“You will also make me an allowance.”

“Naturally.” His voice was icy. Did she think he intended to keep her in penury?

She named a sum that made Hart blink. It was far too modest. Women by nature were rapacious creatures, out for all they can get. So what was she up to?

He said nothing, however, just gave Ashendon an indifferent nod. Ashendon noted it down.

“The duke will give me a house in the country—consulting with me as to the choice. The house is to be wholly mine—title and deed.”

His eyes narrowed. He had a dozen country houses. What did she want a separate one for? To keep him out? To have assignations with other men?

“You already own a house,” Ashendon reminded her. “Willowbank Farm.”

“I want Willowbank Farm deeded to Martha Scarratt—free and clear, with her name on the title.”

“But she already has the right to live there for as long as she lives,” Ashendon said. “As well as an allowance to live on.”

“Yes, but this way she will be a property owner and will be able to leave the place to her sister or one of her nieces or nephews. It will give her standing in the community. And the allowance is to continue for as long as she lives.”

Ashendon hesitated, but his niece said urgently, “It’s all I have to give—and you know what I owe her, Cal.”

Hart frowned. Who was this Martha Scarratt person?

Ashendon glanced at Hart, who made a gesture that indicated his supreme indifference to the arrangement. He would make it his business to find out who the woman was and what his future wife owed her. And then he would decide what to think.

“Everingham to provide a house, with George’s agreement, and Willowbank Farm to be made over to Martha Scarratt,” Ashendon said and his secretary made a note. “Right, what’s next on that list of yours, George?”

“Any children that result from the marriage will live with me and will not be removed from my care unless I agree.”

There was a short silence, then Hart said coldly, “As long as you behave yourself, I see no problem with that.” He had no knowledge of children and little interest in child-rearing. As long as he had an heir, that was all that mattered.

“Provision will be made for each child’s future, when they’re born.”

“Naturally. As long as they’re my children.”

She flashed him a look of indignation. “I believe the marriage service says ‘forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live.’ I, at least, have no intention of breaking my vows.”

His brow rose cynically. “If you say so.”

Her eyes narrowed.

Ashendon said, “What about the duke’s fidelity—don’t you have anything to say about that?”