand you need a wife—immediately.”

Kennedy blinked. “How the devil do you know that?”

Stirling flashed white teeth. “The news appeared in this morning’s gossip sheets.”

“I wouldn’t take you for a man to read gossip sheets,” Kennedy said.

Stirling’s smile didn’t falter. “A man needn’t read the gossip sheets for news of this magnitude to reach him.”

“How the bloody hell did the news get out so quickly?” Kennedy muttered. Then instantly knew the answer. Not only had his father known that he would show up in his home last night, he had known Kennedy would capitulate.

That made no difference.

Kennedy refocused on Stirling. “Forgive me, but I have important business this morning. I was on my way out when you arrived.”

“No doubt on your way to propose to whichever lady it is you’ve chosen to marry.”

The man was uncannily perceptive. But, then, perhaps it wasn’t that hard to guess. Or was it? Kennedy regarded him. “The fact that I’m on the hunt for a wife in no way indicates that I’m racing to the altar. Yet, I get the impression that’s what you think.”

“You must marry within one week, if I understand correctly.”

Kennedy started. “Surely that wasn’t in the gossip sheets?” That would ruin him.

Sir Stirling shook his head. “Forgive me, nae. Society only believes that you have decided to marry. However, I understand that your father gave you a week to marry.”

Anger surged through him. “My lord, you and I are not well acquainted. Forgive me, but how the hell do you know that?”

“The best I can say, is that servants talk.”

Kennedy cursed. “What has any of this to do with you?” His mind raced. He knew Sir Stirling only casually. He wouldn’t have pegged the man for someone who engaged in idle gossip, or who took advantage of those in a vulnerable position. But he’d been wrong about men—and women—before.

“It is well known that you have no interest in marriage,” Sir Stirling said. “To my knowledge, there is no one particular lady that you favor.”

“What of it?” Kennedy demanded.

“I assume, that you would choose a lady among your acquaintances to fulfill your father’s demands. However, I know a lady who I believe will suit your purposes quite well.”

Kennedy was at a loss as to how to reply. Of all the things this man might say, this had never entered his mind. He sat down. “How is it you know someone who will suit my needs?”

“Pure luck, I assure you. This is a lady who is in need of a husband with money.”

Kennedy barked a laugh. “That is a qualification that could include half the women in Edinburgh.”

Stirling nodded. “True. However, this is a lady who is sure to satisfy your father in a way most other ladies cannot. It’s an obvious conclusion to say that your father would like you to carry on the title. However, the earl strikes me as the sort of man who would like to leave behind, shall we say, a legacy.”