He whistled happily as he strolled down the road. He had decided to walk as his body was too full of nervous energy to sit in a hack. As it was, he was continually stopped by passers-by who asked if the rumors were true. He was happy to confirm they were. Dalmere was imprisoned and would appear before a court of his peers. They would not go lightly on him as the murder of Blackhurst was not an act of honor, no matter what dishonorable act Blackhurst had committed. Things may have been very different if Dalmere had simply killed Blackhurst in a duel. The fact he had tried to hide his crime behind the skirts of a woman only made him seem more cowardly.
Oliver reached Lisbeth’s house and stood for a moment on the steps where it had all begun. It was here on this step he had misguidedly started on this journey with her, while waiting to win The Black Raven Wager. It was here he wanted to propose to her. It seemed fitting.
Decided, he knocked on the door. This time when it was opened Rollands almost looked pleased to see him.
“Good afternoon, Rollands. Would you be so kind as to ask your mistress to come to the door?”
The butler frowned. “The door, my lord?”
“Yes, the door. The hard wooden thing you are currently hovering in front of and have such a wonderful time slamming in unwanted guests’ faces.”
“It’s not done—”
“Well, it’s done today. Don’t be difficult and ruin my surprise. I plan to propose to your mistress so be quick about it.”
Rollands looked at him for a moment as if not quite believing he had heard Oliver correctly. He no doubt saw the stupid grin. A grin that had refused to leave Oliver’s face since he had decided to marry Lisbeth.
Rollands gave the hint of a smile. “Very well. Would you like to step in and wait?”
“I’m fine just here.”
The door closed and Oliver stifled a laugh. The door had been closed in his face the night he had met her, too. He was convinced this was the perfect place for his proclamation of undying love.
A few minutes later Lisbeth stood in the doorway, a bemused expression on her face. He bowed. She looked around but then shrugged and curtseyed. She thrust out her hand before he could open his mouth to start his very impressive speech. A speech he had worked on all morning.
“What’s this?” He unfolded the papers and saw one page was her list of wagers, all in code. “I don’t understand.”
She motioned towards a second page.
He read it.
Frowned.
Read it again.
He felt the blood leaving his face. A strange kind of dizziness came over him and caused him to grip the rail on the steps for support. She was dismissing him? Just like that? Now Dalmerewas caught and she was free of her murderous reputation, she was letting him go?
“No!” he said, shaking his head.
Lisbeth blinked. She shook her head and pointed to the last sentence again.Now the truth is known by all I think it only fair to release you from our agreement.She opened a small notebook and began writing.
I am setting you free,she wrote.
“Oh, well, thank you, I had not realized I was imprisoned.” He knew his voice was verging on sarcastic anger but he couldn’t help it.
I do not want you to choose duty to me over your own future,she wrote next.
Oliver took a step back. “In other words, you want me to leave and find a future with someone else?”
She shook her head vigorously. She began to write again.
He held up a hand to stop her from writing. “Oh, I understand,” he said. “I don’t blame you. After all, I have nothing to offer you. Except myself and that’s not exactly a lot, is it? I’m nothing. A man in my position could not possibly tempt a woman like you.”
She was still scribbling madly in her little book, but he had a sour taste in his mouth and no want to swallow yet more bitter disappointment.
Had she used him only to get what she wanted? Now she had it she no longer needed him? Suddenly, just like his bank account, he felt empty. Like his estate he was worthless.
She didn’t love him.
