“The doctor who examined her this morning was of the opinion she’d been given a dose of some drug.I’m sure he will be glad to confirm it to any court.In fact, I might report the incident myself.”
Blaxland’s face paled.“Dammit, you can’t do that.I’m the head of her family.You have no right to—”
“To rescue her from an unwelcome marriage?As the head of her family, you are a disgrace.Now sit down, you fool—I’m not going to hit you again, much as I’d like to.I have a proposition for you.”
Warily, Blaxland sat on the edge of the bed, clearly poised to leap from it if Marcus attacked.“What sort of proposition?”
“A monetary one.”
His eyes narrowed.“Go on.”
“I understand you are deep in debt.”
He made a dismissive gesture.“Temporary shortage, nothing to be concerned about.”
“Really?So you’re not worried about the interest the Greeling brothers have taken in you?”
Blaxland stiffened.“The Greeling brothers?How the devil— What have you heard?”He glanced worriedly at the doorway, as if Marcus had brought the Greelings with him and they were lurking outside.
“I understand they are in pursuit of you—or rather, the rather large sum of money you owe them.”He waited a moment, then added, “Of course, you could always explain about the temporary shortage, though they do have something of a reputation for impatience, I believe.But I’m sure if you explain, they’ll understand.”
Blaxland snorted.“They’ll break both my legs first.And that’ll just be the start.”
“Tsk tsk, that sounds a trifle harsh,” Marcus said pleasantly.
Blaxland glared at him.“What’s it to you, Renfrew?And why the devil have you come back here?To taunt me?”
“No, to offer you a proposition.”
Blaxland leaned forward.“Spit it out then.”
“I will pay you five hundred pounds.”
Blaxland’s eyes narrowed.“In exchange for what?I’ve nothing to sell—” He broke off with a knowing smile.“Oh, I see.Sniffing around my sister, aren’t you?Very well, you can have her, but I’ll want more than a monkey.I owe more than five times that to the Greelings alone.A lot more.”
Marcus frowned.“Are you offering to arrange a marriage between us?”he said silkily.
Blaxland said indifferently, “Marriage or not—it’s up to you.She’s used goods, no virgin after all.”
Marcus clenched his fists—the man was despicable—but he managed to say in a cool voice, “So, you would sell me your sister for three thousand pounds?”
“Sir Henry would have paid more, but the bastard will be running shy after that wedding debacle—which is all your fault, I’ll remind you.”He added bitterly, “And as you pointed out, the Greelings are not known for their patience.”
“No, I believe not.At any rate, I have no intention of buying your sister or any other woman—”
“Then what the devil are you playing at?”
“—and I certainly won’t pay you three thousand pounds.The offer was for five hundred, but there are conditions.”
“What conditions?”
“I will purchase you a one-way ticket to America, which will take you out of reach of the Greelings.”
Blaxland thought for a moment, then his face took on a cunning expression.“I see, let the hue and cry die down.Very well, I’ll accept your proposition.When can I have the money?I can arrange my own passage.”
“I haven’t finished yet,” Marcus said coldly.
Blaxland gestured impatiently.“Get to the point then.”
