A Marriage Made in Mayfair by Tamara Gill

for ill will.
    “Leave some for me. Have an appetite this morning, do you?” Henry came to stand beside her and looked over the sideboard.
    Heat bloomed on Suzanna’s cheeks, and she hastily added a slice of toast to her plate before sitting at the table. “Balls always leave me starved the morning after.” Suzanna sipped her tea. “Do you have any plans this morning, Henry?”
    Henry settled at the head of the table, and gave her a searching look. “I had a letter early this morning from Lord Danning. Seems he wants to meet with me at my earliest convenience. He should arrive at eleven.”
    Suzanna feigned surprise and nodded. “Do you know what about?” Butterflies took flight in her stomach at the thought.
    “No. Not yet. But I’m sure I will soon enough.” Henry cleared his throat. “Lord Danning has also asked for you to be present, Suzanna. Should I be worried about what is to be discussed in my library?”
    Unable or perhaps unwilling to lie to her dearest brother, Suzanna shrugged lest she say anything that could throw her brother into an early temper. Such a reaction would be soon upon them once Royce formally asked for her hand, followed by her acceptance of such a request.
    Silence settled between them like a cloak of doom. Henry was no fool and from the scowl upon his face, he appeared well aware of what was to come.
    Suzanna steeled herself. It wasn’t as if Henry was going to marry Royce and live with him. She was. So surely her brother would see past his own hatred of the man and let her be. Perhaps one day, even be happy for her.
    She hoped.
     
    ***
     
    By the time Royce arrived, Suzanna’s nerves were frazzled and taut as a harp’s string. Henry had chosen not to quiz her on the purpose of his lordship’s visit, yet with a sinking feeling she knew there was no need. Her brother was no simpleton and no doubt had already worded his rejection of Lord Danning’s suit to his sister.
    At the sound of a knock on the library door, Suzanna turned. “Lord Danning to see you Mr. March,” the butler said.
    “Come forward, Lord Danning,” Henry replied, his voice devoid of warmth.
    Silently she watched as Royce was announced by the butler. He moved across the room, and at Henry’s curt gesture, seated himself beside her in front of Henry’s desk. Dressed in a morning suit, Lord Danning had an air of elegance and ease. But his hands clasped tightly at his sides betrayed the disquiet running through him.
    Danning’s wink and knowing smile nudged some of her apprehension away before her brother’s brisk cold welcome brought her back to reality.
    Suzanna braced herself for the imminent question.
    “You wished to see us, Lord Danning?” Henry gestured for him to begin and made a point of looking disinterested in the Viscount’s presence.
    “I’ve come here this morning, March, to formally ask for Suzanna’s hand in marriage. A request I believe your sister is happy to receive and agree.”
    Henry nodded, his eyes as cold as ice chips. Without moving his gaze from his lordship he asked, “Is this correct, Suzanna? You wish to marry Lord Danning?”
    Suzanna looked at the two men she loved most in her life and wondered how she could make them allies instead of enemies, yet all the while she knew her next words would only increase her brother’s animosity. “Yes. I wish to marry Lord Danning.”
    Suzanna met Royce’s gaze and smiled. She blinked back tears from the overwhelming love blossoming in her chest as Royce clasped her fingers and kissed her hand.
    Henry laughed. “I will not allow it. Frankly I’m surprised I allowed such a low-life cad as Lord Danning to enter our home. I will neither grant my blessing nor allow my sister to marry you, my lord. Now,” Henry said, standing, “this interview is over. You may leave.”
    Suzanna frowned. “Henry, don’t be so rude. I’m of age. Please do not make me marry Lord Danning without your approval. For I will. You know I will,” she