“There is no need. I can find my way.” Lord Franklin swung to face him. “I see how it is. I shall speak with your brother on his return. A second son is not nearly as good a match as an earl. I’m sure he’ll agree.”
“I’m sure His Grace would prefer a second son of a marquess over a bully. Perhaps we should continue this discussion outside.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Lord Franklin said, sneering at Rockwell. “I’m leaving. For now.”
The tension in the room was palpable, a silent battle of wills. Lord Franklin glared at her, his eyes dark with fury and frustration. Finally, with a sharp exhale, he turned on his heeland stormed out of the room, Mrs. Thompson chasing after him. Rockwell closed the door after them.
Farah collapsed into her chair, her composure crumbling as the tears she had been holding back spilled down her cheeks. She had stood her ground, defied him, but at what cost? Only time would tell. For now, she could only hope that her brother would understand her decision and support her in the storm that was surely coming.
“He will not stop, will he?” she whispered, almost to herself. “I do not know why he’s so obsessed with a marriage to me. Can it simply be that I’m a duke’s sister?”
Rockwell crouched before her. “He’s a man who usually gets what he wants. He desires a duke’s sister as his wife to elevate his position within society. There are few daughters of dukes looking to marry and no father who would consider Franklin. The man has a mean temper. I don’t understand what Blackstone is thinking.”
Farah knew. Farah’s brother was so worried about the timid mouse being led into a scandal that he thought to save her. He just didn’t understand her. Mainly because he’d never taken the time to get to know a sister seven years younger. He’d been seventeen when their parents died, and sick too. When he recovered, he was lost in learning to become the man of the house and she was too young to be of any help to him.
“He thinks this is protecting me. He thinks Franklin’s feelings are genuine. But I won’t marry him.”
“That’s my girl. No more timid mouse. Show Blackstone the woman you’ve revealed to me over the past weeks. Make him see you, then he’ll understand.”
Rockwell was right. She wiped her eyes. “I will not shed another tear over that man, and I swear I’ll run away before I marry a man like him. Can you imagine sharing myself…” Shedid not hide her shudder, and she noted Rockwell’s lips firm. “I could use a sherry right now.”
Rockwell walked over to the sideboard and poured them both a drink. Once he sat down, she looked at him quizzically. “Has something happened?” Why else would he call?
Rockwell settled into the chair across from Farah, his expression grave. “I’m afraid I have some concerning news about Lucien,” he began, his voice low. “His fascination with you seems to have grown, and I fear it may lead to trouble.”
Farah’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean? Surely, he understands that I have no interest in him romantically.”
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m uncertain he does. He’s been asking questions about you, about your relationship with your brother. I’m worried he might…” He trailed off, seemingly reluctant to voice his concerns.
“He might what?” she pressed, leaning forward.
“He might reveal the truth about our journey to Ireland,” Rockwell said quietly. “He seems to think that if a scandal breaks out, you will be forced to marry. And he believes you would choose him.”
Farah gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “But that’s absurd! I would never… And what about Courtney? Surely he wouldn’t hurt her like that?”
His expression darkened. “I’m not sure he fully understands the ramifications of his actions. He doesn’t remember Courtney, doesn’t feel the connection they once shared. In his mind, you’re the woman who’s shown him kindness and understanding since his return.”
She stood abruptly, pacing the room. The tension between them was palpable, crackling in the air like electricity before a storm. “This is a disaster,” she muttered. “If word gets out about our journey, we’ll both be ruined. My brother will insist on a marriage, and I’ll lose any chance of finding a love match.”
Rockwell watched her, his eyes following her movements. The air seemed to thicken with unspoken emotions, desires they both tried desperately to ignore. “We won’t let that happen,” he said firmly. “I’ll speak to Lucien, make him understand the consequences of his actions.”
“And what of Courtney? How will she react if she learns of Lucien’s infatuation?” Farah turned to face him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “She’s already heartbroken that he doesn’t remember her.”
He stood, closing the distance between them. She longed for him to take her in his arms, to comfort her, but he held himself back. “There’s another possibility we need to consider,” he said softly. “Courtney might see this as an opportunity, too.”
Farah’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
“If word of our journey gets out, there will be pressure for us to marry,” Rockwell explained. “Courtney might see that as a way to remove you as a potential rival for Lucien’s affections.”
Her heart raced at the implication. “She’d never do that. No. I won’t believe that of her.” The idea of marrying Rockwell sent a thrill through her she tried desperately to suppress. “But you don’t want to marry,” she whispered. “Your travels, your adventures—they mean everything to you.”
Rockwell’s gaze softened as he looked at her. “Sometimes life doesn’t let us follow the path in life we would choose. But we only have to face this issue if and when it happens.” The words hung between them, heavy with meaning. “I mean to do everything in my power to persuade Lucien it’s not in his best interests to pursue a match with you. What I’m asking is that you do the same.”
Her eyes flashed to his. Was that jealousy she heard? “Who are you trying to protect—me or Courtney, or is it yourself? This possessiveness you are showing can’t possibly be simply aboutdesire?”Can it?she asked herself. She held her breath while waiting for his answer.
He simply stood looking at her as if she were all he really wanted. But she knew that wasn’t true.
The air between them seemed to crackle with unspoken emotions. Farah stood, drawn to him despite her best efforts to resist. “Rockwell,” she began, her voice trembling, “I won’t ask you to give up your dreams for me. Your travels, your adventures—they’re part of who you are. That decision has to be made by you freely. But I won’t marry a man who will be away from home more than he will be there.”
