“Test me if you must,” Jack persisted. “In any way you choose. Allow me to prove my worth or so help me, I’ll challenge you here and now. One thing is certain, I will not let one more person ruin my life, or hers.”
“From where I stand, I just improved her life greatly,” Maypoole drawled with irritating smugness. “But I would hate to have a duel forced upon me, so let’s see...”
Jack held his breath while Maypoole seemed to consider the options. Eventually, the marquess narrowed his gaze and stared straight into Jack’s eyes with unyielding force. “You will have to grovel, beg Society’s forgiveness for your rakish ways, and ensure the papers don’t mention your name for one full year. At the end of which, I’ll reconsider your request to marry my sister.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“And don’t even think of eloping or ruining her to force my hand,” Maypoole added. “Or I will make certain your family suffers the consequence.”
“But if you’re giving Sophia a season then…” Jack swallowed. “Then she will attract attention. Gentlemen will vie for her hand.”
“And she may choose one of them instead. One never knows what it will take to turn a young woman’s head. And since you need to stay out of the papers, you’ll not be able to attend.”
It took every effort Jack possessed to hide his sudden contempt for the marquess. How dare he do this to him and Sophia? How dare he swoop in out of nowhere and lay claim to both their futures? It was beyond the pale. Outrageous and unfair. But since his foe was a powerful man who could easily follow through on his threat, Jack saw no way out. So he stuck out his hand and waited for Maypoole to clasp it.
“I agree to your terms, my lord.”
Maypoole smiled as he shook Jack’s hand. A bitter taste slid over Jack’s tongue. It felt like he’d just made a deal with the devil. The only thing that lifted his spirits later was the kiss Sophia gave him in the Fenmore garden once Maypoole was gone. They’d stepped outside, partly to give Felicity and Edward a chance to reveal their intentions to the Fenmores in private, but also so they could be alone.
Jack wrapped his arms around Sophia and held her close, dreading the moment when they’d have to part. “This is quite a change for you.”
“I still can’t believe it,” she said. “It’s so unexpected.”
“But a welcome surprise?”
“Only in the sense that it makes things easier for you and me.”
Jack smoothed his thumb over her cheek. “Sophia, Maypoole has stipulations.”
She frowned at him. “What do you mean?”
He took a deep breath and told her, ensuring he left nothing out. Her features hardened with every word he spoke, and when he was done, her hands had balled into fists. “He cannot do this, Jack.”
“Of course he can, but at least he’s willing to give us a chance – to give me a chance to truly win you.” He pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Promise me you won’t fall in love with anyone else.”
A gorgeous smile brightened her eyes until they sparkled. “There will never be anyone else, Jack. I will wait for you as long as it takes.”
Bolstered by her words, Jack pressed his mouth to hers, imparting in his kiss all that was in his heart and the dream he had of a future with her by his side.
9
Eastgate Hall.One year later, to the day.
Trepidation hugged Jack’s shoulders as he oversaw the preparations underway in the ballroom. Footmen were standing on ladders so they could hang garlands wrapped in ropes of crystal beads intended to make them shimmer. In the adjacent room where supper would be served, centerpieces made from pine, holly, and mistletoe, all adorned with pinecones and ribbons, were being distributed on each table.
“I see you’re keeping busy,” Kaitlin said. She and her husband, Mr. Irving, had arrived three days earlier and had both helped Jack make the decorations. “It’s coming together nicely.”
Jack nodded. He wanted it to be perfect, so he’d not just seen to collecting all the things required, had not simply supervised the servants as they strung together the pine and tied pretty bows. No, he’d seen to each and every detail, threading beads on string himself and showing everyone how he wanted things done. The result was exactly what he’d hoped for and he could not deny being proud.
“I’m glad you’re here,” he told his sister. He’d not seen much of her since she’d married, but he liked the man she’d picked for her husband. He seemed to dote on Kaitlin and had not been able to contain his obvious excitement when they’d arrived and informed the family they now expected their first child.
“Me too,” Kaitlin said. She moved in closer to Jack and leaned her head against his shoulder. “It’s a wonder how much things can change in a year. I still can’t believe Felicity has a daughter.”
Jack smiled. He’d escorted Kaitlin and Irving to Norham where Felicity and Edward now lived. The small parish was nearly twenty miles east of Ramcroft, but from what Jack gathered, Edward and Felicity were incredibly happy. Their daughter, Amanda, the loveliest one-month-old baby Jack had ever laid eyes on, had held a special place in his heart since the moment he’d met her. She’d also increased his yearning for a family of his own.
All the more reason for him to make certain the ball tomorrow evening would be a smashing success.
“I know what I’m about to say next might make you angry but—”
