Miss Kellaway visibly bristled. “I was not ensnaring you!”
“Were you not competing for my attention against Miss Lyons?” I knew she couldn’t deny that much. I had never seen such an obvious competition in my life, not even in horse racing. “The very moment you learned of my fortune, your behavior toward me changed.”
She narrowed her eyes. “My knowledge of your fortune had nothing to do with it.”
“Then what did?”
Her cheeks darkened. “I do not have to explain myself to you. I may act rashly at times, and dostupidthings that I regret, but I would never choose to marry someone I have no affection for, no matter what fortune he possesses. Lady Cinderford cannot dictate what we make of this unfortunate incident.”
I took a deep breath. “She will not allow the subject to rest. Your reputation depends on a swift resolution of what she witnessed today.”
“I will speak with my brother and ask that he not hold you to it.”
Her stubborn expression made me groan with frustration. “He hasn’t made any demands. I am a gentleman. I am holding myself to it.”
She walked a few paces away, feigning interest in the faux petals of a nearby vase of flowers. A scowl still marked her brow, and she seemed intent not to look at my face. “I would rather have a ruined reputation than be resented forever by my husband.”
“Very well. You may reject my proposal if you wish, but I will still give it.”
She glanced up just as I began walking toward her. I stopped a few feet away. “Miss Alice Kellaway, will you do me the honor of marrying me?” I knew the sardonic tone in my voice was bad form, especially when I said the wordhonor.
It hadn’t gone undetected—I could tell by the sharp glare on her face.
If she wished to prove her point, she would reject my proposal.
Our eyes locked for several seconds, and I was reminded of that moment in the sea when I had nearly kissed her. My heart pounded past my ears so loudly I wondered if she could hear it. My head was foggy, my desires mixing into an unrecognizable mist. Did I want her to reject me? It would free me from my duty toward her and her family.
Of course that was what I wanted. I reminded myself of that fact repeatedly as I awaited her answer.
“Yes.” The word escaped her mouth with force.
I studied her glare a moment longer. Had I heard her correctly? “Yes?”
“I said yes. I will marry you, but only under certain conditions.”
I raised my eyebrows. “You believe yourself to be in a position to be bargaining with me? You should be thanking me for sparing your reputation.”
“You are the one who compromised it in the first place, need I remind you.”
My jaw tightened.
She interlocked her fingers. “You have expressed your disappointment in having to marry me, and I have expressed mine. So as husband and wife, we shall live separate lives, except when it comes to unavoidable social events and weekly appearances at church.”
“That sounds reasonable to me.”
“Good.” She turned around in one swift motion, returning to her seat on the settee. She opened a book that she had left on the tea table, seemingly intent to ignore my presence in the room. “Good day, Mr. Croft. I imagine we will be required to speak again soon.”
I stood rigid for a moment before taking a step toward the door. “Good day, Miss Kellaway.”
She flipped a page of her book, her red cheeks betraying her. She was not as calm and collected as she would have liked to appear. Without another word, I turned and left the room, my stomach in knots. My heart stung for a reason I couldn’t name. My thoughts spun madly as I went out the door and into the street, making my way as far from my future wife as possible.
Chapter Fourteen
ALICE
Dear Charlotte,
I have been struggling to think of the best way to tell you the news. I know you may not wish to hear from me, especially under these circumstances,but I felt that you might resent me even more if I kept the matter of my marriage a secret.I always assumed you would attend my wedding, perhaps help me choose my gown and accessories and how to arrange my hair. You would offer your honest opinion of the groom and all he has to offer.
