“It is an alliance,” he corrected. “I offer you strength and my protection for you and your family.”
“So, I get money, and I get protection. Nothing else,” Prim decided to be as direct as he was.
The Duke nodded in approval. This was the way that he could enter a conversation. Not fake politeness and covert questions. Open statements.
“You would have my respect. But you speak of emotions.”
“I do.”
“You are wondering about love.”
Prim froze at the blatant comment, regarding a matter not only delicate and profound. It wasn't that he was thinking of love, but she did think of some emotional relationship with your husband.Yet The Duke remained a statue of impassiveness, not even realizing her struggles.
“I do not require love, nor do I offer it. I will be fair to you and never cruel. On this, you have my word.”
A dark scowl came over her face. She could picture her life at Greyhaven. Protected and sheltered, safe and comfortable. Quiet dinners, lonely rooms, empty bed. Another thought raced to her mind. There would never be flaming kisses on the terrace nor stolen kisses against trees. Not touches to awaken her, not looks that made her heart flutter.
“Miss Primrose, Mildenhall will never propose.”
Her eyes snapped into his in an instant. If there was irritation, anger, jealousy, or even mockery in his words, the Duke showed none. Prim felt exposed, her thoughts read and interpreted.
“I believe there is enough passion between you and Mildenhall.”
She gasped at hearing him talk too freely, not an ounce of judgment. She opened her mouth to say something, to defend herself, her honor, to lie. But nothing came out. She could respect the Duke so as not to offend him by pretending there was nothing between her and Leo.
“Passion soars fast, and just as fast it flickers. I am offering you more. And I am offering something that he would never give.That men like him never give. Stability. And I offer myself. I would never disrespect you by being unfaithful.”
Prim saw another future unravel before her. Her, burning in desire for Leo, throwing all logic in the wind, her resolve chipped away by his kisses and touches. Her reputation in ultimate shambles, her sisters ruined, her family destitute, and herself left with nothing but the ashes of a passion that had consumed her but could not sustain her.
Nathaniel was promising her a stable fortress. Leo was offering a wildfire.
“Your answer, Miss Primrose.”
She knew she had to say yes. Take this man’s hand and enter the garden party as the Duchess of Greyhaven, untouchable, her family elevated and safe. Still, that little word was rolling in her mouth, sweet, dangerous, alluring. No.
“Miss Primrose,” he went on one knee before her.
Prim was ready to give him an answer, to have her future decided right there and then. But then she heard it. Someone was coming, the sound of boots on the gravel. Prim went ashen. This was for sure the end of her. The trap was closing, whoever brought her here would expose the scandal. And then, regardless of her decision, she would be bound to Nathaniel. The sound got closer and closer, no way out of the maze she trapped herself in.
CHAPTER 12
Twig Snapping
Leo was nodding for the past five minutes at least. Something was said, probably nothing important, but he wouldn’t be able to focus even if they were handing out the secret to eternal life. All his focus, his attention, essential all that he was, were given totally to one thing. A material thing. Something in comparison, trivial. That blasted blue necklace around Prim’s neck.
“And is your estate in the countryside in-” Lady Wexham tried.
“Yes,” he gave her a curt answer that rendered all other questions towards him a really bad idea.
Lady Wexham was wise enough to see the danger and excused herself. The others around him were not that wise. They kept droning about the government and their usual complaints overbasically everything. Leo didn’t even bother with the nodding anymore.
Why did she wear the necklace?
That question came back to him again and again, demanding an answer like a debt collector. Nathaniel gave her the necklace, darn him. That obnoxious exhibition of his wealth, his power, his… His claim. That was his right, to give her whatever his cold heart desired. To him Prim was an eligible lady, fit for the role he was hoping to fill.
Why would Prim wear it, though? Why would she choose to wear that open symbol of possession for all the ton to see? Why would she parade herself among the ton withhisgift?
Prim wasn’t one for superficial things. She wouldn’t wear it just to show off the precious stones. No, if she wore it out in public, it was because she wanted to make a statement. There were only a few things she could be conveying with that limited vocabulary. And one of them was that she was seriously considering Nathaniel’s offer.
