Page 65 of The Duke’s Rejected Mate

He rubs the bridge of his nose as he plants the other hand on his hip. “And you felt the proper way to do this was to bring scandal to our doorstep? Forgive me for repeating the very obvious problem lying within your argument. If you thought of anyone other than yourself, you would not put us in this predicament.”

“No. If I actually thought about myself and not you and your lofty ideals, I would have married her far sooner and saved us all this heartache.”

“Do not put this on me. I never forced you to reject her.”

“No, but you didn’t encourage our union either.”

“I didn’t know she was the one you went on about, mooning through the halls like a love-sick calf. Had you confided in me, I would have-”

“You would have what? Spouted some more nonsense about how she’s the daughter of a baron? Such rank is far too low for a new duke? I need to think about my status? You knew then and denied me.”

“So this is my punishment now? Scandal? Be warned, brother, it is not me who will be burned. Not you either. No. It will be your sisters. They will bear the brunt of it. And with their coming out next year… And poor Cynthia. If word of this gets out, she will be the one to suffer.”

“Do not pretend you actually care about her. You never have. Such pretty sentiments, such concerns, are beneath you. Our sisters, I can give you grace for. But not for Cynthia. Never for her. Besides, I have it all well in hand. I have, of course, a plan.”

“Oh, a plan,” he mocks. “Which, of course, involves marrying the girl.”

“Of course it involves marrying her. I declared my love for her. Would be out of the question to leave her to the Ton.”

“Then what is this brilliant plan? Come. Speak it to me so that I can find error with it.”

“Just like you do every little thing. Nothing is ever good enough for you, is it, Lewis? You must find fault with every little thing.”

“Damn right, I do. When it comes to protecting this family, no one can do it as well as I do.”

“Your hubris will be your downfall. Mark my words.”

“Just as your lusts will be yours.”

“Leave.” I growl, “I do not wish to see you.”

“Very well. I will stay away. But if anything happens to your sisters-”

“Our sisters.”

“Our sisters,” he amends. “Then I will be holding you completely responsible.”

“As expected from someone like you. Be sure not to graze your head when you leave. I know you travel on so high a horse.”

Lewis growls under his breath and leaves, slamming the door behind him. I shake my head, weary as everything catches up with me all at once. To gain a wife, I lost a brother. Never did I expect this to fracture my life. Honestly, I should have known.

Chapter 34

Charles

Thursday

I glance at myself in the mirror, taking in my haggard countenance. My stomach clenches as nerves jangle throughout. Not even in the heat of battle have I felt this dread.

As I finish getting dressed, a soft knock at my door causes the valet and me to look over. “Enter.”

The footman comes in with his tray, and I can’t help but laugh as he walks over. Well wishes already? The instant I see the scrawl on the top, my blood runs cold.

“Out.”

With a bow, both men leave as I stare at the letter. It will, no doubt, be yet another taunt, another tease about the wedding that will not happen. I wonder how they will feel when it’s me at the end of the aisle and not Henhaven?

My Most Frustratingly Asinine Duke,