“It is true that she is with child.” This from Felicity’s father. “But casting insults on my daughter’s reputation will only harm both our family names.”
But, being that she was the woman involved, Felicity knew it would taint her family more than Axel’s.
“You are pleased with this turn of events?” Crestwood chortled, astonished.
“I’ll not have my daughter insulted in my own house.”
Axel’s mouth pinched so tightly that his lips were almost white. Sensing that he was about to attack his father physically, Felicity rose and all but lunged to grasp his arm.
“It’s not an insult to call a woman a whore if it’s true,” Lord Crestwood said.
Felicity tightened her hands around Axel’s bicep at the same time her mother clutched Lord Brightley’s.
“Now, now. I understand the two of you are somewhat taken aback by this wonderful news!” Felicity’s mother’s voice sounded cheerful despite the brawl that threatened to break out in her drawing room. “And as they are in love, and planning to marry in a few weeks, this isn’t something to fret about.” She turned to Lady Crestwood. “They certainly won’t be the first couple in the ton to give birth to a perfectly normal-sized seven-month baby.”
“Your succession is likely to be assured before year’s end, Father. Surely you must be grateful for that.” Cordelia joined Felicity’s mother in doing what she could to deescalate the stand-off taking place. She met Felicity’s stare with a sympathetic one before turning to their stepmother. “Given time, both of you will realize what wonderful news this is.”
Which finally drew an assenting nod from Axel’s father.
As the tension slowly ebbed out of the room, Felicity’s father’s fists unclenched, and her mother drew in a deep breath.
But beneath her hand, the muscles in Axel’s arm remained taut.
“You will apologize to my fiancée.” His eyes narrowed as he glared at Lord Crestwood and Felicity couldn’t help but shiver. Normally, Axel’s size wasn’t intimidating, but having caught a glimpse of his temper at the park, she was coming to believe a warrior lurked beneath the façade of what most believed to be a gentle giant. “Or meet me on the field of honor.”
He would challenge his own father over her. “But, no!” She turned, intent upon imploring him not to.
“He didn’t mean anything by it, did you, Father?” Lady Cordelia stepped in once again. “Did you, Father? You were simply taken by surprise.”
The room itself seemed to be holding its breath until the Earl nodded. “My apologies, Lady Felicity.”
A whore.
He’d called hera whore.And for what? For lashing back at the rules which had failed her? Felicity dipped her chin. Of course, she would forgive him. He was Axel’s father.
Nonetheless, Felicity fought the numbness creeping over her.Lord Crestwood had called her a whore.The cold feeling spread from her fingers, up her arms, and around her chest.
He wasn’t entirely wrong. Axel had kissed her, but only because she’d practically thrown herself at him. And then she’d all but begged him…
“We’d best be on our way. My thanks for a delightful evening. Send me your list to invite to the ball, and I’ll do the same for the breakfast.” Lady Crestwood moved toward the door, her rouge-colored lips trembling despite her bravado. “Come, Cordelia dear, Crestwood.”
Felicity didn’t move but instead remained clutching Axel while her parents escorted his family downstairs to the foyer. Only when their voices disappeared did either of them move when Axel shook his head as though escaping an unexpected fog.
“I’ll kill him.”
“No. Oh, Axel. I’m so sorry.”
“You have done nothing wrong. I’m the one who’s sorry.” He took hold of her hands. “I’m accustomed to his derision but he’ll never again speak to you in such a manner.”
But she had lain with a man that she hardly knew… and the things Axel had done to her in the woods. The most frightening thing she realized in all of this was that … She wanted more. More of his touch. More of his mouth. Just…
More.
“Do you think that I am—?”
“No.” He raised her hands to his lips. “Never.”
For the past few days, they had pretended to be in love. She knew he cared for her, he’d done nothing but treat her with affection since… since the moment he’d discovered her trapped in the thorns.
