“Your Grace.” Lord Pemberton entered the room and bowed.
William returned the greeting encouraged by the good cheer reflected on Pemberton’s face. It seemed his soon to be father-in-law wasn’t holding a grudge.
William grinned at the older man before saying, “I imagine you know why I have come?”
“Indeed. Your letter arrived safely, and we are very much looking forward to the joining of our families.” Pemberton moved to his desk and nodded at a velvet chair across from it. “Please make yourself comfortable.”
William took the seat then accepter a tumbler of brandy. “Will Lady Olivia be joining us?”
“Ah, yes. My wife has gone to fetch her.” Pemberton shuffled some papers on his desk. “In the meantime did you wish to review the marriage contract?”
“There’s no need.” William had read the blasted thing thousands of times since its creation. Before his parents’ deaths, they had often reminded him of his duty and hounded him to see to his marriage. A stab of regret pierced him. He should have honored their wishes while they still lived. He added, “I’m well aquatinted with its contents and see no reason to alter the terms.”
“I have objections.” A feminine voice rang out from somewhere behind him, and William turned to see a dark haired beauty standing beside an older but equally attractive woman. He rose to greet them.
“Olivia,” Pemberton warned as he came to his feet.
William raised a hand to silence the man. “It’s quite all right.”
“Nonsense.” Lady Pemberton strolled deeper into the library, coming to stand beside her husband. “Please excuse our daughter’s ill-manor. I assure you she has been raised to behave as a proper lady ought to, Your Grace.”
“I’ve already forgiven the misstep.” William bowed to Lady Olivia. “My lady.”
“Your Grace.” She peered back at him through fiery amber eyes before dipping a curtsey.
William stared at her part amused and part vexed. What had happened to the wallflower he remembered? The awkward girl with arms and limbs too long for her thin frame?
The woman peering at him scarcely resembled the girl he’d been promised. Her temper most certainly did not. He attempted to cajole her with a rakish grin, but she only scowled more fiercely. Her displeasure plain for all to witness.
William took a step toward her. “Please voice your objection.”
The Marchioness paled, her eyes rounding as she turned her head to stared at her daughter. “She has none.” Lady Pemberton wrapped her arm around Lady Olivia’s shoulder. “Isn’t that right?”
Despite the question, William could tell by the way Lady Pemberton glared at Lady Olivia that it wasn’t really a question. To her credit, Lady Olivia met his gaze and said, “Actually, I do.”
The Marchioness turned porcelain, not a stitch of color remaining in her face, but Lady Olivia paid her no mind as she continued laying voice to her objection. “I have no wish to marry a stranger.”
Her father came around his desk, his cheeks flushed. “The duke is no stranger. You have been acquainted from childhood and betrothed just as long.”
“I beg to differ. I’ve not received so much as a letter in the past fifteen years. I do not know the duke at all.” Lady Olivia pressed her lips together and glared at William. “And I have no wish to marry him.”
William eased closer to Lady Olivia and said, “She’s right.”
Lord and Lady Pemberton turned to him their mouths agape. Lord Pemberton recovered first. He placed a hand on his wife’s arm, but his gaze remained riveted on William as he said, “Surely you do not mean—”
“And we shall have a lifetime to correct my oversight,” William added cutting the marquess off. He returned his attention to Lady Olivia, offering what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “I intend to honor my parent’s wishes. I’ve secured a special license so that we can marry with haste. Afterward, we can spend as much time as you please getting reacquainted.”
Her eyes rounded the copper flecks darkening. “You wish to marry at once?”
“Indeed,” William answered.
Lady Olivia backstopped and turned panicked eyes on her father. “Surely waiting for the bans to be read is not asking too much.”
“Dearest,” her father crossed over to her and took her hands. “You are betrothed and will ultimately be wed, what difference does it make if the ceremony takes place tonight or three weeks from now?”
“It makes a world of difference.” She turned her beseeching gaze on William. “Please. Allow us to wait for the banns?”
“If that is your wish, I shall honor it.”
