“Nothing.” Repeating the insult his father had dealt Sophia would only make him angry once more. “The point is I’ve only one option if I am to make Sophia my wife, and that is to wed her in secret.”
Felicity’s hands flew to her mouth. “No, Jack. You can’t do that.”
“Once it is done, however, I fear Papa will refuse to listen to reason, so if you wish to marry Edward, then I would suggest we work on accomplishing that first.”
“But Edward hasn’t even asked me.”
“Only because he never believed he stood a chance of winning your hand.”
She shook her head and lowered herself to the edge of her bed. “Edward is the finest gentleman there is.”
“Agreed, but his yearly income won’t be much to speak of. Papa will likely point this out and, if he chooses, use this argument to try and encourage you to make a different match.”
“He’s already told me that it would thrill him if I were to form an attachment with Cumberland.”
Jack snorted. “Of course it would. The viscount is like a bloody champion race horse among a bunch of mules. Wealthy, titled, handsome, and young, he would be impossible for any man to compete with if he chose to offer for you.”
“If my heart weren’t otherwise engaged, I’d heartily agree, but how can I marry a man for money and position when I’m in love with someone else?”
“I’ve been asking myself a similar question lately, which is how I realized I need to act – stop Sophia from marrying Edward, ensure I marry her instead, and face whatever the outcome may be. At least she and I will be together. I know we’ll be happy, even if Papa does cut me off and deny me my inheritance.”
Felicity paled. “Deny you your inheritance? Jack what are you talking about? He cannot do that. The house is entailed so it has to go to you.”
“The house yes, but not the funds.”
Felicity narrowed her gaze and rose to her feet with stiff movements. “Are you telling me Papa has threatened to strike you from his will if you marry the woman of your choosing?”
Jack nodded. He’d not meant to reveal so much – had no desire for his own strained relationship with their father to impact his sister’s. But years of bitterness and resentment bottled up inside him caused the words to pop out, unbidden. “It made me so bloody angry I could scarcely see straight.”
“As well it should,” Felicity said. She balled her hands into fists. “Papa has no right.”
“On the contrary, he has every right. It’s his money.”
“That doesn’t make it fair.” She marched past him and flung her door open.
“Felicity, wait. Where are you going?”
“To give Papa a piece of my mind.”
Jack’s heart knocked against his chest. He rushed after her. “You mustn’t. We need to think rationally about this.” He caught her arm and forced her to stop. “The last time I acted in anger I nearly ruined everything.”
Her jaw tightened as she gazed up at him with fiery eyes. “Then what’s your plan?”
“To safeguard your future with Edward. Once that has been achieved, I’ll marry Sophia.”
“Even if it means giving up your inheritance?”
His lips quirked. “Of course. I could hardly claim to love her if I were unwilling to choose her above all else, now could I?”
Felicity scrunched her nose. “You’re certain you don’t want to fight for both?”
He shook his head. “I don’t want to warn Papa of my intentions since doing so will provide him with the chance to stop me. So I’ll take the risk of forfeiting my inheritance.” When she gave him a worried look he said, “Sophia and I will be fine without it. After Papa issued his threat, I worked toward ensuring my independence so I’d have the freedom to do as I please. The returns I’ve made on my investments are substantial, Felicity. You mustn’t concern yourself about that.”
“Very well. If you’re sure.”
“I am.” He glanced toward the hallway clock and noted the time. “Everyone will be heading downstairs for afternoon tea in another ten minutes, so we need to leave now if we’re to avoid being detained.”
“Leave and go where?”
