Page 8 of Denying the Duke (Lords and Ladies in Love 3)

Patience reared back, surprised. “My benefit?”

“Yes.” Mother hopped up and paced. “Your father and I were concerned for your future welfare.”

She should tell her mother that her future welfare had already been established, and she and Alex needed only three years for it to come to fruition. Somehow, she didn’t think it wise to reveal that just yet.

Patience drew herself up. “Go on.”

“While we were here, your father and the duke have worked out a betrothal.”

For one second Patience’s heart soared. Perhaps if the duke agreed with their union, he would offer a living to Alex, and they would not have to wait three years. She could have her come-out in two years and marry by the end of the Season.

“Why do you not seem happy, Mother?”

Once again she took her seat next to Patience. “Patience, they have worked out a betrothal between you and the marquess.”

“The marquess?”

“Yes, the Marquess of Tavistock.”

Patience continued to look at her, her brows furrowed. “Who?”

Her mother sighed. “The duke’s oldest son. Cyrus.”

She sucked in a deep breath and shook he head. “No. No. No. Never. No.” She jumped up and backed away from her mother, her shaky hand covering her mouth. “No. I will not do it.”

Her mother stood and walked toward her. Patience continued to back up, holding her hand out. “No.” Her mind was in a whirl. The Marquess of Tavistock? He was an unpleasant man who looked at her as if he could see her without her clothes.

Since they’d arrived, he’d been curt, and in some cases, downright rude. And he’d caught her and Alex kissing. And had laughed at them. She could not marry that man, but more to the point, he wasn’t Alex. Her Alex. They had just promised themselves to each other.

She swallowed, her throat dry as a desert. “I am sorry, Mother, but I cannot marry the marquess.”

Patience was stunned to see tears in her mother’s eyes. “I know you have probably developed a tendre for his brother, but, I’m sorry, daughter, that is not to be.”

“I will speak with Father.” She made to leave the room, but her mother grabbed her hand.

“No. Do not attempt to speak with your father about this. Trust me, Patience, he has worked hard for this betrothal and will not be sympathetic to your request. It will only turn out difficult for you. Believe me.”

Patience remembered covering her ears at the sound of her father striking her mother, the sounds of her begging him to stop. Surely, he would not do the same to her?

Almost as if she read her thoughts, her mother said, “Yes, daughter. It will not turn out well.” She held out her hand. “Come, let me help you change. I told Polly I would assist you. It is time for tea.”

“I do not want tea.”

Mother studied her for a minute, then sighed. “Very well. I will make your excuses, but keep in mind you must appear for dinner. That is when the announcement will be made.” She reached out and touched her cheek, then left the room.

…

Alex entered the drawing room in anticipation of seeing Patience, but was disappointed when all the members gathering for dinner were there, except Patience. He had to admit to some concern. He hadn’t seen her since their ride earlier in the day. She hadn’t appeared for tea, her mother telling them she was resting in her room with a megrim.

He couldn’t help but think she was avoiding everyone—especially Cyrus—because of being caught kissing. His brother hadn’t appeared for tea, either, but Alex found him a little while later, with a glass of brandy, playing billiards with the Duke and Lord Wilton. The look his brother cast him brought back his earlier anger.

Yes, it would be best if he planned soon to move to London and see what he could do to build a future for him and Patience. He had some contacts there from school, who had once offered to set him up with investors who might advise him on how to inc

rease the small inheritance from his grandparents. His three closest friends, Lord Hawkins, Mr. Giles Templeton, and Lord Campbell, would be in London, as well.

“Go get your daughter,” Lord Wilton barked at his wife.

Lady Wilton scurried from the room, leaving Alex to wonder if Lord Wilton was one of those husbands who used force to gain obedience. From what he’d seen in the week they’d been visiting, he had certainly seemed the type. Hopefully, Patience would not be the recipient of her father’s manner of persuasion before he could come for her and make her his own.