Because You're Mine (Capital Theatre #2)(68)

“Now, Mr. Scott,” Lord Matthews said, unconsciously smoothing the top of his balding head and the graying hair in the back, “if you would care to enlighten me—how is it that you've come here with our daughter? I would ask Madeline herself, but I doubt she is capable of telling the truth.”

Deliberately Logan brushed his thumb over the burning crest of Madeline's cheek. He took pleasure in Lady Matthews's gasp of outrage. “Madeline came to inform me of a very significant fact. She felt it was her obligation to let me know before anyone else did.”

“That fact being?” Lord Matthews asked, suddenly sounding suffocated.

Logan fingered a loose curl at Madeline's temple. “She…we…are expecting a child, sir. According to the doctor, it will be born in June.” He paused to take in their stunned reactions and continued at a measured pace. “Naturally my sense of honor demands that I do the right thing by Madeline and the baby. Therefore I've come to ask your blessing—”

“Your sense of honor?” Lady Matthews broke in, each syllable crackling with outrage. He guessed that if there were a knife in her hand, she would gladly stab him. “After what you've done to our daughter, you have the gall to claim that you have a sense of honor?”

“It wasn't his fault,” Madeline broke in impetuously. She would have said more, but Logan's hand settled on the back of her neck, squeezing her into silence.

Logan kept his gaze on Lord Matthews while the atmosphere swirled with hostility. “My lord…I believe the situation can be salvaged to everyone's satisfaction. I give you my word that your daughter will be well taken care of. With your permission, I'll arrange for an expedient wedding—”

“You're not fit to marry her,” Lady Matthews burst out. “I spent years training her to be the wife of a man like Lord Clifton, only to have her ruined by a theatrical performer. Now her descent is complete, and she's nothing more than a—”

“Agnes,” Lord Matthews interrupted brusquely. His wife clamped her mouth shut and regarded Logan with outrage.

Lord Matthews returned his attention to Logan. “Mr. Scott, I appreciate your willingness to do your duty. However, I must give the matter very serious thought. Despite Madeline's unfortunate condition, we must also consider what is in the family's best interest. If my daughter marries you, we will face years of unbearable notoriety. I'm sure that a man like you would not be able to understand the effects this would have on the Matthewses, but our good reputation is central to our very existence. I believe the matter would be better handled more quietly, without your involvement.”

A contemptuous smile tugged at Logan's lips as he realized what Matthews was saying. They would rather give the baby away and send their daughter into exile than see her enter into a marriage with a public figure like him. He would go to hell before letting them dispose of Madeline and the baby like some sordid secret.

“Give it all the consideration you like,” he said softly. “But I assure you, Lord Matthews, the child is going to be born with a name—my name.” He stood up from the settee, indicating that the conversation was over. “It's late,” he said abruptly. “I'll take my leave now and return in a few days to inform you of the arrangements I've made. Madeline will be my wife in a fortnight.”

The couple shot to their feet, both of them spluttering with threats and refusals. Logan interrupted calmly, all pretense of courtesy vanished. “I warn you not to upset her while I'm away. I expect Madeline to be well rested when I return.” He glanced into her upturned face as she stood beside him. “Send for me if you have any difficulties,” he said.

“Yes…Logan.” She summoned a tremulous smile.

“Very good,” he said softly.

“Mr. Scott,” Lord Matthews broke in, his round face burnished with scarlet, “I'll have to ask you not to set foot on my estate again.”

“Very well,” Logan replied. “After I've come to collect Madeline.”

“Do you think to defy me?” Matthews blustered. “I could ruin you at will, Scott. I have very powerful and influential friends—”

“So do I.” They faced each other in a silent standoff, and then Logan spoke in a quiet, almost conciliatory tone. “Don't be a fool, Matthews. You have more to gain than to lose by this marriage. In spite of my background, I think you'll find that there are certain benefits to having me as a son-in-law.”

“And what are those?” Lady Matthews asked haughtily. “Theater tickets whenever we desire?”

Logan smiled sardonically and kept his gaze on Madeline's father. “I trust you'll want what's best for your daughter, my lord.”

Lord Matthews nodded reluctantly and turned to hush his protesting wife.

Nodding a businesslike good-bye, Logan began to leave the room. Madeline followed him, reaching his side in a few steps. “Logan…where are you going?”

He stopped and looked down at her impatiently. “To pay a visit to my family.”

“Are you going to tell them about me?”

“Among other things.” He hadn't yet discussed Mrs. Florence's claims about his parentage with Madeline. There was no point in saying anything until the story was confirmed—which he intended to do this very evening.