But for now, Priscilla deeply regretted their decision to go ahead with this deception. And although she couldn’t take back what she’d already done, they could put an end to it today.
They could cut their losses—make matters right.
“What we’re doing isn’t fair to Lord Hardwood. It’s cruel.” Priscilla separated Chloe’s hair into three different sections. “His only crime is attempting to uphold his side of an agreement he made with Mr. Meadowbrook.”
“When a lady tells a gentleman no, he ought to accept her decision gracefully.”
“Yes.” That was true. And Priscilla didn’t fully comprehend Lord Hardwood’s persistence. He certainly didn’t seem to be greedy.
But if he wasn’t as money-hungry as Chloe said, then why not take Allison’s rejection gracefully? Priscilla tied off the end of Chloe’s long braid with a ribbon and then stepped back to admire her handiwork. “He hasn’t forced Allison into doing anything she doesn’t want to do.” Priscilla stared down at the ribbon. “All he’s done is act perfectly charming.”
Chloe narrowed her gaze suspiciously. “Exactly how charming?”
“Too charming.” So charming that I can hardly keep my hands off him. How would Chloe respond if she knew that?
“What did you do?” Chloe turned on the chair accusingly. She knew her all too well.
“I… allowed him to kiss me.” And before Chloe could go off in a temper, Priscilla hastened to add, “But I’ve been quite upfront about never marrying him.”
Chloe was on her feet now, pacing across the room. “He’s hardly going to believe you don’t want to marry him if you allow intimacies.”
Priscilla knew this. More than I should.
“He’s a rake then. He thinks you’re seven and ten! By having seduced you to engage in inappropriate behavior, he’s taking advantage of you. And those are not the actions of an honorable gentleman.”
For a moment, Priscilla imagined Lord Lockley’s face. But they were discussing Emerson!
Disoriented momentarily, Priscilla required a moment to further her argument. “True, Chloe, but he doesn’t deserve this,” she defended him. “No one deserves being lied to like this.” Furthermore, he’d saved Fiddlesticks, for heaven's sakes!
And miracle of miracles, Chloe nodded. “I know. But that changes nothing.” She crossed the room solemnly to withdraw a small envelope from her reticule. “Primm slipped me this before we left.” The distinctive handwriting on the outside of the envelope confirmed the identity of the author.
Chloe reached for her spectacles and adjusted them to perch at the lowest point of her nose.
“Fortune,” Chloe began reading out loud.
“I’ve no wish to burden Miss Fellowes more than I already have or exert undue pressure, but I’m compelled to impart to you that the consequences of her failing to put an end to this betrothal are dire indeed. It is, in fact, vital that we prevent Miss Meadowbrook from spreading rumors that will compromise the school’s reputation.
“With my personal funds currently inaccessible, and with my brother recently having sunk most of his money into Longbow Castle, I’m finding myself in the most unusual circumstance of having to turn to the bank to acquire the funds to have the foundation repaired. If the bank’s manager hears any whispers that the school’s reputation has been compromised, he’s likely to deny the loan.
“I hate to bother you with these troubles, but I feel you can be trusted to ensure that Miss Fellowes accomplishes our ridiculously deceitful little mission.
“You have all my support and good wishes. Do not hesitate to send for me if necessary. This is more important than anyone can ever know.
“Confidentially yours,
“Primm.
“So, you see…” Chloe winced.
“I’ve no choice but to follow through with it.”
“No,” Chloe agreed. “You don’t.”
Romance Her
Long after Miss Meadowbrook made her hasty exit, Emerson sat slumped on the settee, focused on the throbbing in his foot, hoping it would take his mind off his thwarted libido.
When that only proved to heighten his discomfort, he closed his eyes and rubbed his thumb along his cock.
