This was not news to Julian, nor was he surprised that Father had tried to force Grayson into doing his duty.
“You are the one that I have always wanted. Not Grayson, but he was a means to an end.”
She was far more manipulative and sinister than he ever gave her credit for. “What are you saying Imogene?”
“I knew that once I was with child and I went to my brother, he would insist on your brother doing the right thing. We both know that Grayson would not lower himself to marry the likes of me. I was simply someone to satisfy his needs until he tired of me and went on to another.”
“You could have gone to my father. He would have forced a marriage.”
“You are not listening.” She stomped her foot. “I never wanted Grayson. I wanted you.”
“I do not understand how you thought to gain me by allowing Grayson to seduce you.”
“Not the seduction, but the baby.” She placed a hand against her stomach. “When Grayson refused to marry me, I knew that my brother would challenge him. I also know that my brother is an excellent shot.”
Julian sank down into a chair “You set my brother up to be killed?”
“Only so we could be together.”
All Julian could do was stare at her. Imogene was mad.
Imogene rushed forward and dropped to her knees before Julian. “I have loved you for so long. I knew that we had to be together. And I knew that as soon as we wed that you would see it too.”
Julian quickly rose and put the chair between him and her.
“I can make you happy. I will make us so happy. In time you will love me too. You will see.”
“I do not love you, Imogene. And after what you have just told me, how can you believe that I ever would?”
She pulled herself from the floor and waved a hand in dismissal. “You did not care for your brother and his death puts you in line for the title.”
Julian gaped at her. “He was my brother! We may not have gotten along, but he was still my brother, and you might as well have arranged his murder.”
“But darling I love you and that's all we need.”
To think he thought her timid and shy. It was all a ploy to get what she wanted.
“You don't know me well enough to love me. We had not even spoken, let alone been introduced when you set your plan in motion.”
“But you are all I dream of. I needed a way to make you mine.”
“I will never be yours. You got your wish. We are married. That is all.”
“You shall see. Your father will make you love me.”
At that Julian laughed. “My father cares only about that child you carry. Further, once he learns how you manipulated everything and got his favored son killed, you will be lucky if he does not send you from this house. As it is, don't expect a home here after your child is born. You will not be welcome, but your child will be.”
“You cannot keep a mother from her child,” Imogene argued.
“You are a woman and have no rights. If I want to raise that child on my own and keep him or her from their mother, I will.”
It was a threat he never dreamed that he would ever make. In fact, he abhorred men who used children against their wives. His own mother had been so dear to him and there were times he still mourned her loss. However, Imogene was ruthless if not a bit mad, and his concern was the influence she would have on her child.
He may not go so far as to keep them separated. However, he would be a strong influence in that child's life just so that they did not end up like their mother.
Julian marched to the bellpull and gave it a yank. “I suggest you return to your chamber because my valet will be here shortly.”
“But we are not finished with our discussion.” She reached for the hem of her gown and started to raise it.
