The Viscount's Bride Page 9

  “Precisely where did Sir Preston say he had compromised Lady Chloe?”

  Arthur swung around to face him. “See here, Salcombe, Lady Kentworth claims—”

  Justin, who had been watching in silence, finally spoke. “I suggest we should discuss this matter in my study. Belle, I would like you there as well.” He looked at Chloe. “Belle is right, you must change and rest for a short while.”

  “But I think I should…” Chloe began, but the look on his face stopped her. His expression was not unkind, but she knew he had no intention of relenting. “Very well, your Grace.” She quickly turned before she humiliated herself further by bursting into stupid tears.

  —

  Brandt watched her go, then followed the others into Justin’s dark-lined study. Belle sat down on the wing chair near the desk, but the others remained standing. Brandt leaned against the desk. “What has happened?”

  Arthur folded his arms over his chest and glared at him. “I had barely arrived, hoping to speak to my ward—who, by the way, was nowhere to be found, when that Woman, a term I have grave misgivings about applying in this case, appeared, wishing to speak not only with me, but with the Duke as well. If I do not consent to a match between her son and Chloe, she will spread it about that they were caught in a compromising situation.”

  “Oh, dear,” Belle said.

  Brandt bit back a curse. “She’s ridiculous.”

  Justin spoke. “Nonetheless, she claims several witnesses noticed Chloe and Kentworth leaving the ballroom together and that they did not return for nearly a half an hour.”

  “They were not alone,” Brandt said. “I followed them.”

  Arthur’s face turned red. “What are you saying? Are you telling me Chloe actually left the room with her son? You let her out of your sight?” His voice rose and he turned a furious look on Belle.

  Justin fixed him with a cool gaze. “Might I remind you that you were also at the ball?”

  “At any rate, my ward was not properly chaperoned.”

  Brandt looked at him. “They were chaperoned. I was with them.”

  “Then why did you not insist they return to the assembly room?” Arthur asked.

  “I did.” He decided it was not prudent to talk about the kiss.

  “Obviously not soon enough.” Arthur gave him a cold look. “I’ve no desire to have that tale put about either. I doubt there’s a person in England who would consider you an adequate chaperon. Your reputation is not the most sterling.”

  “Arthur!” Belle said.

  Justin frowned at Brandt. “Would you be willing to vouch you were with them if necessary?”

  “Of course.”

  Justin looked back at Arthur. “Despite Lady Kentworth’s bluster, she will find it difficult to convince anyone that Chloe was compromised, particularly if Brandt vows he was with them the entire time. I will not hesitate to apply more pressure if necessary. A very select dinner party, perhaps. With invitations to those who do not stoop to such vulgar speculation.”

  “I will hope that will put that creature’s threats to rest,” Arthur said, although he looked far from pleased. “How-ever, I intend to do one more thing to ensure she will pose no threat to Chloe and to prevent such schemes in the future.” He paced away from them and clasped his hands behind his back. “Lord Denbigh has offered for Chloe. We intended to wait until we had spent a few days at Denbigh Hall to make the announcement, but in light of this, I feel it is prudent to announce the betrothal now.”

  “Lord Denbigh?” Belle’s usually calm voice rose. She jumped up, her face ashen. “No! You cannot have her marry him! He is a…a lecherous old man who would make her miserable!”

  “I have already told her where her duty lies. It is quite natural for a young girl to be a little timid around her future husband. As for your other objection, I hardly consider three and forty ancient. She needs a husband and I do not intend to wait any longer. I intend to see her betrothed as quickly as possible.”

  “Is tonight soon enough?” Brandt asked.

  They all turned to look at him and Arthur shot him a stony glance. “I trust you are joking, Salcombe. I would never accept Kentworth. Not only is he most unsuitable, I would never risk letting that harpy get a shilling of her dowry.”

  “Not Kentworth.” Brandt straightened. “Myself.”

  Arthur’s mouth fell open. Belle made a little gasping sound. Only Justin remained impassive.

  Arthur spoke first. “You are offering for Chloe?” His voice was rather strangled.

  “Yes. I am making a formal offer.”

  “One that I will not accept. I will not see her fortune fall into the hands of a penniless viscount.”

  “I would be willing to wager Denbigh has more need of her fortune than I do,” Brandt said coldly. “You may write a codicil into the settlement that stipulates any money and property she brings to the marriage is hers to do with as she pleases.”

  “That is hardly satisfactory. She is an Earl’s daughter and can look much higher than a viscount. I cannot possibly consider your offer.”

  Brandt folded his arms. “I suggest you accept my offer. In fact, I insist, unless you want Lady Chloe moving in some of the most unsavoury circles in England. Of course, I will call you out before I would allow that to happen.”

  Ralston’s mouth tightened. “Are you threatening me, Salcombe?”

  “Yes.”

  “I am her guardian.”

  Belle stared at Arthur, her face set. “Chloe will not leave this house if you persist in this. She will not be forced into marriage with such a man, no matter how high his consequence. I will not allow it.”

  “Nor will I,” Justin said. His own expression was cold. “You will accept my cousin’s offer. Chloe will not leave Falconcliff with you unless you decide to abduct her although I doubt you will like the consequences if you decide on that course of action. There are few who would sympathise with your efforts to marry your innocent ward off to a debauched man against her will. I would, of course, be forced to make it known my doors are no longer open to you.”

  Arthur cleared his throat. “I assure you there is no need for such measures. I would not want Chloe to marry someone with such a reputation, of course. Lord Denbigh, however, will not be pleased.” He glanced around at the others as if hoping for sympathy for his plight, but apparently finding none, he relented. “Very well, Salcombe, I will accept your offer. I will inform Chloe that she is to marry you instead.”

  “Let me speak to her first.” The last thing Brandt wanted was to have Ralston coerce her into this. Besides, there were a few points he needed to make clear to her.

  “Very well. Although I prefer to inform her first so she will see where her duty lies.”

  “I think in this case it would be best if Brandt talks to her before you do,” Justin said. He glanced at Brandt, his expression hard to read. “In fact, I think you should do so now. I will send for her. You can talk to her here.” He walked to the door. “Ralston.”

  Ralston followed him, his stance showing displeasure. Belle waited until they were gone and then turned to Brandt.

  “Why do you want to marry Chloe?”

  He shrugged. “I thought I might be preferable to Denbigh. Or the next unsuitable man Ralston sets his sights on.” His voice sounded too indifferent, but he felt as if he were in some sort of dream.

  “Is that the only reason?”

  “No. I need a wife.” It did not sound an adequate enough reason at all.

  Her eyes searched his face. “I see,” she said softly. “I trust you will make her happy, then.”

  “I will endeavour to do so.”

  She gave him a little smile and then left the room. He watched her go and then moved to the window, too restless to sit. What the hell had possessed him to offer for Chloe?

  He must have suffered a moment of temporary insanity. Perhaps he could blame it on Marguerite for her match-making. Or on Marguerite and Giles as well as Justin and Belle fo
r being so damnably happy in their marriages. Or the feel of tiny hands against his skin. Or Chloe, herself.

  His defences were already shot by the time he’d entered the study, so when Ralston had declared she was to marry Denbigh, he’d lost control of his reason. The thought of Chloe in Denbigh’s arms had been so repugnant that he knew he’d do anything to stop such a match.

  Including marry her himself.

  —

  Chloe stopped in front of the study and took a deep breath. She had no idea why Brandt would want to see her, and the peculiar look on Belle’s face had confused her. She had not told Chloe what had happened during the interview and only said that she should see Brandt first.

  She knocked and at Brandt’s deep “Come in” stepped into the room. Late afternoon sunlight streamed through the window. He moved and came to stand in front of the desk. Brandt stared at her for a moment before speaking. “Please sit down.”

  She perched on the edge of a hard-back chair and clasped her hands in her lap. “Belle said you wished to see me about something.”

  “Yes.” He leaned back against the desk and almost instantly moved away. He seemed nervous, which was odd because she did not imagine he was often nervous about anything.

  He turned to look at her. “Did she tell you why I wanted to see you?”

  “No. She did not say much of anything.” She hardly ever felt annoyed with Belle, but she almost did today. But perhaps it was only because she feared she might cry instead. She raised her chin. “In fact, I know nothing about what has been said. I suppose Arthur was very angry and demanded to know if it were true that I went off with Sir Preston. Of course, even if I was compromised Arthur would not like that because he wishes me to marry L…someone else instead.” She probably made no sense at all.

  “Denbigh?”

  Stunned, she stared at him. “I suppose Arthur told you that. Yes, I am to marry Lord Denbigh. Unless I can think of another way to stop Arthur,” she added bitterly.

  Comprehension dawned in his face. “Is that what you were about with Kentworth? You hoped to compromise him in order to escape marriage with Denbigh?”

  Her face flamed. How callous and selfish it sounded, as if she had no thought at all for Sir Preston. She at least owed it to him to try and explain that it was not completely that way. “Yes, but that was only part of it. I…I thought Sir Preston was exactly the sort of husband I wanted. He is so kind and decent and I wanted to be in love with him. I suppose I convinced myself that he returned my affections. When Arthur told me I was to marry Lord Denbigh, I decided I would force Sir Preston’s hand. I…I realised as soon as he offered me marriage how wicked it was to try and trap him.” She took a deep breath and forced herself to look at him. “I…I am grateful you followed us. I imagine you told Arthur, and Belle, and Justin that.”

  “Only that I was with you in the conservatory. None of the rest.”

  “Thank you.” She looked away for a moment. “Does Arthur wish me to announce my betrothal to Lord Denbigh straight away?”

  “No.” He hesitated. “You are to become engaged to me instead.”

  “Engaged to you?” Her head spun for a moment and her voice suddenly seemed far away. “But why?”

  “It was either me or Lord Denbigh. I’ve no intention of letting you fall into Denbigh’s hands, so it was me.”

  “You…you offered for me so I would not be forced to marry Lord Denbigh?”

  “Yes.” His expression was watchful and she had no idea what he was thinking.

  “I still do not understand why. You cannot possibly want to marry me! Is it because of last night? I told you that did not matter.”

  “No, it is not because of last night,” he said quietly.

  “But why? I still do not understand why. You cannot possibly want to marry me. I don’t even think you like me! And I am an heiress! You do not want an heiress!”

  A slight smile touched his mouth. “I have no intention of touching a penny of your money. And you are quite wrong about the other,” he said softly.

  A feeling of pure panic washed over her. She had no idea why, but the thought of having him want to marry her scared her. He was not at all the sort of man she wanted. Nor did she want him to…to like her. Not like that.

  “No. I cannot!”

  “Why not? A few days ago you informed me that New-gate was not a preferable option over wedding me.”

  “We…we are not suited. I…I have no idea why you would think so.”

  “We agreed earlier that we are both fond of children. You pointed out that you needed a husband to have a family of your own.”

  “Yes, but not now!” She hardly knew what she was saying. “I said I did not want a husband.”

  “You are contradicting yourself. You wanted to marry Sir Preston.”

  “But that was different!”

  “How?”

  “He…he would make a comfortable husband.”

  “Ah. So you are afraid I will ride roughshod over you and consider you are a mere convenience?”

  “Yes, if you must know!”

  A little smile touched his mouth. “I doubt I would ever consider you a mere convenience. Would it help if I promise not to be an overbearing husband? And you would have my house, you know.”

  “Your house?”

  “Waverly. I believe you told me earlier that you considered it your house and were jealous that I had bought it. It would now be yours as well.”

  “It was a most stupid thing to say.” She tore her gaze away and looked down at her lap. “I…I am much obliged by your offer, but I cannot marry you since—”

  In two strides he was in front of her, his eyes blazing with anger. His hands clamped down on either side of her, imprisoning her in the chair. She stared at him and swallowed.

  “What you don’t understand, my dear Lady Chloe, is that you have no choice. You either accept my offer or you will find yourself betrothed to Denbigh. Or the subject of Lady Kentworth’s vicious rumours. Since I will not allow either of those to happen, we will announce your betrothal to me instead. Furthermore, I’m not making you an offer, I am telling you what you are going to do. Do you understand?”

  His face was inches from hers. She could see the colour of his eyes, a fascinating mixture of green and brown, and the shadow of beard around his mouth. Her heart was pounding and she felt breathless, and she had no idea if she was afraid or if it was something else altogether. Her gaze went to his mouth and she felt almost dizzy.

  “Chloe?”

  She blinked to clear her head. “What?”

  “Did you understand what I just said to you?” He pulled away, his voice impatient.

  “Yes. I am going to become betrothed to you.” At least that was what she thought he said.

  Now he was scowling. “There is no need to sound so subdued. I am not planning to beat you.”

  “I hardly thought that!” She stood and glared back at him. “But there is no need for you to sacrifice yourself for me. If I hadn’t acted so stupidly then there would be no need for you to do this. I think it would be best if I married Lord Denbigh.”

  “I’ll abduct you before that happens,” he said softly. He took a step towards her and this time she backed up. She could see he was truly angry and it scared her.

  He stopped in front of her, but made no move to touch her. “And you are wrong. I am not sacrificing myself.”

  She suddenly felt alone and a little afraid. Everything had spun out of control.

  He looked into her face and for a moment she believed he could read her thoughts. The sensation was not welcome. He suddenly stepped back. “There is no need to look so stricken, I will not force you to the altar. I meant what I said before—I cannot afford a wife and I’ve no intention of marrying for money. Particularly not you. We will announce our betrothal, but make it clear there will be no wedding in the immediate future. After a suitable time, when all danger of gossip or Lord Denbigh is past, you may cry off. However, I suggest
you wait at least two months.”

  So, he really did not want her after all. She should feel relieved, but instead she felt as if she wanted to cry. Which made no sense because she did not want to marry him. “Very well. I agree to your terms.”

  “Good.” His voice was neutral. “Then we should return to the drawing room and tell the others.”

  “Yes.” She followed him to the door. He held it open for her and waited for her to pass. In a daze, she went with him to the drawing room. They were all there. She nearly turned tail and ran, but Brandt took her hand and he drew her forward. “You may congratulate us. Chloe has agreed to accept my hand in marriage.”

  None of them looked the least bit surprised, so, she realised, they had known what he planned to do. Justin came forward first. He took Chloe’s other hand. “I am more than pleased with my cousin’s choice. Welcome to the family. Again.”

  She managed a smile, although she felt as if she were in some sort of strange dream. “Thank you.”

  Belle was next. She planted a soft kiss on Brandt’s cheek and enveloped Chloe in a warm embrace. She finally stepped back and Chloe saw she had tears in her eyes. “Belle?”

  “It is just…” Belle stopped. “Please forgive me.”

  Arthur was next. He shook Brandt’s hand and then took Chloe’s. “Congratulations. I hope you will be most happy,” he said stiffly. He dropped her hand and looked at Brandt. “I trust you will announce the betrothal immediately.”

  “I will send the notice to the London papers tomorrow.”

  “And the marriage? I assume it will take place as soon as the banns are posted.”

  “We…” Chloe began.

  Brandt glanced at her. “The marriage will take place after I have finished the major renovations to Waverly. Chloe should at least have a drawing room and a bed-chamber that does not leak.”

  “You do have another house,” Arthur said.

  “Yes, but Chloe wishes to live at Waverly. It is near her family.”

  Arthur looked unconvinced. “Very well.” He eyed Chloe. “We will need to inform Maria. I dare say she will be quite disappointed when she learns there will be no visit to Denbigh House, after all, since the purpose was to announce Chloe’s betrothal to Lord Denbigh.”