A shiver of disgust ran down her spine. How could a father talk about his son in such a way? The earl’s words returned Cordelia to the library. Took her back to the day she and Nathaniel had joined. It was no wonder Nathaniel behaved as he did with such a monster for a father.
“But you can take comfort in the fact that you will someday be a countess.”
Cordelia pivoted away from the earl’s touch. “I don’t give a fig about your title.” She notched her chin. “I’m going to marry Nathaniel for no other reason than to prove you wrong.”
“Is that so?” the earl asked, his brow arched in amusement.
Cordelia strode toward the parlor door but not before saying, “Your son is not worthless.”
The earl’s dark chuckle followed her, wrapping her in foreboding as she pushed the door open. Cordelia ignored the unsettling feeling and met Nathaniel’s gaze. “Let us get on with the ceremony.”
Before she had time to consider her actions or the reasons for them, the parson announced them, husband and wife. There was no fanfare, no fancy frock, no flowers or attendants—nothing save for the special license and those who occupied the parlor.
When it was over, Mother and Father turned and strode from the parlor without a word. The earl followed them, pausing for a moment to give Cordelia a self-satisfied nod.
“I’ll wager you regret this marriage before the sun sets tonight,” he said, shaking his head. “The wallflower and the wastrel, it ought to make for endless amusement.”
Nathaniel jerked as though his father’s words struck a blow, then took a step toward him.
Cordelia placed her hand on his arm. “Let him go.”
To her amazement, Nathaniel stilled. The two of them stood side by side in silence as the earl took his leave. Once Lord Holloway disappeared from view, Nathaniel turned back to Cordelia. “You are right. Let us go home, now.”
Home. She was to go with him, now. To his—no—their home. She would be in his realm as his wife. Alone with him for the first time since the library. At his mercy.
There was nothing left for her to do. Cordelia swallowed hard, then gave an affirmative nod.
Somehow, she would maintain her independence and guard her heart.
