But now here he was, kneeling before her in Prescott’s study, holding her hand, and she’d consented to marry him.
Although something in his heart thrilled at her response, another part was terrified. Had he just doomed himself to a lifetime of pain? Would she stray? After last night, he knew she was attracted to him but once that passed, would she move on to another? Would she replace him with more sophisticated lovers?
He wanted to believe she was the woman he’d first imagined but the lies perpetrated by her and Miss Goodnight left him with doubts.
And yet, she gazed into his eyes with a determined glint he’d not expected. He swallowed hard and then raised her fingertips to his lips. Closing his eyes, he sent up a prayer as he kissed her soft, fragrant skin.
“Thank you.” And although he knew she believed he was doing this as an act of kindness, he meant the words wholeheartedly. “But no more lies.” If they were to stand a chance at happiness, he needed to be able to trust her.
She nodded.
“I will speak with your mother and then depart shortly afterward. If your father has no objections, we can begin having the banns read this Sunday and you can plan for a ceremony in London. I don’t think we should delay any longer than necessary.”
And then he supposed he’d be obliged to introduce her to his cousins at Carlisle House. Hell, he’d be obliged to introduce himself. If he’d ever met any of them before, he couldn’t remember now.
Her eyes flew open wide. “But I’d thought… I expected you’d want to simply elope.” Fear entered her eyes. “Or can we simply marry here? I can’t return to London until everything is settled. Can’t we just get the ceremony out of the way andthenreturn to London?”
“We will not simplyget the ceremony out of the way.” He ground the words out. Obviously, she didn’t realize what it was going to take to restore her reputation. As her intended, he needed to address the wager at White’s in his own way. Marrying, by itself, would not be enough. Had she simply eloped with Blakely, it would have taken years for her to be able to return to theton. And even then, he doubted she’d be afforded any respect.
No, he had work to do. Dropping her hands, he pushed himself up from the floor. He then strode across the room and opened the door. Not surprisingly, Her Grace was pacing just beyond it. “Will you have Mrs. Mossant summoned?” He didn’t mean for the words to sound as demanding as they had. “If you please, Your Grace?” he added.
She nodded and scurried away.
His Way
“But I was under the impression you were going to offer for Miss Goodnight.” Mrs. Mossant sat stiffly on the long leather settee in Prescott’s study. Sophia, Prescott, Cecily, and Mr. Nottingham were present as well.
Justin had declared all would be aboveboard from this point forward.
Rhoda tried not to bristle at Carlisle’s high handedness. He’d refused even to contemplate the notion of an elopement and when she’d tried to suggest he obtain a special license, he’d denied that request as well. When had he become so very overbearing?
“Mama, Emily is eloping withLord Blakely.” Rhoda didn’t know how much she ought to confess to her mother about all of this.
“Not that I’m opposed to Lord Carlisle.” Her mother sent a meaningful glance toward the earl.
Toward her daughter’s fiancé.
Of course not! Her mother expected Rhoda to marry no less than an earl after having been squired about by St. John! “But I admit to being confused. And a little concerned. My Lord,” she addressed Carlisle. “Forgive me for asking, but how can you turn your affections so easily? Just last night, you were, ah, rather… exhibiting a great deal of it toward Miss Goodnight. And now, you are offering formydaughter?”
These questions surprised Rhoda. She’d expected her mother to do no less than express glee at the engagement of her oldest daughter.
“I understand your concerns, Mrs. Mossant.” Justin resembled the former vicar right now more than the high-handed earl Rhoda had become engaged to. “To be perfectly honest with you, I had thought Miss Goodnightwasyour daughter. I’ve carried my affection for Miss Mossant for several months now. Since last summer’s unfortunate event, in fact, at Priory Point.”
Rhoda watched him speak. He’d told her there would be no more lies.
Upon his words, her mama brightened. “Ah, well then. Of course, I give you my blessing.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” His expression had turned inscrutable, once again. “There is something else, though, that I feel you must be made aware of.”
Rhoda’s insides flipped in her stomach. Laying all of this bare before her mother left her feeling rather naked. Sophia and Cecily knew of it, of course. But she squirmed in her seat that it was to be discussed with their husbands present.
Her mother appeared mildly curious but simply nodded, giving him permission to continue.
“The gentlemen of thetonhave instigated some egregious behavior toward your daughter.”
Her mama lowered her brows and frowned.
“There is a wager, at White’s. Rumors spread by the late Marquess of St. John have done considerable damage to her reputation.”
