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“He ridiculed me and my family. He cut every host who invited us to social events. He made sure I had few connections here. He worked really hard to make sure that my daughters would never marry into a title, and that says a lot since I am convinced he had never worked hard at anything before.”

Thorn made a face. “I am here to change that.”

“How can you, a viscount, undo what your father, the marquess, has done?”

“By marrying one of your daughters.”

A nervous burst of laughter left Mr. Prescott’s lips. “Why would I ever willingly send my daughter into the enemy’s lair? If that is some kind of a ploy—”

“It is a ploy but not devised by my father. It is a ploy against my father.”

“And why would you do that?”

Thorn’s jaw tensed. “Let’s just say I have no more love for the man than you do.”

“So the rumors are true? You are estranged?” Quite uncouth to openly bring up the rumors, but Thorn didn’t mind informality.

“Quite.”

Mr. Prescott relaxed slightly. He wiped his balding head with a handkerchief and let out a breath. “So you want to marry one of my girls to spite your father. What makes you think a union based on spite is one I am searching for?”

Thorn could see why Prescott was a successful businessman. He was quick, and he knew how to look out for his interests.

“Perhaps not, but you’re searching for a union based on a transaction. You are willing to trade money for the title; why not a little spite for the title?”

“Are you saying you are not interested in money?” He raised a brow.

“I am, just not yours. My father threatened to disinherit me if I don’t marry before his demise.”

Mr. Prescott snorted. “You are looking to marry quickly, then.”

“Indeed. And at least one of your daughters has been on the marriage mart for a couple of years now with no success. You were shunned from most society events, but one word from me, and you were invited here.”

“Just to be ignored,” the man chimed in.

“For now. But imagine if your biggest critic becomes your in-law. Your daughter becomes a viscountess. You’ll be quickly welcomed into the ton. And your other daughters will have an easier time marrying according to your wishes.”

“Is that all that you offer?” He frowned. “A wedge into society’s doors and a taste of revenge?”

“What else do you want?” Thorn scoffed. “A love match?”

“I assume that’s something beyond your capabilities,” Prescott said with a sneer. He was about to turn away, but Thorn caught his sleeve.

“I might not offer love to the woman I marry, but I offer respect. I might not offer passion, but I offer companionship. And I might not boast of reverence, but I offer loyalty. I might be a rake, but I am unmarried as of now. The moment I get betrothed, I shall not stray, at least not publicly; you shall have my word. I would not humiliate a woman who becomes my wife.”

Mr. Prescott narrowed his eyes. “There will be stipulations to that in the marriage contract, no?”

Thorn held in his smile and let go of the man’s jacket. “Absolutely.”

* * *

When Thorn disappeared out of the ballroom with Mr. Prescott, Lydia feared for a moment that she’d missed her chance, and he was gone. Now that he’d returned, Lydia knew it was time to make her move.

She skirted the edge of the ballroom, while watching him sip his wine and flirt with one woman after another. He hadn’t approached those women, in fact, he seemed disinterested in whatever was going on around him until he was approached. Then all his attention was on his conversation partner.

She remembered what it felt like talking to him. He gave his full attention to her, making her feel like she was the only person in the entire world.

Lydia’s heart fluttered in her chest while a huge boulder stuck in her throat. Her lips went dry, and she realized she hadn’t been breathing for a few long beats.