He’d come here intent on wedding her because doing so was convenient. Any lady with a good reputation and solid social standing would have suited him fine, but that was no longer the case. He’d developed real feelings for Olivia. He now wished to marry her because he could not imagine any other woman at his side.
But his wishes did not matter in the fact e of her happiness. William had to set her free. A pity he did not realize how serious she was before. The blasted fool he was actually believed he could change her mind. Now here he sat with his siblings due to arrive at any moment and a wedding ceremony less than a day away.
What a colossal mess he’d made by attempting to woo Olivia rather than respecting her wishes and leaving at once. Now he would depart with a broken heart and no wife to speak of.
“What has changed your opinion of my daughter?” Pembroke reached for the decanter.
William released a deep breath. He would conclude this meeting and return to London first thing tomorrow. He cleared his throat, meeting Pembroke’s gaze. “The fault is mine.”
“Speak plainly, Your Grace.” Pembroke narrowed his eyes.
William sat his tumbler down with a bit too much force causing the glass to clank against the desk. “I am speaking plainly. We do not suit, and it is no fault of hers.”
Pembroke stood and went to the door. He pushed it open and bellowed. “Bring Lady Olivia at once.”
William thought there must have been a servant nearby for the marquess quickly closed the door, then strolled back to his desk. With a satisfied smirk, he retook his chair. “Let us see if we can sort this out.”
Williams’ stomach soured. The last thing he had intended to do was drag Olivia into this. He’d expected Pembroke to put up a bit of resistance, but never imagine he’d call his daughter into the meeting. Nonetheless, he knew that Olivia would be pleased with his decision.
The minutes seemed to drag endlessly as William did his best to avoid the Marquesses gaze while awaiting Olivia’s entrance. He stared at the hearth, swirled the whisky remaining in his glass, brushed imaginary lint from his trousers—anything to avoid further conversation.
At last, the door opened, and a footman stepped into the office.
“Where is she?” Pemberton narrowed his gaze on the servant.
“Nobody seems to know, sir.” The footman took several cautious steps, then extended his hand. A piece of parchment rested in his palm. “Her maid found this.”
Lady Pemberton bustled into the office. “What is going on, Philip? I’m told Olivia is missing.” She raced to the marquess’s side.
“I don’t yet know, but fear not, we shall get to the bottom of it.” Pemberton opened the letter. His face flamed anew as he read the note.
“What does it say?” Lady Pemberton sidled closer to him, her gaze going to the parchment. “Dear God.” Her hand went to her mouth just before she collapsed.
William jumped from his chair and rushed to her side, but he arrived too late. Pemberton already cradled his wife. Without looking at William, he said, “she’s fainted,” then carried her to a nearby sofa and laid her down. He looked back at the footman. “Smelling salts at once.”
William moved closer to the sofa. “How can I help?”
“I believe you have done quite enough.” Pemberton shoved the parchment at him.
William read the scrolling handwriting, his mind seeing on one phrase, ‘could not sentence myself to a life without love.’ Anger and pain battled within him. She did not think he loved her, and he had waited far too long to act. Now she was heavens knew where and quite possibly in danger because of him. He reread her words before crumbling the note in his fist. If anything happened to her, it would be his fault. He’d bare the burden, and he’d never forgive himself.
He dropped the letter as he turned for the door. With a quick glance back at Pemberton, he said, “I will find her.”
’ Williams’ heart raced as he made his way through the house traversing endless hallways and staircases that seemed to never end before, at last, reaching the entrance. He paused for a moment at the sight of his three sisters and two brothers bustling through the door. Bloody hell! Could nothing go his way?
Elizabeth noticed him first, a bright smile lighting her angelic face. “William,” she cried as she ran to hug him. “How I’ve missed you, dear brother.”
He returned her embrace then tucked her against his side as he turned to great his other siblings. “I had not expected you until supper.”
“The roads were kind.” Triston clapped him on the shoulder. “When do we meet your bride to be?”
“Do say it will be soon.” Louisa glanced around the entrance. “We are close to perishing from curiosity.”
Aaron elbowed her playfully. “Slow down, Louisa. We don’t want to scare the lady.”
“Indeed not,” Catherine said. She drew close and hugged William, the stepped back to study him. Awareness entered her sharp gaze, and she frowned. “What’s happened?”
William adored each and every one of his siblings, but he detested Catherine’s ability to read him with no effort at all. He most especially despised it when he had no time to waste. He exhaled as he considered lying, but cast the idea aside. It would be a pointless endeavor for Cat would see right through him and press him further as a result.
