Claire walked in on the three gentlemen engaged in a lively conversation about the standing of Britain’s economy in the midst of the war against Russia. “Ah, but Russia has gone too far this time,” Lord Abbott was saying. To which, Nick nodded, answering in a thoughtful tone, “Fighting on land, we are at a disadvantage, my lord. When was the last time our military fought a war? Our officers are old and our soldiers lacking in field experience. It is likely that the French will take all the glory to themselves.” 

“Would you rather that Russia starts invading Europe, then?” asked the duke, sipping from his teacup. 

The younger gentleman smiled. “Not in this lifetime,” he replied. “I honor the heroes who fight in the battlefield, but I would feel better if the war is being fought on open seas, where we are gods.”

Claire’s presence was discretely announced by the light tapping of her shoes against the wooden panels of the floor. She entered the dining hall in a simple pink dress and a tight-lipped smile. Lord Abbott immediately spotted his daughter and just as quick changed the topic. Nick, on the other hand, sipped from his cup pretending not to notice the lady’s appearance.

She greeted her father then next turned to Bennett, whose eyes were more attentive now that their mark was in the room. [i] “Hello Mr. Rochford. Nicholas. I’m so glad you could join us for lunch! I do hope you liked baked salmon, I wasn’t sure what to request for the meal,”[/i] she greeted.

Bennett was the one who did the honors of bestowing flattery. “Certainly a divine dish, Ms. Abbott,” he said. Nick just smiled. With everything that was running in his head, he was honestly not in the mood to flatter or flirt. There were a number of things to accomplish other than to sit with strangers.

[i]“Do you-”[/i]

She was referring to him. Nicholas smiled at her. “What is it, Ms. Abbott?”

[i] “I’m sorry, do you mind if I sit in that chair and you here? It’s not what you think. I’m left handed, and if we can avoid bumping elbows all night I’d appreciate it.”[/i]

So he was occupying her favorite spot and she was a grown lady who, he supposed could handle minor disappointments in life. One of those disappointments happened to be her future husband sitting on her favorite seat. Nick paused instead of hastily getting up and offering the seat to his future bride. The friendly smile had left his face. He considered asking her to sit in his lap instead right after he apologized for his misbehavior. But then again, Lord Abbott was present on the table. Speaking of which, his and Bennett’s eyes were on him, expectantly waiting for his next move. Too bad.

Nicholas nodded in defeat. “My apologies, Miss Abbott. I didn’t know.” She won the first battle, but not yet the war. He got to his feet and offered the empty seat to her.

The duke laughed, though nervously. “My daughter is not always like this, Nicholas,” he reassured. “It must be the cloudy weather.”

“Her keen sensibility is a trait I like about Ms. Abbott, my lord. Of course she is correct in positioning herself the way she did.” He assisted Claire as she took her seat, before he claimed the one next to her.

The servants served their meal while they discussed the latest in London’s high society. It was not until the dessert was served that Lord Abbott raised the issue on the wedding. “I have informed my son, Lord Abbott, about our plan to have them wed as soon as possible.” 

“And you have no objection, Nicholas?”

Again, three pairs of eyes were on him. Of the three, he felt Claire’s the heaviest. It was obvious that she didn’t like the idea of marrying him as much as he liked the idea of marrying her. He guessed that if there was a way for her to make him back out, she would have done it. Unfortunately for her, he needed the connection only she could give. Therefore what he told her at the park was not entirely untrue – he was marrying her because she was the Claire Abbott, the most important low hanging fruit in the farm. “I have none, my lord. The sooner the better.” He stole a quick glance at Claire, trying to guess what she might be thinking.

“Then it is settled!” The duke announced. His voice rang triumphantly in the large dining hall. Bennett looked equally pleased. “I shall inform her majesty of the date.”

“And the venue shall be at Westminster.”

Nick fought hard for a composed expression. Of course they could afford an expensive marriage, the Rochfords were backed by the treasury of England, but getting married at Westminster with the Queen as their guest? He gave his ‘father’ a hard look. “Is this not too elaborate, father?” he asked Bennett, but the duke answered for him. 

“None sense! I am a duke. I will not be belittled by my peers. Besides, this is my only daughter’s marriage we are talking about, Mr. Rochford. This wedding shall make Britain forget about Russia and France. It shall be remembered throughout history. We will invite every important person if only to let them see how grand the celebration is.”