“I understand that, Dominic, I truly do. But I swear that I will keep my marital vows. And if Deena chooses to marry me, she gets to stay in London. She keeps her place in Society. She keeps her freedom to live how she wants. There will be no exile. And no hiding. And she will be protected.”
Deena lifted her head at that, and Austin watched as understanding slowly dawned on her.
Dominic approached him and crossed his arms stubbornly.
Damn Archdalls and their unyielding ways.
“And I’m sure that you benefit greatly from this union as well?” He studied Austin with narrowed eyes.
Austin didn’t hesitate. “You know that this is the reason I came here. I had to find a wife. I meant to choose…carefully. I needed someone spotless; someone who’d make my own rumors disappear. Deena is…” He paused, searching for the right word. “Unimpeachable in the ways that matter. She’s an Archdall. She’s intelligent. She’s loyal. And she’s already seen the worst of me and hasn’t run screaming.”
A beat of silence passed between the two friends.
Dominic’s voice dropped dangerously low. “The Velvet Duke and my sister?” He shook his head in disbelief. “The man whose bedroom exploits are printed on every breakfast table in London?”
“Deena has been exploited too.” Austin met his eyes without flinching. He knew he made his point when Dominic said nothing. “Forget our reputations, Dom. Look at it as though you’re handing your sister to the man who’s spent the last week protecting her. I want her to be safe and happy. . I want her to experience all the good things life has to offer. I believe that you’ll be handing her over to your loyal best friend who truly cares about her.”
Dominic’s fists clenched at his sides as the two of them faced each other. Austin was prepared to be punched in the face. He expected nothing less from the Stone Duke, but his friends eyes softened and when Selina spoke, his fists relaxed.
“Dominic. Austin’s right about one thing. If Deena marries a duke, any duke, the doors that are slamming shut right now will swing wide open again. And her scandal will eventually become… background noise. People will forgive a great deal when there’s a coronet involved.”
Dominic spoke without looking at her. “You’re agreeing with this, Selina?”
“I’m saying it’s an option.” Selina’s voice stayed calm. “A strong one. And it’s better than exile.”
“Better than forcing her to live alone in the country with a potential madman who’s after her,” Their grandmother added drily.
Deena finally moved. Her voice was quiet, but Austin and the others did not miss it.
“I can’t marry him.”
Every head turned to her.
Dominic’s tone softened instantly. “Dee?—”
“I can’t.” She looked at Austin, eyes glistening. “I can’t marry you just to save myself. It’s not fair to you.”
Austin’s chest constricted. Even in the heat of their situation, she affected him so. He longed to hold her, wipe her tears away and remind her that she was more than what people say.
“Deena—”
“No.” She shook her head. “You deserve someone who wants the title. Someone who wants the position.”
Austin stepped forward. “It’s not about what we want anymore; it’s about convenience.”
She stilled again and he feared that she may remain silent again.
Deena stared at him. “You don’t mean that. Selina told me that you’re looking for therightwoman. I’m clearly not right for anyone.”
How untrue her words are.
“I was looking for the right woman.” He held her gaze. “I’ve spent the last week watching every eligible woman in this house parade past me. And, Deena, I’ve come to realize that there is no such thing as the right wife or husband,” He said matter-of-factly.
Not one of them made me feel anything close to what you do.
Dominic cleared his throat. “Austin, if Deena does not?—”
“Dom, I know this isn’t how either of us pictured it. I know it’s fast. I know it’s messy. But I also know I can’t stand here and watch you and your entire family be driven out of London again. Not when I can stop it. Not when a simple marriage can fix everything.” A moment of understanding passed between them.
