Page 5 of Miss Vincent’s Vow

“Good afternoon, Mr Curtis.”

“Good afternoon, Mr Hunt,” the man said, taking the proffered hand. “Please, sit down.”

Jethro sat, but hesitated a moment as he thought how best to begin. “I need you to draw up a marriage contract. Or do I? Is such a thing necessary when the lady is of age and there is no one to agree terms on her behalf?”

Mr Curtis raised his eyebrows. “You’re getting married? I didn’t expect you to take my suggestion seriously. Who is your bride?”

“Miss Vincent.”

“The rector’s daughter?”

“Yes.”

The solicitor nodded. “A sensible choice. A respectable lady of good standing, with a spotless reputation. I believe she will be a great credit to you, and you are fortunate indeed to have secured her affections. I think Mr Wade would approve.”

Jethro shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Though he tended to speak his mind, sometimes it was unpleasant when others did the same. He was not sure he wanted to be reminded of his motivation for getting married—or of the lack of affection in the arrangement.

Mr Curtis cleared his throat. “I apologise. I didn’t mean to offend.”

“It is no more than the truth. I can’t pretend I would have thought of marriage if it wasn’t for Mr Wade’s upcoming visit, and the necessity of impressing him. If I am to expand my business, I need his investment now more than ever. He clearly expects me to introduce him into Weymouth society when he visits in May—which, at this moment in time, I am ill-equipped to do.”

“I quite understand, which is why I suggested marrying a lady who was in that position might help. I confess, I didn’t expect you to act on my advice. Miss Vincent is exactly the sort of woman to ease your way into society. Not strictly a beauty, but she has poise. Unlike her sister. A flighty piece of work, that one. I’m relieved to hear you have not engaged yourself to her.”

“I don’t know the woman. It is Miss Vincent I’m marrying. Now, about this marriage settlement.”

“It is usual to draw up a document that provides for your wife should she outlive you. Some part of your estate that will be hers to keep her out of poverty, whilst the rest would go to your heir.”

“As you are well aware, I have no heir.”

“But as you are getting married, that’s likely to change.”

Jethro’s chest constricted at the thought. Would it? He had not talked about such intimate matters with Miss Vincent. He had offered her a marriage of convenience, and she had accepted. Nothing had been said about children. It was a complication he had not considered.

“Do you have a will, Mr Hunt?”

“I believe you know the answer to that.”

“Then may I suggest you draw one up? The marriage settlement would care for your widow, in the event of your death, but a will would ensure your estate goes to whom you wish.”

“Yes. I would like you to prepare a will, leaving everything to my wife.”

“And the children?”

What children? Jethro wasn’t planning on having any. Why was it so hard to admit it?

He wriggled in his seat as the question hung in the air. Mr Curtis was clearly expecting him to say something.

“If God blesses us with children, then I’ll change my will accordingly.”

“As you wish. I’ll draw up the documents straightaway, ready for you to sign.”

Jethro thanked Mr Curtis and took his leave, puzzling over what he had said to the solicitor.

Why had he talked of children as if it was a possibility? He needed a wife to ease his path into society—nothing more.

It went beyond their agreement, and it was just as well. He had no room in his life for the responsibility of a family.

Chapter 3