The Last Duchess (The Lennox Series)(14)
The hateful man made an appearance then, stepping inside the door and closing it behind him with a soft click.
“Your Grace, we are in the midst of a private conversation,” she said with righteous indignation. “I’d ask that you leave us to continue.”
He ignored her and focused on her father. “Sherbourne, will you do me the honor of granting me Lady Jane’s hand in marriage?”
Her papa shot her a harsh glance before facing Blixford again. “Is she compromised?”
Without so much as a blink, the duke said, “She is. I will travel to London this afternoon and obtain a special license. We will be married tomorrow morning.”
Blixford looked like a man en route to the gallows. Her pride stung. Her feelings were bruised and bleeding. She was accustomed to acceptance, even admiration from her friends and suitors. That this arrogant man could make her feel like so much dirt beneath his boots made her want to hit something. And cry. She never cried, and his ability to make her want to infuriated her.
Alarmed, she moved forward and stood between them, turning her back on Blixford to face her father. “Sir, I implore you not to force me into what will surely be a life of misery.”
“I can’t allow you to ruin yourself and become a pariah. Only think of your brothers. They’ve yet to find brides, and what lady will have any one of them if their sister is ruined?”
“How grossly unfair of you to use guilt.”
His anger returned and she saw her future grow exceedingly dim. “You should have considered the consequences of visiting the library in the middle of the blasted night, half dressed. God’s blood, daughter, what were you thinking?” Suddenly, his eyes widened and he jerked his gaze to Blixford. “Was there an assignation?” He grew another inch, his back straight, his hands balling into fists. “Did you ask her to meet you here, Blixford?”
“Papa, you’re overset. There was no assignation. It happened just as I said. I came down to get a book, Blixford was here, and that’s all there is to it.”
“I had not yet retired when Lady Jane arrived, and she did, indeed search for a book. She hastened to leave and I detained her. I took liberties, Sherbourne. Afterward, I was less than kind and Lady Jane was deeply offended. Rightly so. I have apologized and assured her in future I will treat her with the utmost respect and deference.”
His honesty spurred her into action. “He dislikes me dreadfully, Papa. He said I am mannish. Would you have me married to a man who thinks so little of me? I will be miserable.”
“Nonsense, Jane.” He cut her a look. “A man does not take liberties with a woman he dislikes, dreadfully or no. You have no choice, child. If you refuse to marry him, I will have to kill him.”
He said it calmly, rationally, much the same as he might say he’d have to invite Blixford for dinner. “Sir, do not jest.”
Sherbourne moved to the fireplace and stood with his back to them, his hands folded behind him. “I do not jest, Jane.”
She did not like her father to be unhappy with her. Devil take the rest of the world, but Sherbourne frowning at her, disappointed in her to this extent, made her feel ill.
Turning toward Blixford, her rage surged forth. “Arrogant, meddlesome clod. I told you not to speak to him, or suffer the consequences. Why are you doing this? You don’t wish to marry me, and for all that, I’d rather marry my father’s poorest tenant farmer than shackle myself to the likes of you. Withdraw your offer, this instant.”
“Jane, be quiet,” her father said. “You will marry him, and say no more on the matter.”
Wheeling about, she looked to the only parent she’d ever known. “I warn you, sir, this will end very badly. For his sake, don’t make me do it.”
“This has nothing to do with him.” Papa turned and scowled at Blixford. “Were it not my own child’s reputation on the line and his life necessary to make reparations, I’d kill him with my bare hands.”
“Understandable,” Blixford said dryly. “Were I not the only thing standing between my title and the crown, I believe I might welcome it.”
“Death is preferable to marrying my daughter?” Sherbourne’s blue eyes, exactly like her own, were cold and hard. “It will be a joyless day when I’m forced to call you kin.” He cast a look at Jane. “You’ve broken my heart, daughter. I can only thank merciful God your mother isn’t here to witness your disgrace.” He stalked to the door, but paused with his hand on the knob. “We’re leaving. Immediately. Have your bags brought to the front hall. Blixford, I will expect you at Hornsby Grange tomorrow morning. We will discuss the marriage settlement at that time.” Then he was gone.