Page 63 of The Duke’s Rejected Mate

“There will be no consoling them,” he chuckles.

“Naturally.”

“We will now be held to such a standard of declaration.”

“Indubitably.”

Robert grunts under his breath. “Speak for yourself.”

At that point, Henhaven comes back in and sighs as he glances at the men. “You understand that I can no longer go through with this wedding, right?”

I tighten my grip around Cynthia’s shoulders as she sobs into my chest. “I am aware.”

“I will keep as quiet as I can, but London will talk.”

“I understand that as well.”

“You really do love her?” There’s an odd softness to his tone, one I cannot define.

“I do.”

“Then I hope you two are happy together. I will write tomorrow to withdraw my betrothal. You are free to marry.”

He turns again and walks away, leaving us all alone. My heart nearly skips a beat in my chest, leaving me weak and shaky. I can finally have her? I can finally have the woman I’ve dreamt of?

The men shake their heads and leave as well, and I go with them. “Clean your face, my love. Wipe your tears. Tomorrow, I will go and make you mine.”

I stride out with the others and come back into the ballroom. Their wives stare at me, their mouths slightly agape. With another sigh, I give them a bow. “She’s in the library and can use your comfort.”

The gaggle waste no time hurrying across the ballroom in an elegant, yet hurried fashion. I know not what they’ll talk about, but right now, it’s the least of my worries.

“You know this can turn very bad very quickly, yes?” Robert says, insisting on being the voice of reason.

“I do understand that.”

“And you know, if you are not given a special license, you will have ruined that girl for anyone else.”

“I understand that as well.”

“Then what the hell were you thinking?” he seethes.

“I was thinking I couldn’t let the woman I loved more than anything slip away. Tell me you all wouldn’t have done the same thing.”

I look at each and every one of them, taking in the determination in their gazes. Robert, too, finally concedes. “We all would have done the same. I suggest we quit this ball while tongues are not loose in the Ton’s skulls. There will be more than enough talk once they realize the wedding is not to occur.”

He’s right, unfortunately. Turning to Joseph, I take his hand and pull him close. “You will keep her safe and from scandal. Yes?”

“I will do everything I can while she’s still under my roof. Even keeping as much of this from Teresa as I can, though she is quite adept at needling.”

“Thank you,” I say as I give them all a grateful nod. “Thank all of you. Soon, you will all dance at my wedding.”

“Yes,” Benedict smiles. “But we’d rather dance happily at your wedding. There’s a difference. Now leave. We shall gather our wives and follow shortly.”

I make my way out of the ball and into my carriage. Though I’m so very close to having everything I’ve ever wanted, I know it can all be snatched away even more quickly. Now, more than ever, I must work carefully and swiftly.

Chapter 33

Charles