"It wasn't a trap. It was an unfortunate event that had a surprisingly pleasant result. I couldn't be happier with my new bride,” Rhys said. “And I find that I wish to ensure her happiness, as well. Regardless of your feelings on the matter, publicly you will display nothing but the greatest of joy at our newly found happiness."
A vein in the elder man's forehead began to throb visibly and sweat beaded on his forehead. “And if I don't?"
"I wasn't making a request, Stidham. It was a ducal command, if you will. Emme is far more concerned about the scandal than I am. I should also remind you that any scandal you monger about Emme will only reflect poorly on Larissa, as well."
The man cursed and his face was a mask of anger. He barked his answer, spittle flying from his fleshy lips. “I've already made a match for Larissa! She will wed Lord Moreland."
Moreland was the foulest sort. He had been a compatriot of Elise. The idea of an innocent young woman landing in his clutches was fiendish. “That will never happen. Larissa will be joining us at Briarwood Hall when we return. You will stay far away from her."
"Insolent bastard!"
"I may be insolent, but in deference to my mother's sterling reputation, I must take issue with any slur toward my legitimacy. Now, my wife has a marriage portion from her late father, I understand. I'll want that transferred to me immediately."
"She married without my consent. I'm not required."
"Do you really want to make more of an enemy of me than you have already? It isn't the money, you see, it's the principal. That is hers, and she will have it or I will pay double that and more to drag you through the courts."
Stidham flushed. He looked to be on the verge of apoplexy.
Rhys continued hopefully, “Additionally, you will not interfere if her mother should decide to visit. At our home, of course. I will not allow her to cross this doorstep and suffer your presence ever again."
"Yes, Your Grace,” he spat contemptuously. “You have made your wishes perfectly clear."
"Excellent. I shall make my addresses to your lovely family and then we will consider this visit concluded."
Rhys left the study and made his way toward the drawing room. Emme and her younger sister were seated on a small settee and their mother was prone on a fainting couch, with a hand to her forehead, apparently having a fit of the vapors.
"Well, this appears to be an eventful visit,” he said.
Emme looked at him, “Did you—is he—what happened?"
"He's hale and hearty, love,” he said breezily. He turned his attention to the other young woman in the room. She looked very much like Emme, though her hair was a few shades lighter. She had the promise of great beauty.
"You must be Miss Larissa. It's a pleasure to meet you, in spite of the tumultuous nature of our call."
Larissa bit her lips and he realized that she was struggling not to laugh, “Indeed, Your Grace. You have managed to make quite the impression."
"Thank you. I trust you will come to call on us at Brooke Street soon. I have already made arrangements for an extended visit when we return to Briarwood Park, and of course, Mrs. Stidham, as well."
Mrs. Stidham had roused herself sufficiently from her bout with the vapors. “My husband would never permit it, Your Grace!” she wailed.
Fearing another fit coming on, Rhys hastened to reassure her. “Hardly, Madam. Your husband and I have an understanding. He will not prevent you from calling on your daughter. Should you fail to call on us in a timely manner, I will not hesitate to return here and demand an accounting. “
Larissa hugged Emme tightly. “Oh, Em! I think I like having him in the family very much!"
Mrs. Stidham stood. “I should never have married him. He did not appear so cold and unfeeling prior to our wedding."
"I do understand, Mrs. Stidham. Should you be desirous of his absence, you are always welcome to visit at any of our homes or I would be happy to assist you in attaining one of your own, should you wish his absence to be of a more lengthy nature."
"You are most generous, Your Grace."
Rhys dismissed the notion out of hand. “It is nothing. Now, if you will excuse us, we have a number of pressing appointments today."
They left shortly after, but rather than returning to Brooke Street, they went to Bond Street.
"What are we doing here?"
Rhys smiled, “You need to supplement your wardrobe, Emme. We will undoubtedly be invited to many events this season."
She sighed and her head dropped forward. “I hate being an object of curiosity."
"Then we will get you a wardrobe so incredible the only thing people will feel when they look at you is envy."