She nodded. He was thinking of quelling rumors, rumors that were, surprisingly, already widespread. Rumors that had no justification.
When she had Elise alone, she would explain that this was not her idea. She was actually agreeing to this marriageforher sisters. Dara didn’t wish them to be destroyed with her.
“If you have any anger,” Mr. Brogan said, speaking to Elise, “direct it at me. Dara is an innocent in all of this.”
“Do you truly believe that?” Elise asked, her tone scornful. “Because I don’t.” She looked to Dara. “Gwendolyn and I were prepared to stand beside you. I value you more than what those toadying gossips say about us. And then you steal him from me? This is beneath you, Dara.”
Each word was a barb because, to Dara, it was true. Every charge she made.
Gwendolyn attempted to explain. “Elise, this has been difficult for Dara.”
“Difficult?” Elise shook her head. “I was fine with my life back in Wicklow. Dara was the one who wanted us here. The one whopushed it.” She pointed a finger at Dara. “I now realize you also dideverythingin your power to keep me from the one man in London I’ve found interesting. I admire him, Dara. I—”
“Elise,let’s go upstairs,”Gwendolyn said, her hands clamping down on her sister’s shoulders.
Elise shook her off. “I listened to you, Dara, because Itrustedyou. I believed that having a suitor who was not approved by my sisters, mybelovedsisters, was not right, even though he was perfect for me. Just perfect. Now I learn what you really wanted was him for yourself. And he isn’t a duke, Dara. Isn’t that what you insisted you wanted? You lied about that, too.”
Dara rocked back on her heels. “I—I didn’t want him. I was going to marry a duke—” She closed her mouth. It all sounded silly right now. The truth was, she’d hurt her sister. That was what was important. “I am only trying to do what is best for you.”
“Then why did you accept his offer?”
“Because circumstances gave me no other choice.”
“Oh, please. Circumstances, Dara?” Elise shook her head. “I know you. There is more to this and you are lying to me. You are acoward, and a terrible sister.” On those words, Elise stormed up the stairs.
Dara felt as if her breath was caught in her chest. Gwendolyn stood in indecision. She looked at Mr. Brogan. “I’m sorry you were a witness to that. Please, excuse me.” She went hurrying up the stairs after Elise.
Tweedie sighed. “Mr. Brogan, perhaps if you would give us some privacy?”
He looked down at Dara, concern in his eyes. “I didn’t mean for this to happen so brutally... However, now it is done.”
She held up a hand. “May we talk later?”
“Yes, of course.” He did not appreciate her response. He stood as if there was something more he should say.
Tweedie came up to him. “All will be well, Mr. Brogan. We just need time for some things to settle. I’m certain you understand.”
He appeared reluctant to leave, but then seemed to realize that was what he was being asked to do, and he should honor Tweedie’s request. He bowed and walked over to the settee for his hat. He left the room, pausing to glance back at Dara before he went. Herald followed him out.
Once they were alone, Tweedie said, “Elise doesn’t mean what she said.”
“She does.” Dara shook her head, blaming only herself. “She is right. I did discourage her from Mr. Brogan, but not for the reason she believes—”
Except, that wasn’t true. “Or perhaps exactly for the reason she suspects.” She looked to Tweedie. “He is a remarkable man.”
“I grant you that,” her great-aunt said.
“But is he worth a rift with my sister?”
“What would you do if you were in her place?”
“Iwasin her place, Tweedie. I believed he wascalling on her. I’ve liked him from the beginning and so it has been hard to watch.”
“Ah, now I understand why you were so surprised by his visit today. You thought he’d been calling on Elise all those afternoons.”
Dara frowned. “He wasn’t?”
“Child, don’t be foolish. The two of you have been flirting with furious whispers you thought no one could hear.”
