"What? The good bishop is concerned about our spiritual connection. I'm offering to explain exactly how connected we are. A profound shared closeness that has been frequently indulged.”
Clara squeezed his hand in warning, though she was fighting not to laugh at the bishop's expression.
"This is exactly the sort of behavior that concerns me," Lady Agatha said. "You're being deliberately provocative."
"I'm being honest. Something this family has very little experience with, I understand."
"Your Grace," the solicitor spoke for the first time, "I'm here to discuss the legal impediments to this matrimony."
"What impediments?" Edmund asked from his position by the window. "They're both of age, neither is currently wedded, and I'm fairly certain they're not related. What other impediments could there be?"
"The impediment of mental capacity," the solicitor said smoothly. "There are questions about His Grace's state of mind that suggest he may not be competent to enter into a matrimonial contract."
"Based on what evidence?" Gabriel demanded.
"Based on your erratic behavior, social withdrawal, excessive drinking, and now this sudden decision to wed a woman of no standing who appeared under mysterious circumstances…"
"Mysterious circumstances?" Clara interrupted. "I arrived seeking employment. There's nothing mysterious about poverty and desperation."
"Ah, but there's the inheritance, isn't there?" Pemberton said silkily. "Quite convenient, discovering you're an heiress just as His Grace proposes matrimony."
"We didn't know about the inheritance until yesterday," Gabriel said. "And I proposed before we knew about it."
"So you say. But who's to verify that? It could all be part of an elaborate scheme…"
"The only scheme here is yours," Edmund interrupted. "What did Lady Agatha promise you, Pemberton? Money? Connections? Or just the chance to revenge yourself on a woman who had the temerity to refuse you?"
Pemberton's face flushed. "I'm simply providing character testimony…"
"You're providing lies and implications because you can't bear that Clara chose poverty over your advances," Gabriel said. "And now you're angry that she's chosen me over whatever sick fantasies you've been harboring."
"How dare you…"
"I dare because it's true. You tried to force yourself on her, she refused, you had her dismissed, and now you want to punish her further for the crime of finding happiness despite your attempts to ruin her."
"You have no proof of any of that."
"Actually," Edmund said cheerfully, "I do. Amazing what servants will share when properly motivated. Your former footman, Thomas, was quite forthcoming about your behavior toward the female staff. I have sworn statements from three former housemaids describing your 'wandering hands' and 'inappropriate advances.'"
The room went silent again. Pemberton had gone from red to white.
"That's... that's slander."
"It's testimony that I'm happy to make public if you continue this harassment," Edmund said. "Imagine what the ton would say. Lord Pemberton, unable to seduce his governess, following her across the county to prevent her marriage to a duke. It has all the makings of a spectacular scandal."
"You wouldn't dare."
"Try me," Edmund said pleasantly. "I have very little to lose and find the prospect of your social destruction enormously entertaining."
"Enough," Lady Agatha said sharply. "Lord Pemberton, perhaps you should leave."
"But you said…"
"I said nothing that suggested you should use my nephew's betrothal as an opportunity to pursue your petty vengeances. Leave. Now."
Pemberton looked between them all, his face contorting with rage, before storming out, slamming the door behind him.
"Well," Gabriel said mildly. "That's one problem solved. Shall we address the bishop's concerns about our spiritual compatibility, or would you prefer to have your solicitor explain why I'm too insane to wed the woman I love?"
