The Rakehell Regency(9)

"If he cheated at cards, forced you to bet me, we can complain to the authorities!" Vanessa insisted, seeing a glimmer of hope in this grim muddle.



"No, it was nothing like that," he conceded.



Vanessa shrugged and toyed with her pearl necklace, which peeped above the modest neckline of her black silk gown. She folded her hands in her lap and said primly, "In that case, all of this is your fault, and has nothing to do with me. I shall go back to my aunt's, or to London, until this matter is resolved. I have offered you and Mr. Stone a way to settle this amicably. If you tell me what is owed, I shall call upon Mason and Rogers as soon as I'm in Town and--"



"No, you won't." Gerald barked. "I've given my word as a gentleman!" He rose from his chair to dash some brandy into a glass, which he downed in one gulp. He splashed in a second measure, and slammed the decanter down so hard she was sure it would shatter. Then he stood by her in front of the cold, empty grate, sipping with a disapproving air.



He was evidently trying to intimidate her by standing over her in such a manner, but this matter was far too important to back down so easily.



Vanessa's eyes narrowed. "But I have not given my word, Gerald! In the marriage ceremony, people are afforded the opportunity to object, as you may recall. We can end this farce right now, and it will be just a tempest in a teacup. A bit of juicy gossip readily forgotten in a day or two. Or we can end this absurd situation in a week or two in front of the entire County when I declare my objections loud and clear at the altar for everyone to hear."



"And I tell you, you're passing up a golden opportunity."



She tossed her auburn locks in disgust. "A golden opportunity for what, pray tell? To tie myself irrevocably to a loutish gambler who commits criminal acts with impunity?"



Gerald knelt before her and replied in his most cajoling tone, "This marriage would actually be a way of gaining retribution for all he has done. Do you not see? If you two were ever to have a child, it would inherit both estates, and the County would once more be at peace."



Vanessa looked at him skeptically. "That is a very big if. For one thing, we might not be able to abide each other. I for one am not willing to take the risk. I'd rather be single for the rest of my life than wed someone I couldn't respect. The whole thing is ridiculous, and this, er, discussion is at an end."



She turned to go, but Gerald grabbed her by the wrist and squeezed. The pain shot up her arm, but she bit her lip to stop herself from crying out.



He shook her for a second like a terrier with a juicy mouse in his mouth. "If you don't do this, the bailiffs will come and take everything away, and there will be an end of the Hawkesworth family. We'll never be able to hold up our heads in decent society ever again. Everyone will cut us, forsake us! I'll be reduced to a pauper living on your charity. I might even have to go to debtor's prison if Clifford chooses to pursue the matter fully."



She furiously jerked away from his bruising grasp, tearing the sleeve of her black silk gown and detaching her lace cuff in the process. She noted with horror the purple bruises already forming on her arm. "Just give him back the money and it will all be over."



"I can't. I applied it toward the mortgage already, first thing this morning," he lied.



Vanessa shrugged. "That's good. So all we need is some time, Gerald, just until my aunt's estate is settled, for me to pay him back."



Gerald shook his head and said bitterly, "Let us state the plain truth, shall we? We both know that your Aunt Agatha never trusted me. The solicitors have been instructed that you never be allowed to give me any money. As soon as they make inquiries as to the reason for your request for so large a sum, they'll discover that it's damned low water with me, and that will be the end of my life and yours."



"I can speak to them, try to persuade--"



He ignored her entreaties. "Even if I don't end up in debtors' prison, I'll be a homeless beggar. You will be taken into their custodianship and forced to live with a strict chaperone who will never give you the freedoms you enjoyed with your aunt. A married woman has status, a spinster none. Once you wed, your money will be all your own to do with as you choose. Clifford can't force you to give it all to him. I am sure your lawyers are canny enough to work out a favorable pre-nuptial agreement which will give you all you've ever dreamt of, and more. You could wed him and keep-"



"No!" she argued, stamping her foot for emphasis. "It's dishonest enough marrying a man I detest and fear, without cheating him for your sake too."