“Lord Middlemarch, how kind of you to pay us a visit,” her aunt said. “Please sit down. Shall I call for tea?”
“No,” he said abruptly, leaning slightly on his walking stick. “I won’t be long. I have something of great importance to discuss with Miss Sheldon.”
“Of great importance,” her aunt repeated, raising her eyebrows. “Do you need a moment alone?”
Alone.Kate’s stomach sank. That could only mean one thing. He’d secured the marriage license and wanted to set a date.
“That won’t be necessary. As her chaperone, it’s important that you hear what I have to say.”
“Very well.” Her aunt gestured again to the dark blue velvet armchair, indicating that Middlemarch should sit.
Middlemarch relented and sat on the edge of the chair, his back rigid. The two women sat on the settee opposite and looked at him expectantly. He cleared his throat. “It has come to my attention that Miss Sheldon was spotted in St. James’s’ Park unchaperoned while in the company of a gentleman this morning.”
Kate straightened her back and looked Middlemarch directly in the eyes. “Yes, I went for a stroll in the park early this morning and bumped into Lord Knox. We exchanged a few words and then went our separate ways.”
“So you admit that you went to the park unchaperoned and spent time alone with a gentleman?”
“Yes, but there was no harm done.”
“You were seen. Of course, there was harm done. You are an unmarried woman, unchaperoned and alone with a gentleman. Do you suppose I shall tolerate a wife who conducts herself like a bawd?”
Aunt Jane inhaled sharply.
Heat spread across Kate’s cheeks. She opened her mouth to speak, but her aunt cleared her throat loudly and said, “You are correct, my lord. Kate should not have left the house unchaperoned. On the other hand, there is no need for you to insult and disrespect her in such a manner.”
Middlemarch’s features hardened. “Insult her? It is she who insults and disrespects me with her conduct. If she is to be my wife, then—”
“If, my lord? Aunt Jane said pointedly.
“WhenKate learns to respect me.” Middlemarch said through gritted teeth. Then he turned to Kate. “I want you to stay indoors. You may no longer venture outdoors for more than one hour a day. And you must be chaperoned at all times. Is that understood?”
Kate’s chest flamed. Middlemarch had gone too far in trying to lock her up. She could not marry him—she would not do it!
“You’re too late,” she blurted.
“What?” Middlemarch narrowed his eyes.
“I can no longer marry you because I accepted Lord Knox’s proposal this morning.” Kate’s heartbeat accelerated. She could not believe the words that had just come out of her mouth!
“You what? That’s impossible. You are betrothed to me! We have a contract!”
He was right, of course. She’d entered the auction with her eyes open. And she’d agreed to marry the highest bidder. But Lord Knox’s words gave her courage.Middlemarch won’t be a problem.She squared her shoulders. “I’m breaking the contract,” she said calmly. “I’m sorry, Lord Middlemarch, but I don’t think we are a good match.”
“No one asked you to think. Your job is to look pleasant, and do as I say,” he snarled. “You belong to me! I paid good money for you!”
Kate gritted her teeth, forcing herself to remain calm. It would do no good to give him the satisfaction of upsetting her. “No matter,” she said. “I’m marrying the Earl of Knox, and not you.”
Middlemarch’s lips curved into an ugly smirk. “We shall see about that.”
He turned and strode furiously toward the door, pausing as he passed the blue and white porcelain vase filled with flowers perched on a small table. He lifted his walking stick and swatted the vase as though it were a cricket ball. The fragile glass shattered on impact, sending water, petals, and blue and white shards through the air.
Kate gasped, but Middlemarch did not even turn around. He continued his furious walk and exited the room.
Chapter Seven
Kate and heraunt stared in shock at the shattered mess on the floor.
“How dare he?” Aunt Jane fumed. “Who does he think he is coming into my home and behaving in such a boorish manner?”
