“Really, sister, do you expect me to kiss and tell?”
“Oh, Blix, how lovely. You will offer for her, of course?”
“Immediately.” He stepped back, sketched a slight bow and left her, headed for the front of the house to enquire whether Sherbourne had descended as yet.
Lucy’s butler met him and spoke before he could ask. “Your Grace, the earl has requested you meet him in the library.”
Ah, so Sherbourne was already aware. Michael stepped to the door and opened it without pausing.
Tomorrow night. He’d have to keep that in mind while he faced her irate papa. And Jane herself, who would undoubtedly make him more than uncomfortable before it was said and done. He wouldn’t mind. His discomfort now would be made up for tomorrow night.
Chapter 2
She’d be gone from Margrave Park within two hours, and if Blixford kept to his usual antisocial behavior and avoided society engagements, she might never see him again.
That would be a relief. Even now, as angry and hurt as she was, she could not forget how he had made her feel for only those few moments. It would be embarrassing to see him in the company of others, knowing he’d had his hands and lips on her in such a shockingly intimate fashion. She ruefully admitted her embarrassment would be as much for his obvious dislike of her as for his physical attraction to her. It was humbling and degrading to realize he thought her a dreadful person, even while he lusted after her.
She left the stable and walked to the house, deciding to take breakfast before she went up to change into a morning gown. This time, she went through the front door, into the open, airy hall. The clock was chiming eight as she stepped inside.
Sherbourne was there, lying in wait, it appeared, his normally smiling face a thundercloud of fury. “Daughter, I will see you in the library this instant.”
Doom impended. Her parent was rarely angry with her, and she could only conclude that someone had witnessed her library visit.
He closed the door behind her and instantly verified her fear. “Mrs. Sutcliffe has just informed me that you came to the library in the wee hours of this morning in your dressing gown, and Blixford was here. You will tell me what transpired.”
She didn’t like to lie, particularly to her father, but she could see no reason to tell the truth. The consequences were too horrible, and what was one small lie, after all? “I was unable to sleep, so I came down in search of a book. I was on my way out when I realized the duke was here, in that chair close to the fire. He’d evidently nodded off and I woke him when I opened the door to leave.” She kept her expression bland. “It was nothing, sir. I bade him good night and left.” How had Mrs. Sutcliffe been aware? Was the wretched woman lurking in the shadows out in the hall?
Her papa looked distressed. “Jane, I’ve done my best by you, but perhaps I erred in failing to take another wife, to provide you a feminine hand in your upbringing.”
“There is Aunt Northern, sir. She sponsored my coming out and has always been helpful to me. You mustn’t chastise yourself. I’ve not turned out so badly, have I? There are some who would say I’m a bit mannish in my interests, but I’m certain I can find a gentleman who won’t mind.” She reached out and touched his arm. “Please don’t allow my library visit to concern you. It was entirely innocent, and you should recall who made it her business to tell you. Mrs. Sutcliffe is a terrible gossip and frequently driven by whatever bee she has in her bonnet. To be frank, she’s a mean-spirited woman.”
He actually looked more grieved. “Don’t you see? It’s her nature to gossip, and by the time the rest of the party has risen and come downstairs, everyone will know what happened. Innocent, or not, your reputation is damaged and the only course of action is to demand Blixford offer for you.”
Seeing her world turn upside down, she hastened to save herself. “Please don’t do that. I have no wish to marry him.”
His eyes narrowed. “What’s this? You’ve clearly set your cap for him, insisted we accept Lady Bonderant’s invitation to this house party for the sole purpose of pursuing him. Events have made it so you may have what you wished. When and why have you changed your mind?”
She turned and paced to the fireplace, tapping the skirts of her habit with the head of her crop. “Last night, actually. I came to the conclusion that he is, indeed, a stick, and I would be miserable married to him.”
“Ah, Jane, surely you can see it doesn’t matter now? I’ve no choice but to insist you marry him.”
Wheeling around, she met his gaze. “I don’t like to cross you, sir, but I will not marry Blixford.”