“How did you find out—” Waterstone took a step back, shaking his head. “No. Absolutely not. Iforbidit. We’ll seek an annulment in the morning before things go any further. You are marrying Lord Dufton.” His words took on a fearful edge. “Youmustwed Lord Dufton.”
Lucy was taking small gulps of air. Her entire form trembled. But she did not move. Nor did she back down. “No.”
Harry went to the large sideboard on the other side of the dining room. He poured a glass of scotch, not bothering to offer refreshment to his two unwelcome guests. Waterstone wouldn’t be staying much longer, at any rate. He picked up the packet he’d placed on the sideboard earlier, next to the decanter, inanticipation of Waterstone’s visit. Tossing it on the table, he said, “Open it.”
Lucy’s father picked up the packet and withdrew the small stack of documents inside. His brows lifted to his hairline. “What is this?”
“Your substantial debts. I think that’s obvious.” Harry took a sip of the scotch. “Oh, not everything. Good lord, there’s quite a bit, and I wasn’t inclined to chase them all down, just the larger ones, including your markers at Elysium. Your membership has been revoked, by the way.”
Waterstone placed a hand against his forehead. “No.”
“Hazard really isn’t your game. Nor faro, as it happens.Yourmodiste bills”—he clucked his tongue at Waterstone’s wife—“are outrageous. The fountain imported from Rome, which I assume sits in your garden? The diamond and sapphire necklace you ordered last week. Seems like you were expecting a windfall.”
Mrs. Waterstone made a small cry, fist smashed against her lips, as she glanced at her husband.
“Oops. Guessing you didn’t know about the necklace, Waterstone.” He gave the man’s wife an apologetic look. “I spoiled the surprise.”
“I’m not going to listen to another second of this tripe.” The papers were tossed on the table, landing on the lemon cake. “Do you see, daughter?” Waterstone railed. “How he threatens me? This is who you want as a husband?”
“I haven’t issued any threats. Yet. And I believe Lucy’s choice of husband has been made clear.” Harry held out his hand to her, gratified when Lucy walked around the table to come to his side. She slipped her hand into his.
Harry squeezed her fingers.
Waterstone looked as if he might faint. If he did, Harry had no intention of catching him.
“I’ll give you a fair price for the ironworks, Waterstone,” Harry said. “More than what you deserve after running it into the ground. I’m aware of the contracts you planned to default on and the way you padded the ledgers. Fraud, I believe my solicitor called it. I didn’t realize you and Mr. Colm had become so close. I know you think yourself exceptionally clever.” Harry’s words dripped with the distaste he had for the man. “Dangling Marsden before me, knowing you could never sell it. I’m sure you spent many nights laughing over my attempts to purchase it. What splendid amusement. Toying with amongrel. But as brilliant as you are,” he said sarcastically, “I would have thought you might have asked Dufton whyhewanted Marsden.”
“For the same reasons you do. River access. And he hates you. He won’t sit idly and allow this situation to stand. My daughter is his betrothed. And every gentleman worth his salt loathes your presence.”
Harry grabbed his chest as if wounded. “A cut direct. In my own home.”
“Much like the one you received at The Barrow. Foxwood and I laughed ourselves silly over that.”
“Iron ore.” Harry said without preamble. “One of the largest, if not the biggest, deposit in all of England sits at the tip of Marsden. I’ll allow you a moment to come to terms with the implication.” He swallowed a mouthful of scotch and waited.
A choking sound came from Waterstone. “Impossible. Dufton?—”
“Was going to pay you a fraction of what the land is worth. Your debts are miniscule in comparison to the value of the iron ore at Marsden. You are a fool, Waterstone. Plain and simple. But it no longer matters. Lucy is wed to me. The ceremony, had you bothered to look at the certificate, was performed by Vicar Randall, son of Lady Simsby and nephew of the archbishop. The witnesses were the Duke and Duchess of Granby.”
“No.” Waterstone ran a hand through his hair, making the ends stand up. “I have an agreement with Lord Dufton.”
“Your debts are now owed tome. If you are frugal and don’t make any more idiotic decisions, the proceeds from Pendergast will last you some time.” Harry’s tone lost its cheerfulness. “But if you don’t behave, I will call in your markers. I might even buy up the remainder of your debts, just to keep things interesting. Take your house and those stupid horses.”
Waterstone took a step back and pointed a finger. “You filthy peasant.”
“No one uses the word peasant anymore. You aren’t some feudal lord. Now, get out,” Harry said quietly. “You’ve interrupted dessert. Lemon cake. A favorite of my wife’s.”
Lucy swayed beside him.
“How could you do this to me?” Waterstone turned his attention to her. “I am your father. I’ve protected you. Sheltered you. Given you everything.” His words became thick with emotion. “Don’t you bear me any affection at all?”
Lucy’s grip on Harry’s hand tightened, a warning for him to stay silent. “I do love you, Father. But I never wanted to wed Dufton. He threatened?—”
“You would have been a countess,” Waterstone interrupted, all his false platitudes gone. “And now you’ll spend your days married to the poorly educated son of a blacksmith. If you do not agree to an annulment, Lucy, this instant,” he said, spittle forming at the corners of his lips, “I will disown you.” His voice lowered. “You will no longer be my daughter.”
“I —Iunder—.” Lucy exhaled softly. “Understand,” she said. This time, her voice was strong. Firm. No sign of the lisp. “Do what you must.”
“Fine. Bed down with the rabble. Just like your mother. A harlot in the making?—”
