“I realize that,” Caleb said, stepping forward to offer his hand, “but we felt, under the circumstances, that formalities could be set aside.”
Rosedale’s eyes narrowed. He looked a moment at Caleb’s hand, then turned away, dabbing a handkerchief to his lips. “What circumstances?”
Judith didn’t care for the way he’d snubbed Caleb. “You’re engaged to my cousin, Victoria.” She stepped past Caleb and went to stand in front of Rosedale, who had plopped his obese frame into a large overstuffed chair.
“You are the woman who stole her inheritance,” the large man said matter-of-factly.
Judith was surprised by his comment. “I did no such thing. I didn’t even know there was a fortune to be had. My grandmother arranged for my share to be given to me.”
“Your share and everyone else’s. I have knowledgeable friends who assure me that you now hold the family purse strings.” He paused a moment and gave her a once-over. “You are without a husband, I believe?”
“She’s engaged to marry me,” Caleb interjected. “However, her marital status isn’t the reason we’ve come. We wanted to know if you knew about the death of Victoria’s family. Obviously you do, so we’ll move on. Have you informed Victoria?”
“Why should I? It’s hardly my job to be a messenger.”
“I would think you’d want to offer her comfort in her time of loss.” Judith could hardly believe his callous attitude. “She no doubt has heard about the earthquake and fire and must long for news of her family.”
“I seriously doubt Victoria has worried overmuch about anything of the sort. She’s not given to sentimentality. However, there is something I will address with you regarding that young woman. Since I have become aware that she has been left practically penniless, I find that I must reevaluate the nature of our relationship.”
“But Victoria isn’t—”
Judith was about to set him straight and explain that Victoria was far from penniless, but Caleb squeezed her arm. She looked at him and saw something in his expression that suggested she remain silent.
“You would abandon your fiancée because of her inheritance?” Caleb questioned.
“More like herlackof inheritance,” the man said, dabbing at his mouth again. “The arrangement was made purely for financial reasons ... and the unfortunate necessity to produce an heir.”
Judith shuddered. The thought of marriage to this pompous toad was something she wouldn’t force on anyone—not even her mean-spirited cousin.
“I’m afraid the loss of her family and wealth has left me with no choice but to discharge our agreement. In fact, I’ve already attended to the matter legally. My lawyer has tendered the papers to the Whitleys’ law firm. Any further concerns you have, I suggest you take to them.”
“Very well,” Caleb said evenly. “Would you, however, be so gracious as to give us the name and location of the school in Switzerland where Miss Whitley can be reached?”
“I have no idea where it is, nor its title. I’m sure you can learn that from the law firm as well. Now, I bid you good day.” He stared at Judith and Caleb with blank indifference.
Caleb didn’t even bother to reply. He pulled Judith toward the door so quickly that she almost lost one of her shoes. He didn’t wait for the butler or anyone else to show them back through the labyrinth of rooms, but made his way through the house as if he’d lived there all his life. It wasn’t until they were well down the road that he let out what could only be described as a growl.
“That man was abominable.”
“He was indeed.” Judith shook her head. “I’ve never met anyone quite so terrible, and that includes my cousins—one of whom tried to kill me. I’m glad you kept me from setting him straight about Victoria’s inheritance.”
“I felt fairly confident the arrangement was purely for the purpose of marrying money to money. He doesn’t need to know that your grandmother set aside money for Victoria. He doesn’t need anything but a good swift kick to the backside.”
“Or a fist to the mouth.”
Caleb turned at Judith’s comment. The scowl left his face, and he began to laugh. She was glad to see the darkness pass from him. She looped her arm through his.
“I’m so glad we’re together because of love. If you were marrying me for my fortune, I would be devastated,” she said.
Caleb sobered. “There are some who will say I’m doing just that. After all, we didn’t become engaged until after I learned your true identity and that you were an heiress.”
“Do you really think I care about that?”
He shrugged. “People can be cruel. I’ve seen all manner of suspicion created where money was concerned.”
“I don’t care what others might say.” Judith met his gaze. “I only care about what you say. I know the truth, and so do you. Most importantly, God knows our hearts.”
His expression grew tender. “I do love you, Miss Whitley. I would love you even if you were just Judith Gladstone, a poor girl from Colorado. Your money doesn’t matter to me. I’ll even sign papers to relinquish all rights to any say over your fortune.”
