“He might find someone far worse.” Lucy finished her thought. “He is desperate.”
“So yes, you must wed.” Her friend glanced at her. “Quickly.”
“Estwood.” Lucy had come to the same conclusion last night, stomach knotting at the mere thought of approaching Estwood,a man who, though he wanted Marsden, despisedher. But it must be him. He had been trying to buy Marsden for some time and might possibly want it more than Dufton. Estwood was also wealthy and powerful enough to protect her. Though he’d have to put aside his dislike of Lucy to have the property.
“He is your best candidate given how badly he wants Marsden.”
“I’m to be presented to Lady Dufton at the Shaftoe ball,” she said, though it came out asThaftoeball, her lisp returning with a vengeance. “At most, I have less than a month before Dufton drags me before a vicar. Expediency is of the essence.”
Her friend nodded slowly. “Estwood isn’t married, Lucy. Nor courting. Which is fortunate. And I can assure you, he has grand plans for Marsden. I’ve never seen him so focused on a project. Also, he detests your father, which only adds incentive.”
“With good reason.” Lucy thought once more of Pendergast, but she suspected there was more.
“Frankly, I believe he’d wed you for revenge, if nothing else.”
“Perfect.”
Better to be wed for revenge and a piece of property than to marry Dufton.
Lucy gripped the edge of the table as Romy helped her dress. She was more than a little terrified.
Romy took her hands again once Lucy was dressed. “I can always send you to Leo, in New York, if you cannot find it in yourself to approach Estwood. He might be the best choice, but it doesn’t have to be him. Georgina, Leo’s wife, is acquainted with everyone in Manhattan society. She can find you a lovely gentleman. I’m sure of it.”
“No.” Lucy had known it must be Estwood when her mind first caught on the idea last night. She merely needed to gather the courage to do it. “Father has everything to lose if I don’t wedDufton. He’ll come for me in New York, just as he would if I went to Rome. An ocean won’t be enough to stop him.”
She wouldn’t repeat the horrible things Father had said. Or that Dufton had threatened to lock Lucy in a sanitarium. Nor how small her life had become living under Gerald Waterstone’s roof. How complacent and accepting she’d become. Romy, who came from a warm, supportive family, was confident. Brave. Full of courage. She would never understand such inertia.
I will not wed Dufton.
Honestly,she wasn’t sure she should be marrying Estwood either. “He is the best choice.” Lucy lifted her chin. “Estwood.”
“I agree.” Romy’s brows drew together once more, contemplating the situation.
“Thallyhas thethervants…” She shut her eyes at the sound of that terrible lisp. “Watching me. Even now, she is debating whether to barge back here and find me. I must convey to Estwood the benefits of my proposal. Convince him.”
“I doubt it will take a great deal of convincing.”
“He hasn’t replied to my note. Arranging a meeting with him will be difficult at best.”
Because he hates me.
“You can meet him here. Mrs. Waterstone has already insisted you have a new wardrobe. Madame will explain she is inundated with requests due to the Season. Only this ballgown can be completed at present. More fittings will be required for the remainder of the wardrobe ordered. New gowns are a convenient excuse to return. I’ll say the sleeves are wrong.” She shrugged. “A code of sorts. And she can hardly follow you into every fitting.”
“You don’t know Sally.”
“I don’t care to.” Romy drummed her fingers. “Now, itwilltake some doing on my part to compel Estwood to speak to you.” She sent Lucy an apologetic look. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be.” He had good reason for his dislike. She only hoped he wanted Marsden more.
“But don’t worry—I have just the thing to convince him to speak to you. Will Dufton announce your betrothal at the Shaftoe ball?”
“No,” Lucy answered. “The ball is my introduction to the dowager countess. For her approval. But once she gives it, Father will try to move things along. His situation is quite precarious. I half expect him to push Dufton into my bedroom one night to ruin me.”
“That won’t happen. Dufton can’t afford a scandal,” Romy assured her. “You aren’t going to wed him, at any rate.”
Marisol appeared once more, throwing open the door, a pained look on her pretty features. “I am sorry, but Mrs. Waterstone is threatening to come back here.” She looked at Romy. “Your Grace.”
“We are finished.” Romy wrapped her arms about Lucy in a fierce embrace. “Do not worry. I’ll convince Estwood that a meeting is warranted. He won’t refuse to wed you. And you’ll be safe.”
