Page 47 of Scandalous: Family Ties and Spies

“Forgive me again, my lady, but I find it hard to believe Amalie is capable of acting like a woman in love.”

“My daughter knows what’s at stake. She’s a Rockwood and is more than capable of rising to the occasion.” Lady Patience’s words were filled with a conviction Valeran didn’t feel, and he heard her sigh softly. “It’s the only way to stifle the gossip, and we’re convinced it will work.”

“I think the only ones convinced of that are you, my mother, and the rest of the Rockwood women. My uncles are far from excited about the success of this plan.”

Jamie’s words made his future mother-in-law turn her head sharply in his best friend’s direction. The woman didn’t say a word, but her stiff posture made it clear she was most likely glaring at her nephew. Still not convinced, Valeran saw Lady Patience turn back toward him, and he shook his head slightly. Amalie’s mother immediately leaned forward at his obvious reluctance.

“Trust me, Val, this will work, and it’s the only way to stifle the gossip.”

§ § §

For the next two weeks, the cascade of visits Lady Patience had promised had included every male member of the Rockwood family, except for one. Amalie’s father. Every man had come alone, an indication of their willingness to suffer their licks and bruises beneath Valeran’s scorn. Each man, including the older Rockwood men, had expressed genuine regret without once attempting to excuse their actions. Instead, they’d acknowledged their unjust and undeserved behavior was a disgrace to the Rockwood family’s belief in honor.

As the family patriarch, the Earl of Melton had apologized for not only his lack of faith in Valeran, but for his lack of support the night Amalie was found in Valeran’s rooms. Sebastian had grimly acknowledged his failure as the head of the family to intercede and stop the inquisition Valeran had endured.

Each of the Rockwood men had made it clear in their humble, heartfelt statements of regret that they understood why Valeran had felt betrayed. They’d admitted their lack of faith in him had been not only a slap in the face, but their actions had made their regard for him appear disingenuous. Today it was Amalie’s brother who had called at Sommerville House to nervously offer up a penitent apology. When Braxton had said his piece, Valeran had accepted the man’s apology without hesitation.

“Thank you, Val. I’m not sure I’d be as affable and gracious as you’ve been in accepting my apology.” Braxton’s relief was exhaled in a strong whoosh of air.

“I think your anger was quite understandable considering the circumstances,” Valeran said quietly as he’d shook the younger man’s hand. “I would have been as outraged as you and Crianlarich if I’d found a female relative of mine in a similar situation.”

“Thank you for that. Amalie might protest my looking out for her, but she’s my sister. Her happiness, as well as Greer’s, is important to me.”

“It’s commendable of you for being vigilant about the safety of your sisters. It makes me think you’ve chosen to take on the role your father would have if he were still alive.”

“Damnation,” Amalie’s brother exclaimed softly. “No wonder Jamie likes you so much, you’ve a keen insight to people, Val. I don’t even think Father knows my feelings in the matter.”

“I would be surprised if Crianlarich didn’t. I believe him to be quite astute. The man’s love for his family, along with his protective nature, is clearly evident.”

“That’s true, but the other night, I…well, I’d never seen him ready to…to…”

“Tear a man apart?” Valeran mused with quiet irony as he remembered the Earl of Melton having to restrain the Scotsman from lunging at him that night.

“Exactly. It’s why he hasn’t called on you to apologize, yet. I know Father will express his regrets, but he’s still furious. Whenever your name is mentioned, he…well, let’s just say his plans for your demise are quite colorful.”

“Then I’m grateful he’s refrained from acting on those plans,” Valeran chuckled.

“Oh, that’s Mother’s doing. She told him that he’s not to speak to you until he can do so without shouting or threatening you with bodily harm. But her true fait accompli was convincing him to force Amalie’s hand when it came to accepting your offer of marriage.”

“What?” Valeran jerked with surprise.

“Father has always doted on my sisters as most men do with daughters. But Father and Amalie are particularly close. The two of them are similar in personality and think the same way. Father knew Amalie didn’t want to marry anyone.”

Braxton rolled his shoulders upward as he emphasized his sister’s strong resistance to marriage. The younger man cleared his throat softly.

“Father was more than willing to take Amalie back to Crianlarich Castle if it was what she wanted. But Mother said it was imperative Amalie accept your proposal. My parents have never been autocrats, and it was difficult for my father to order Amalie to marry you. But he did, and that wouldn’t have happened without my mother.”

“I am quickly rethinking the determination and tenacious nature of the Rockwood women.”

“They are the foundation that keeps the family upright. It isn’t easy for a Rockwood to apologize, not to mention being worried you might not accept my…our apologies. But at least I’m not married. Otherwise, I imagine I’d be residing in the lower levels of hell since that night, just like my uncles.”

“I don’t understand.” Valeran arched an eyebrow in puzzlement. Braxton’s shadow stiffened as he pressed a hand to his forehead and shook his head.

“Damnation. I wasn’t supposed to say anything,” the young man groaned.

“But you wouldn’t be a Rockwood, if you’d managed not to impulsively speak your mind, would you?” Valeran said with a chuckle. His future brother-in-law laughed.

“True, we do have a way of putting our foot in it,” the other man said with rueful amusement. “