“Is Blackstone back from his hunting lodge?” Tiffany pressed.
She shook her head. “Tomorrow or the next day. I’ll deal with him too.” She wasn’t about to tell them she had a plan, should her newfound strength falter under her brother’s rule.“I’m trying to think of a way to show my brother that I’m a grown woman capable of making her own decisions. If not for the anonymous wager with the men, I’d show him how much I’d earned. But then he would likely guess who his challengers were.”
Tiffany clapped her hands together. “I know. Blackstone and Lucien used to be close. And given Lucien’s money situation and the rumor mill surrounding his return, it would be a kindness for the Duke of Blackstone to be seen supporting his return. Why don’t you get the Blackstone to hold a welcome home ball for Lucien? You could hold it in four days’ time on his return and have it all organized before your brother gets home, proving your capabilities to him.”
Courtney excitedly leaned forward. “I’ll help you. We could do it together. That should get thetontalking.”
“There would certainly be no problem in getting society to attend at such short notice. Everyone wants to see the man who came back from the dead,” Valora said dryly.
“Don’t you think we should ask Lucien first?” The excitement died away at Ashley’s words.
“I’m sure Lucien, or at least Lord Danvers, will think it a fine idea. He wants his son to find a wife.” Courtney’s words were filled with resentment. “And the mothers of young ladies will throw their daughters at him.”
Farah wished she could offer some advice to her friend, but nothing came. Farah really did not know what Lucien would do. Would he decide Courtney was for him? Or would she merely be an easy option? Farah wasn’t sure what Courtney would do if that were the case. But Courtney had loved him so deeply, many thought she’d never get over his death. That might make her settle, and she deserved more. But then if she still loved him…
The meeting continued with a renewed sense of purpose. While the challenge against the men and their shares wasimportant, the ladies were firmly in the arena on two separate missions. One, to see if Lucien could fall in love with Courtney once more. And two, to help Farah stand up to her brother and thwart Lord Franklin. Farah felt a swell of pride and gratitude for her friends. Never had she felt so lucky to have these women by her side.
*
That afternoon Farahsat in her drawing room of her home in the Blackstone townhouse, the sparkling sunlight filtering through the lace curtains, casting delicate patterns on the plush carpet. She’d tried to ignore Mrs. Thompson, who refused to let her greet Lord Franklin alone. She clasped her hands tightly in her lap, willing them to stop trembling. The past weeks had been a haze of fabricated ailments and lies, but the time had come to face her unwanted suitor.
There was a clearing of a throat at the open door and Howard, the family butler, announced, “Lord Franklin, my lady,” and Lord Franklin stepped in, his tall, thin frame casting a long shadow across the room. His face, usually so composed, was now a mask of concern. He approached her with determined strides, his boots echoing ominously on the wooden floor.
“Lady Farah, my dear. How good it is to see you fully recovered. Recovered enough, in fact, to be hosting a large ball in four days’ time. And Blackstone is not yet home.”
She motioned him to sit. She hated how he towered over her. At least while sitting, she wouldn’t feel intimidated by him. “Would you like some brandy, perhaps? Or tea?” He nodded to indicate tea. She took a deep breath. Might as well get this over with. “I’m well recovered, thank you. Lady Tiffany and Lord Wolfarth have looked after me well.”
“So, are you feeling strong enough to discuss our marriage? I was thinking of an October wedding.”
“I do not believe I have accepted your proposal, my lord.”
He sat back in his chair and gave her a smile that seemed to say,don’t be so foolish, it’s a forgone conclusion. “Come now. Your brother welcomes the match, and I am rather wealthy.”
This was going to be painful, and she willed her backbone to stiffen. “You are indeed a fine man. However, I’m not sure we would rub along together at all well. So, I’ve made my decision. I regretfully must decline your generous offer.”
“Lady Farah,” he began, his voice filled with anger, “I have waited patiently, endured your endless postponements, but I will not allow you to make a fool of me any longer. Is there another suitor?”
How she wished she could say yes. “No. It’s just I am content to wait until I find a match I feel I’m better suited to.”
He jumped to his feet. “Better suited to. What nonsense is this? Your brother is quite in agreement as to my suitability. I’m a wealthy earl who would make you a fine husband. I think we should have this conversation after your brother returns.”
“My brother’s presence would make no difference. My answer would still be no.” Farah stood, smoothing her skirts with a nervous hand. She met his gaze, her chin lifting defiantly. “Lord Franklin, I appreciate your patience, but I cannot accept your flattering proposal. My feelings for you do not extend beyond friendship, and that is not enough for me. There is no need to wait for my brother’s return. I shall not be persuaded.”
“Obviously, your illness has robbed you of your reason.” His eyes flashed with rage, and he took a step closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “You think you can reject me without consequence? Your brother, the Duke of Blackstone, will hear of this. He will make you marry me.”
Farah’s heart pounded, but she stood her ground. “My brother may be a duke, but he does not control my heart or my decisions. I refuse to be coerced into a marriage I do not want.”
Lord Franklin’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. “You are making a terrible mistake, Lady Farah. You will regret this. I won’t let you walk away so easily.”
She took a deep breath, drawing on every ounce of her courage not to step back as he crowded her. “That may be, but I would rather live with my choices than be shackled to a man who resorts to threats. I will not marry you, Lord Franklin. That is my final word.”
“How dare you?”
He reached for her just as a loud, deadly voice spoke from the doorway. “Step away from the lady immediately or I shall have something to say about it.”
Farah’s gaze flew to Rockwell standing in the doorway, his face a mass of fury. She had never been so thankful to see him. “Lord Ware, Lord Franklin was just leaving. Is Howard there to show him out?”
“I’ll see him out,” was Rockwell’s reply.
