She said nothing.
He thought of what he’d done earlier that day and while he had wanted it to be a surprise after their wedding day, he decided that he needed to reveal his trump card now. “What if I told you that I’m keeping Belmont Hall?”
He was glad to see interest spark in her eyes. “I thought your father wanted to sell it?”
“He did, but there were too many memories there for me to ignore. From the days of my childhood, the vineyard—” He slowly moved closer to her. “—and recently when you were there, I realized that I couldn’t part with it. I intend to fill the nursery and do what my parents always wanted me to do—marry and start a family.”
Elwood waited patiently for her to understand the ramifications of his actions. He prayed that she would see how much she meant to him now.
“I think it’s wonderful what you are doing,” she began, her voice trembling as she spoke. “But what happens when the honeymoon has reached its conclusion? I don’t want to be another conquest, Lord Belmont. I want to be with someone who will love me and cherish me the way I deserve.”
His mouth twisted. “And you believe Matthew is the one who can accomplish that?” He reached out and grasped her arms. “I felt the way you responded to my touch. You are the one who is facing an unsatisfying future with a man who is entirely wrong for you. We belong together, Meliah.”
Her throat worked as she swallowed. “I’m sorry,” she whispered harshly. “But like writing, it is just another impossible dream. I have made my decision. What happened at thathunting box was a mistake.Wewere a mistake. You have to let me go and move on as I have done. Goodbye, my lord.”
Elwood wanted to stop her, but when she pulled away from him, he did as she asked and let her go. However, what she didn’t know was that he was determined, and he wasn’t going to lose this fight so easily.
He might had lost this battle, but he would win the war, and he knew what to do to ensure victory.
CHAPTER 16
Three weeks later…
Meliah glancedat her reflection in the looking glass on her dressing table. Although it was aged with time, it told her what she needed to know. It was her wedding day, and her eyes were red and puffy from the crying she’d done the night before. The sunlight pouring through the single pane window was almost ridiculous in its glory when she was feeling so miserable on what should be the most joyous day of her life.
Surely Lord Belmont had to know how much she would suffer from his words, how desperately she wanted to believe him and ignore the rest of the world and run away into his waiting arms. It was her pride that kept her from doing so, and the love for her mother and father. They had sacrificed much over the years to ensure that she’d had a good education and had a roof over her head and food in her belly. There were times it was tough, but they had survived.
She would survive Lord Belmont too.
There was a knock at her door, and it opened to reveal her mother. Meliah turned in her pale yellow frock with tearsshining in her eyes. She tried to say that they were tears of joy, but there was no use deceiving herself. At least she could take heart in the veil that had been handsewn by her mother years ago as part of her trousseau. The chest also included a soft, wool blanket, a handmade cloak, and several embroidered handkerchiefs. However modest it all might be, she couldn’t have asked for more to begin her new life.
“You look lovely, Meliah,” her mother said lightly. “Are you nervous?”
She hoped this wasn’t the moment when her mother gave her the wedding night talk. It was much too late for that. She feared what she might do if Matthew learned she was no longer a virgin, but considering his innocent actions lately, she was doubtful he would be able to tell. “I’m fine,” she returned demurely.
Her mother paused, and Meliah wondered if something was amiss. Unable to keep her curiosity to herself, she asked, “What’s wrong?”
She waved a hand. “Why don’t we sit down.” Meliah did as her mother suggested. Once they were settled across from each other, Meliah noticed the paper held in her mother’s grasp. Immediately, a shiver of apprehension trailed up her spine.
“Are you truly in love with Matthew?”
Meliah hadn’t been prepared for such a direct question. She cleared her throat. “I’m sure, given enough time, that it will grow, the same as it did for you and Papa.”
Her mother sighed heavily. “I don’t want this marriage to take place unless you are truly happy.” She glanced down at theTimes. “After reading a certain article this morning, I have to wonder if your heart is already spoken for.”
Meliah’s brows drew together. “What are you talking about?”
The paper was handed to her. “See for yourself.”
Trying to keep her hand from shaking, Meliah took the paper and slowly unfolded it. Turning to the gossip section, she startedto read. When her ears started to buzz and her eyes blurred, she had to read it once more. And then another time…
I was recently targeted as the Rake of the Month by the notorious, Brazen Belle. For those in society who know me, you will have understood that particular title was highly earned. I had every intention of remaining just as I was, but there is something I have learned during my recent exile from society.
I took pleasure in whatever form I could find, whether it be a partner (or several) and my own devices. In the recent days I’ve discovered something very interesting. While I used to eschew mutual affection of any sort, I found someone who has made me complete. She is the other half of my soul that I did not know was missing. Because of her, I want to be a better person. I want to leave my licentious days behind me. I want… her.
Alas, she is to be married to another this very day and I am at the crux of my honor whether to interfere and ruin what might be a perfect union, or whisk her away to Gretna Green where she will be mine forever. I have always been a gentleman who took what he wanted without a second thought, further proof that I am forever changed.
Perhaps you might help to redeem my soul, readers of society. The lady in question is Miss N—and she lives on Brick Lane. Her parents have a modest weaver shop and I pray this sends some extra business their way, but more than that, I wish for one last chance to prove my devotion.
