Jean Pierre watched the two exchange words. No matter what she said, he knew his daughter was attracted to the foreigner. He had always known that Sophie would need a strong man to be her equal and not be afraid of her intelligence. Sebastian was such a man.
“As you have been compromised, Sophie, I believe the marriage should take place,” Jean Pierre told her.
She looked at the small group before her. Katharine had a puzzled look on her face while her husband’s face was closed. Her father was the opposite looking uncomfortable and Sebastian seemed bewildered and confused.
“A servant could have seen you leave my room that morning,” she argued to them, but mostly to Sebastian.
“No one saw anything and no one has said anything,” he countered logically.
He watched her face for several seconds and then said coldly, “Excuse us.”
He practically pulled Sophie out of the library and into the hall. When they came to the front salon he pulled her inside the empty room.
“What exactly is going on here?” Sebastian asked the moment the door closed behind them.
“I’m sorry, Sebastian. I didn’t mean for that to happen, exactly,” she pleaded with him.
“What are you trying to accomplish?” He eyed her.
She took a deep, shaky breath. “I lied to you before about the inspector. His visit to our home this morning frightened me more than I wanted to admit. I have been reckless and foolish.”
“I agree.”
She paced in front of him and eyed the door. “I don’t know if my father can keep me safe. But with your ties to the duke, I trust you. You are an honorable man.”
“And?” He probed.
“As your wife, I would be safe from the inspector.” There, she had said it. Marriage.
Sebastian watched the rise and fall of her breasts as she inhaled deeply in her distress. He knew already what she was thinking.
“You don’t think he’s capable of using any means at his disposal?” she asked.
“I watched him this evening. He doesn’t just want to find the writer. He knows it’s you. He needs proof. He wants to break you. I think he will use any means at his disposal.” He replied.
“Any means?” Sophie asked.
Sebastian sighed. For all her intelligence, Sophie was so very innocent in the ways of the world. She had no idea how far a man like the inspector would go. Not only to prove himself, but to break a woman he could never have.
“Anything, Sophie. Coercion, pain, rape.”
Sophie felt an icy finger draw along her spine.
“Yes. He’s a man who enjoys inflicting pain. I think he would take great pleasure in breaking a lady of your class. Ironically, though, your writings benefit the people.”
“I never thought it would be so bad,” she admitted to him.
“He is ambitious. Bringing you to heel would be the beginning,” he said softly. “But I can and will protect you,” he told her.
Sophie felt such relief and that she moved to embrace him and flushed pink. “Thank you, Sebastian.”
Sebastian felt a huge sense of relief as he looked at her. “Then it is settled.”
“But I would ask that it be a marriage of convenience,” Sophie explained. “I know this marriage is not what you want. I know I am asking much of you. But once the danger has passed, the marriage can be annulled on the grounds of non-consummation.”
Sebastian had not expected this. “A marriage of convenience.” He pondered the words.
“Let us at least have honesty. This is not a marriage of love, but you are helping me, whatever your reasons. We will live together but lead separate lives. I will not burden you in any way. I promise,” she said.
Sebastian knew that she needed him. That they both felt something for each other was obvious, but she wanted to deny it. He knew the danger the inspector posed was real and grave. He would protect her. If she wanted to keep a pretense of nothing between them, then so be it. He would accept the terms, though living with her day and night would be a form of torture.
“I accept your terms,” he said.
“I don’t think we should tell anyone the truth behind the marriage. Everyone must think it is a real marriage. If too many people knew, it might get out,” she said.
He nodded. “I agree.”
The couple returned to their families in the small salon and both were united in their desire to wed.
“Monsieur, I request permission to marry Sophie,” he asked Jean Pierre formally while his parents looked on.
Jean Pierre watched his daughter closely. “Sophie, is this what you want?”
“Yes, Father. I want to marry Sebastian. I am not under any pressure,” she assured him.