“Oh Father,” Lisa said with a sigh. “That wasn’t necessary at all . Daniel agreed to let Suzette keep half her dower to pay off the debt and use the rest as she wished. He is not the devil Dicky was.”

“And actually, Richard here is not the villain you think he is,” Robert added, moving to the man’s side. Pausing, he leaned forward and whispered in the old man’s ear, and whispered, and whispered. Really, while Richard knew it was quite a bit to explain, he thought Langley could have been a little more succinct. It seemed to take a very long time before Madison’s mouth dropped and the hand holding the gun fell to his side.

“What?” he squawked with amazement.

Robert nodded solemnly. “Chrissy is very happy with the Earl of Radnor. This one,” he added firmly. “And Daniel is a good and honorable man. He’ll make Suzette a good husband.”

“Only if he doesn’t teller he sold the damned townhouse to make good on his debts,” Daniel muttered with disgust. “If she finds that out she is just contrary enough that she may very well not marry me.”

“I’m sure Lord Madison will keep that information to himself for now,” Richard said dryly.

“Why would I do that?” Lord Madison asked. “If Suzette doesn’t wish to marry him, I will not let her be forced into it.”

“Under normal circumstances I would agree with you,” Richard said solemnly. “However, after what I interrupted in the parlor between the two of them this morning, honor demands he marry her, and as her brother-in-law I feel it my duty to ensure he does.”

“Eh?” Madison’s eyes shot to Daniel, who was suddenly grinning.

“I’d forgotten about that.” He nodded cheerfully. “Yes, she has to marry me to avoid ruin.”

Madison’s eyes narrowed and he turned to Robert. “You’re sure he’s a good and honorable man?”

“Positive,” Robert assured him, obviously fighting a grin. “Truly, just look how eager he is to do the right thing. Besides, the fact that Suzie allowed him to take liberties with her proves she is not averse to the marriage. However, she can be contrary. It may be best to allow her to continue thinking for now that the marriage is necessary.”

“Hmm.” Madison grimaced. “Of the three of them she has always been the most stubborn and difficult.” He glanced to Daniel. “Are you sure you know what you’re getting yourself into? She won’t make life easy.”

“Perhaps not,” Daniel said with unconcern. “But life shall certainly never be boring with her either.”

Madison relaxed and nodded solemnly. “There is much to be said for that. She is like her mother and that woman had me hopping to keep up with her from the day we wed. Never regretted marrying her even for a moment.”

“So you won’t teller that there is no need to marry?” Daniel asked hopefully.

Madison pursed his lips, his gaze moving first to Lisa, who nodded solemnly, then to each of the men before he heaved a sigh. “I shall talk to her, and if Suzie doesn’t seem averse to marrying you, I will keep the sale of the townhouse to myself for now.”