Page 30

A HALF DOZEN UNCOMFORTABLE HEARTBEATS LATER

Eudorapuckered her forehead, seemingly genuinely confused. “No, I don’t believe we forgot⁠—”

“First—” Darius didn’t let her finish. He had heard enough. “I would never presume to ask my father or his heir to guarantee me an annual allowance from the duchy’s coffers. It is not my birthright. Besides, I am a man who prefers to make his own way in the world.”

“Stuff and nonsense.” She pooh-poohed his objection as if he’d suggested she select a Maid of HonorTart for tea rather than a Shrewsbury. “Your father has oodles of money. It’s no secret, Darius. Don’t you want to make your bride happy?” she crooned seductively before forming her mouth into a well-practiced moue.

Ah, there was that pout again.

“Mama has vowed she shan’t consent to the match otherwise.”

Ofcourse, the fortune-hunting dame had.

Eudoracurved her lips into a coquette’s invitation.

“Surely we can negotiate financial requirements, Darius dearest.”

Pressingher length against him, Eudora moved suggestively.

Definitelynot an innocent.

Therewere names for women like her, and none were the least flattering.

Dariusgrasped her upper arms and set her away from him.

“The second thing you and your manipulating mother have forgotten is that I have not asked you to marry me, MissClarke.” He paused for effect, enjoying the moment far more than a gentleman should have done. “Nor do I intend to propose.”

“But…. but…” She retreated a step, appearing utterly dazed and confounded. “But you simply must. Must, I say!” As if repeating herself would make it a fact. Eyes wide and wild, she gestured frantically. “Everyone is expecting it. I expected it!”

Nay, she and her harpy of a mother expected to live out their lives in the lap of luxury, no doubt imposing upon his parents to finance their every frivolous whim.

“No, Imustn’t.” Darius pointed toward the door. “We are done here. You should go.”

Narrowingher eyes in a manner that reminded him of a furious cat, Eudora planted her hands on her hips.

Allpretense of affability had flown with his rebuff.

“You cannot discard me like an old shoe or a stained handkerchief, DariusWestbrook. I shan’t have it.” She stomped her foot like a toddler. “I’ll claim you violated me.”

Anunbecoming sneer contorted her face.

She’dbest take care, or she’d develop wrinkles from all her scowling.

“You’ll have no choice but to marry me then,” she declared.

Hepermitted a mocking half-smile to arch his mouth.

“As this is the first time I’ve ever been alone with you, Eudora, you know there has never been an opportunity to compromise you. Likewise, as the door is wide open, I’m certain several people in the bookstore have heard every word of this conversation, and no one will believe your madcap fabrications.”

Sheblinked rather owlishly and darted a brief, half-panicked glance at the open door as he stated the inarguable facts.

Handsthrust into his pockets, he leaned forward, rather enjoying her discomfiture.

“I’m sure you don’t wish to be shackled to a working-class gentleman your entire life, do you? ForI’ll not accept a groat from the duchy at your request. As a matter of principle, I shall refuse any help from the current and future dukes. I don’t think you’d flourish in impoverishment.”

Thepoint was moot, in any event.

Nocircumstances could compel him to exchange vows with her.