Farah couldn’t hide a yawn. The past few days had been stressful, and she hadn’t slept well.
Tiffany rose and gathered the other ladies. “It’s been a long day. I think bed is the answer for us all. Tomorrow will be a stressful, yet such a happy day. Goodnight, gentlemen,” and before Farah had time to even say a goodbye to Rockwell, Tiffany had swept her out the door and up the stairs.
*
Rockwell Ware pacedthe richly appointed rug of his brother’s drawing room, his boots barely making a sound because of the thick yarn. The flickering light of the fireplace created shadows that danced along the walls. His mind was a tempest of thoughts, each one leading back to Farah.
He paused, listening to the muffled sounds of the household settling down for the night. Farah was just upstairs, perhaps even lying awake, their recent escapade in Ireland undoubtedly occupying her thoughts as much as his. He could see her in his mind’s eye—her delicate features framed by fair curls, her eyes alight with mischief and something more, something that called to him with an irresistible force.
He took a step toward the door, his resolve hardening. He had to see her, to speak with her, to reassure her that everything would be all right despite the scandal they had narrowly avoided.
Just as his hand reached for the doorknob, a hand landed heavily on his shoulder. Wolf. The Marquess of Wolfarth was a formidable presence, tall and broad shouldered, his expression as stern as ever. Rockwell’s hand fell back to his side.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Wolf’s voice was low, but it carried an unmistakable authority.
“Upstairs,” Rockwell replied, trying to keep his tone casual. “I need to talk to Farah.”
Wolf’s eyes narrowed. “No, you don’t. You have both clarified that a marriage is not your preference. Continuing behavior that is as familiar as it is scandalous will cause just that—scandal. Isn’t that what you are trying to avoid? Tiffany and I didn’t partake in your lies to fool society, only to be undone at the last hurdle. Blackstone would never forgive me.”
Rockwell bristled at his brother’s words. “We avoided the scandal, didn’t we? No one knows we were together in Ireland.”
Wolf stepped closer, his expression hardening. “And you want to risk it all now by sneaking into her room in the dead of night? You need to keep your distance, Rockwell. For her sake and yours. Unless you wish to marry the chit.”
Rockwell clenched his fists, frustration bubbling up inside him. Deep inside, he understood he had a wonderful brother, but the pressure of being the spare and making a life of his own, proving he was just as good as his older brother, meant Wolf’s judgment over something that wasn’t his fault was a kick in the guts. “I can’t just leave her alone, Wolf. She needs to know she’s not alone in this.”
Wolf’s gaze softened slightly, but his tone remained firm. “She’s not alone. She’s under our roof, and we’re going to do everything in our power to protect her reputation. But you need to stay away from her, at least for now.”
Wolf was taking charge once again, as was his right. This was his house. He was the head of the family. Rockwell’s shoulderssagged, the fight draining out of him. He knew his brother was right, but that didn’t make it any easier to accept. He looked toward the staircase, the urge to run up those steps and see Farah nearly overwhelming.
“Just for the next few weeks,” Wolf said, his voice gentler now. “Stay away. We’ll handle this, but we need to be smart about it. I think it best you return to your bachelor quarters and you’re not seen to be staying under this roof while Farah is here. She’ll likely go home tomorrow.”
Rockwell nodded reluctantly, stepping back from the door. “Please let her know that I’m here if she needs me.”
Wolf gave him a brief, approving nod before turning and leaving the room, his footsteps echoing down the hall.
Rockwell stood there for a moment, staring at the closed door, his heart heavy with longing and frustration. He would respect his brother’s wishes. What irked him was why it was so important for him to see her, talk to her. He didn’t want her as his wife. But he couldn’t ignore the part of him that couldn’t stay away from Farah. She had become a part of him, and he wondered if he could let her go.
Chapter Fifteen
The following morning,after some semblance of sleep, Farah sat in the sunlit parlor, her hands tightly clasped in her lap. The delicate China teacup in front of her remained untouched. Across from her, Ashley, poised and elegant, studied her with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
Farah took a deep breath, steeling herself. She knew she had to be honest with Ashley, despite the fear that twisted her insides. “I need to talk to you about something important,” she began, her voice wavering slightly. “You may be the only person who will understand.”
Ashley raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “Understand what?”
“Don’t blame him for any of this. Should the scandal leak, it wasn’t Rockwell’s fault.” Farah hesitated, her heart pounding. “But whatever happens I… I can’t marry him. I don’t want to marry him.”
Ashley leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable. “May I ask why? It’s clear that Rockwell cares for you. And I’m sure you feel something for him as well. It would be an excellent match. One even your stuffy brother would approve of.”
Farah swallowed hard, her mind racing. How could she explain the myriad fears that plagued her? “It’s not that I don’t care for him,” she said slowly. “But… I’ve spent my entire life being the timid mouse, doing everything my family and societyexpected of me. Marrying Rockwell because we have to… No. For once, I want to choose the path of my life.”
“What if Rockwell is your path?” Ashley listened intently, her gaze unwavering. “What is it you’re really afraid of, Farah?”
Farah’s eyes filled with unshed tears. “I’m afraid of losing myself, Ashley. Of being trapped in a life where I have no control, no say in my future. I’ve been living my life for my brother as a penance, thinking my ten-year-old behavior killed my parents. Marrying Rockwell would mean trading one prison for another, even if it’s gilded. He would sail off around the world and I would sit at home being the demure wife. I would be alone. I feel as if I’ve been alone my whole life. I’ve never had a sister; our sisterhood is the closest I’ve had to being a part of something. I’m an afterthought for my brother, who just wants to see me married off. I’d rather face a scandal and take my chances than live a life that’s not truly mine.”
Ashley sighed softly, her expression softening. “I understand. More than you might think.”
Farah looked up, surprised. “You do?”
