Page 24 of The Misfortune of Lady Lucianna

“Abercorn killed Tilda…and Montrose is a known rakehell,” she hissed, gaining her father’s full scrutiny. “You would make me choose between a murderer and a philanderer? You would enjoy that greatly, wouldn’t you? Men of your own ilk, the pair of them.”

“Lucianna!” he warned in a harsh tone. One that in her youth would have had her mouth clamping shut and her eyes averting to his feet. Not today. Not in this coach. And certainly not in matters dealing with her future. “You—and those silly, foolish women you call friends—caused quite the scene last Season. You are lucky either gentleman will have you. You are tarnished goods, to say the least.”

She’d taken aim at her father and levied her most unforgiving insult; however, she’d said what needed to be said. If her father correlated her words with what had been printed in the London Daily Gazette, it would be a wonder.

Leaning back, Luci crossed her arms and turned her attention to the passing London street.

“Do not sulk, it will cause wrinkles,” he mumbled. “You will marry either Montrose or Abercorn. Whomever I see fit to select for you.”

Luci would rather a coin be tossed into the air to seal her fate.

“And if I will have neither?” she dared ask.

The marquis chuckled, a light, wheezy snort. “I did not raise a chit fool enough to think she has any say in whom I chose for her marriage. Do not be dim, Lucianna, it is very unbecoming.”

“Abercorn killed Tilda,” Luci said. Images of her lovely, bright friend lying lifeless at the bottom of Abercorn’s staircase filled her mind. “You honestly cannot expect me to overlook that damning fact, no matter how tarnished you think I am.”

“That was a sad, unfortunate occurrence. Do not think I completely lack sympathy for the girl. However, that is in the past. I am speaking for the future of the Camden name.” His stealthy glare landed on her, almost begging her to argue further.

“Father, I…” She sucked in a deep breath to stop from sobbing.

“You will marry. And it will be either Abercorn or Montrose.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then I will drag you before the clergyman and see that the deed is done,” he said with utter calm and composure. He was a man used to getting exactly what he wanted, when he wanted it. That he was prepared to hand his daughter over to a murderer, only meant gaining access to business deals that were before out of his reach. “Now, put a smile upon your face. We are almost home, and you will speak of your two suitors with vigor to your siblings. You will be overjoyed to learn whom I will ultimately offer your hand to.”

“And then you will finally be rid of me.”

Her father sat a bit straighter, an odd grin and faraway look entering his eyes. “Yes, yes, that is another boon I have yet to fully think through, though I will find great happiness in having you out from under my roof.”

Luci could not blink, would not allow her father to think she would go quietly into a marriage she did not agree with—or any marriage at all.

But his stare matched hers in force. Her hurt mirrored in his determination.

Suddenly, the footman pulled the carriage door open.

They’d arrived at home.

“Smile, my dear daughter,” he hissed. “I am certain you would not want to anger me into a hasty ceremony by special license.”

Luci hated herself for giving in, but she smiled. This game was one of finely executed moves, parried by advanced defensive tactics.

Much like fencing.

And that was one sport she would always best her father at.

Chapter 10

One day.

One full day.

Roderick raised his hand to shield his eyes from the blazing sun. Well, it had been at least twenty-three hours.

That was an acceptable amount of time to wait before calling on one’s intended, soon-to-be-betrothed.

Roderick slammed his hand into his jacket pocket to stop the shaking. His other held a large bouquet of yellow blossoms—he hadn’t any notion the variety, but he felt like a coxcomb pacing before the Camden townhouse, scared to knock and face Lucianna.