Nine
Evan fought his way to the font of the ballroom, ignoring all the well wishes being cast his way. How could his mother do this to him? How could she do it to Ann? He cast a glance in the direction where he’d left Ann and saw her racing from the ballroom. His steps faltered. He should go after her.
He had to deal with his mother.
Outraged, Evan approached the group. He glared at his mother. “Join me in the parlor at once.” Turning his scowl on the Montgomerys, he seethed, “All of you.”
Evan stormed from the ballroom and directly into the adjoining parlor. As the last of them filed into the room, he slammed the door closed.
Lady Charlotte screamed, then put her fisted hand against her mouth.
Evan ignored her, turning his attention to his mother. “How could you?”
She looked bored as she lowered herself into an over-stuffed chair. “How could I do what, darling?”
“Do not play coy with me, Mother. You knew I had no wish to marry Lady Charlotte.”
“I beg your pardon, Your Grace,” Lord Montgomery said, indignation laced through his words. “You have been expected to marry our darling Charlotte for quite some time. The dowager and Lady Montgomery merely hurried things along. If you don’t mind my saying so you were taking a devilishly long time. Good God, man, something had to be done to bring you up to scratch.”
“I do mind,” Evan marched toward Lord Montgomery as he ground out his words, “your saying so.”
“Heavens, Evan. Would you have the poor dear placed on the shelf? She could not wait forever, you know,” Mother said.
He spun back to face his insolent, meddling mother. “I never set my sights on Lady Charlotte and you well know it. Mother, I warned you. I told you not five days hence to stop your meddling, that I would not marry her.”
Mother clicked her tongue, smugness washing over her features. “It would seem that you will.”
“You cannot refuse now,” Lady Montgomery said, her tone dripping honey. “The announcement has been made and as a man of honor, you must abide by it. Surely you would not ruin us all by begging off.”
Outrage turned to despair as he considered her words. “You all deserve to be ruined for this outrageous stunt.” And he would not hesitate to do so, save for Lady Charlotte. He had no ill-will toward the chit.
The lady in question sniffled, and he glanced at her. Her cheeks were stained scarlet and tears welled in her eyes. His heart hurt for her. He’d wager she wanted their union no more than he did. He turned back to Lord and Lady Montgomery, then pointed to Lady Charlotte. “I daresay your daughter does not look pleased. I would wager she did not go along with your scheme willingly.”
“She is overset with emotions, is all,” Lady Montgomery said. “By the time you walk down the aisle she will be recovered, I assure you, Your Grace.”
Evan raked his hands through his hair. How the devil was he going to fix this? He had to for Ann. His heart squeezed and his throat grew tight. He could not lose her. Somehow, he had to fix this. He could not spend the rest of his days without Ann. She held his heart.
Evan pushed past the tightness in his throat and said, “Give me a few moments with Lady Charlotte.”
“Unchaperoned?” Lady Montgomery exclaimed. “I daresay that will not do—”
“Out!” Evan screamed, pointing at the door.
Lord Montgomery put his arm around his wife. “You have five minutes. Not a second longer.” He steered her from the room.
Evan’s mother rose, gave him a firm nod, then left, closing the door behind her. He burned with rage as he watched her go. How could the woman who’d always protected him betray him in such a way? He could not continence it, and yet she had.
He drew in a deep breath, then looked at Lady Charlotte. “I am sorry,” he said.
“Your Grace, I…” her words trailed off.
Evan pressed his eyes closed and inhaled. Opening them, he met her tear filled gaze. “Is it your wish to marry me?”
Lady Charlotte shook her head, pressing her lips together. “I have no choice.”
“If the choice were yours, would you choose me?”
“I…” She shook her head. “No.”
