Sam wanted to fall back in his chair with relief. Surely Mrs. Dove-Lyon had to relent now.
“Don’t look so relieved, my lord. Miss Brandon is free to depart from this arrangement, but you are not. I require some sort of compensation.”
“If it’s about money—”
“It’s never about money. It’s about principles. They must be upheld. You gave your word, by proxy, but it still holds. Are you a man of your word? What is honor worth if it is not upheld?”
“We can negotiate a new arrangement.”
She cocked her head to the side. “I do have other brides to choose from.”
“No. I’m marrying a woman of my own choosing. Our deal must be satisfied by something else. Is there truly nothing else I can do for you?”
Mrs. Dove-Lyon set her teacup down with a clatter. “You have already chosen, haven’t you? Who is this woman?”
“Miss Blakewood, if I had to guess,” Miss Brandon said when Sam hesitated. “May I go?”
Mrs. Dove-Lyon nodded. “My apologies, Miss Brandon. We will find another candidate. I swear it. My word is infallible, and you can remain here as long as you need.”
Miss Brandon stood and offered Sam her hand. “Thank you. Your household has been very kind. I wish you all the best with Miss Blakewood.”
Sam stood and bowed over her hand. “I’m sorry we had to meet under such circumstances. If you need any assistance from me, please don’t hesitate to ask. You were a great help in my recovery, Miss Brandon.”
“Thank you, my lord.” She slipped past him and out of the parlor. Chase stood near the entry and stepped forward.
“Mr. Chase, come sit. I feel there is a great deal of information I was not made aware of.”
Sam sat. “I don’t need to explain my feelings to you.”
She shook her head. “Not even an apology? I suppose it doesn’t bother a man’s sensibilities to pursue another woman when he is betrothed. What would you have done if Miss Brandon had not refused you?”
“I would have done whatever I had to do. What is it you want?”
“So, you’re planning to marry the young chit. Does she know this?”
“She has agreed.”
She turned her fierce focus to Mr. Chase. “Did you know about this little love affair?”
Chase’s jaw flexed. “I warned him to end it, or I’d reveal it to you. I gave him a chance.”
“Mrs. Dove-Lyon, I am forever grateful that you stepped in to aid my sister and save my life. That truly is a debt that cannot be repaid.”
She folded her arms. “But?”
“I love Miss Blakewood. I will not do something that could harm her or our families’ standing in society—what little is left—or bring danger to them.”
“You’re no fun at all,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon said dryly. “I’m disappointed. I cannot agree to something to replace your debt to me at this moment. I will think of something you could do that will please me. For now, you can go downstairs and ensure Lord Rogers loses substantially tonight.”
Sam stood and nodded. “I await your summons.”
He didn’t wait to be dismissed.
Chapter Thirty
Daisy yawned, thebook in her lap failing to hold her interest as she waited for Sam and her brother to return. Sam had been gone most of the day and during that time, a message arrived from Lady Claystone.
Miss Blakewood,
