Will my desire for happiness ruin my family? Why must I be forced to make such a decision? If only Papa could undo the promise to Thornmouth–
Rowena dropped her hand to her side and jumped up. She had to speak to her father. She had to convince him.
She rushed down the stairs to the first floor where her father’s study was. Without hesitation, she knocked on his door and stepped inside.
They had not spoken to one another much since the events at the vineyard and she knew he was sorely disappointed in her. It was written all over his face whenever he looked at her. She was only glad that he had kept the conversation with Christopher from the rest of the family. She could not imagine her mother’s reaction to the revelation that she had been meeting with Christopher in secret.
“Papa? May I speak to you?”
He was seated behind his large mahogany desk and peered up at her, a frown on his forehead. With a sigh, he motioned for her to sit in the seat before him. She swallowed. Whenever she was in his study, they always sat in the chairs by the fire, always played chess. Not today. Perhaps never again.
She took her seat and crossed her feet at her ankles, hands folded in her lap.
“We have not spoken to one another in some time,” she started out.
“That surprises you?”
She shook her head, not showing him how much his question stung.
“I am sorry that I was not more forthcoming regarding the matter of the Duke of Westmond.”
Her father raised his hand to stop her.
“I do not wish to speak of this. I told the young man that I would put the whole matter aside. We will pretend as though it didn’t happen. Once you are wed to Isaac and have settled at Crawford Castle, he and I will continue to work together to make the vineyard a success. Of course, I cannot allow him to wed Catherine now, not under these circumstances,” he sighed and shook his head. “However, I believe everything can still go its proper way, just as long as all involved carry on as usual and not–”
“Papa, we cannot continue as though nothing happened. And you never once asked me for my opinion on the matter at all. The fact is, I do not care for Isaac Travers. I cannot stand to be near him, in fact. The thought of being his wife makes me ill.”
Her father rose and walked back and forth behind his desk; his arms were crossed behind his back.
“I am sorry that is how you feel. However, I am sure in time you will change your mind.
Rowena shook her head.
“Papa, I do not believe I will. Please, I implore you. Do not force this marriage upon me.”
Her father sighed and shook his head.
“I know I made a mistake selecting Lord Mortimer for you, and I apologize for the hurt that has caused you. But with Isaac, I am certain. More than certain. Indeed, just consider all that he has done for us, investing in the vineyard as he has.”
She sneered. “He has given money. That is certainly no hardship for one as rich as he.”
“That is precisely why it is so imperative that you wed him. He has wealth. In fact, he is among the wealthiest in the country. And one of the most influential. You already know what would happen if we suddenly rescinded on this betrothal.”
Rowena sighed. “If you fear what he might do if we offend him, then he is clearly not as good a man as you make him out to be.”
They locked eyes for a moment, neither saying anything.
“Rowena, I like the Duke of Westmond well enough. He is a nice fellow. Perhaps one day, he will rebuild his fortune. At that time, I am certain he will find a suitable wife to make a home with. However, that time is not now, and that wife will not be you. This conversation is over.”
He rose and strutted across the room, holding open the door.
The coldness in his gesture and the very fact he was all but ejecting her from the room hit her hard. She swallowed and nodded briefly at him as she went.
She’d just turned the corner of the hall when he called for her.
“Rowena? Isaac will be here shortly. I expect you to greet him and be cordial. You are, after all, soon to be wed.”
She did not reply. Instead she marched forward and went back to her chamber. If her father would not relent there was nothing else to do. She would ensure Betsy was settled and then, tomorrow she would meet Christopher and they would go to Scotland.
