Behind her stood an incongruous sight in rough-woven, ill-fitted coat and a wig that looked as if it had been made for another. The men lounging around the room glared at the burly intruder, but in respect for the elderly woman, they held their tongues. “Thomas, I believe it is time you had the banns declared. If you wish to pass that woman off as my granddaughter, I will not have her bearing a bastard. If Harry will not, I suppose I could settle a sum on you so you will not starve, but do not expect more than that. I do not believe for a minute that she is my granddaughter.” Thomas jerked, then relaxed into his usual sprawl against the mantel. “I’m sorry if she does not live up to your expectations, Lady Carlisle, but there is no doubt as to who she is. We were only waiting for an appropriate time to announce our intentions. If you wish to provide Faith a dowry, we will gladly accept your gracious gift, but Uncle Harry has already offered a generous allowance. You need not burden yourself.”
