“This is entirely too absurd,” Christopher turned his anger to Rachel again. “You need to amend this situation.”
Rachel looked to the floor again. Could he not see thathewas the reason that she had been forced to take such desperate measures?
“Viscount, I told you not to speak to her in this manner,” Simon interrupted him, “but you seem incapable of following instruction, so I suggest that you leave the room instead.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Do I need to repeat myself?” Simon warned. “I would like to speak to the lady in private.”
“But—”
“Now, please.” Simon left no room for argument. It was an odd sight, watching her father get ordered around.
Christopher exhaled sharply. He knew better than to argue with a duke. Grumbling under his breath, he finally left the room. Letitia followed after him.
And then Rachel was alone with the duke for the first time.
“So, you are Rachel Montrose,” he said. “Finally, I am getting the chance to meet you in person. Though that has not stopped you from going around speaking about me.”
“Your Grace— you must… I…” Rachel’s cheeks flushed.
How could I even begin to explain myself?
“It is quite strange, though. For someone who has been bragging about our engagement to the ton, youdonot seem to want to actually marry me.” His words were sharp, and never once did he take his eyes off her.
She said nothing.
“Answer me,” he said to her, more forcefully this time.
“No,” Rachel admitted. “I did not think that it would come to this.”
Simon stepped closer.
“Then perhaps you should have thought twice before going about and saying this to everyone,” he warned. “The rumors will not vanish because you wish them to.”
“I…” she stuttered. “Truthfully, I did not think that the news would ever reach you. If I had known, then I would have thought twice before spreading rumors.”
“No, you wouldn’t have,” he corrected.
Rachel considered it. Perhaps he was right. She was desperate to get her sister married off after all.
“Then you should know that I did this only for my sister to give her a better future,” she replied.
“And there are no other options for her to have a better future?”
Rachel let out a defeated sigh. “Not in this house.”
Simon stepped even closer, and Rachel worriedly glanced at the door. If anyone were to walk in now, then Rachel would find herself in even more trouble.
“Too bad that you are going to have to face the consequences of your actions now,” Simon whispered.
Rachel felt a shiver run down her spine. He grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. It was sudden, but she could not tear her gaze from him.
“C—consequences?”
“Yes,my dear.”The words took her off guard. “You are about to learn what they are.”
Rachel tried to move her head, but he held her face firmly in place.
