Bound by Bliss (Bound and Determined #2)(103)
He ran a hand through his hair, causing it to spring into unruly curls. “This conversation is becoming a knot.”
“Then why don’t we leave it for later,” she tried again. “I will promise that we will talk about it if you need to, but let it not be now. Give me time. Let me come to terms with everything myself, before I must share with you.”
Stephan opened his mouth, but before he could speak, the door burst open again and Swanston walked into the room. He glanced from one to the other, and then back, his lips compressed in a grim line.
“What the hell is going on?” he demanded.
Bliss could only stare at her brother. She’d never heard him use such language. He was always the most proper of all of the siblings, the only one to never cause scandal or do anything wrong.
Stephan stepped forward, moving between her and her brother. “I don’t know what you are referring to. Lady Bliss and I were merely having a conversation. Surely that is acceptable for an engaged couple.”
“Blast it all, Duldon. That is exactly what I am talking about. I slept late this morning and when I arose my porter congratulated me on the happy occasion before I’d even had my coffee. Did you not owe me the courtesy of at least discussing the matter with me?”
Stephan raised a brow. “I thought we had discussed it. You did agree that I could marry your sister. I believed it was arranged. And how could your porter know? I haven’t shared it with anyone.”
Swanston looked like he wanted to swear. “Apparently my porter knows your cook, who heard it from your valet. And I agreed that you could marry her if she agreed. I never thought that she would agree.”
So Swanston had been playing a game of his own. Bliss did wish he’d let her in on the fact—although perhaps things were better as they were. Who knows where she would be right now if she hadn’t been fighting so hard to be free.
Stephan stared at her brother, his friend, hostility rolling off him. “Do you have a problem with my marrying Bliss? I have already arranged for the church and sent the announcement to the papers, but I will listen if you have difficulties with our nuptials.”
Bliss was not feeling so patient. “First you told me I must marry him and now you don’t want me to…”
Swanston stepped to the side so that he could clearly see her. “I only want what is best for you.”
“And if I have decided that Duldon is the best thing for me?”
Swanston folded his arms across his chest. “I still have concerns and I believe that Duldon understands why. I am not sure that I actually wish you to marry a man such as he.”
Bliss wanted to roll her eyes. Brothers. They were never happy. “Well, I don’t have any such concerns.” At least, none that she would share with her brother.
“You do not know him as well as I do, Bliss.” Swanston was trying to sound reasonable.
“It really does not concern you any further, my friend,” Stephan said. “And I believe that your sister knows me quite well enough. Your concerns are groundless.”
A look passed between the two men. Bliss was not sure what it meant, but both chins rose and both sets of shoulders went back.
“Do I need to meet you at dawn? Or perhaps at Gentleman Jackson’s Boxing Salon?” Swanston asked after a moment, his gaze shifting between Bliss and Stephan.
“I am marrying her,” Duldon replied.
“And that is the problem.”
“Stop it, both of you,” Bliss said, unable to take any more. “I am not sure whether you are acting like children or merely like fools. I am marrying Duldon. It is as simple as that. Now smile at each other like the friends that you are.” She could not believe she was defending this marriage. A few minutes ago she’d still been unsure and now she was arguing with all her heart.
“I still am not sure,” Swanston said.
“You do not need to be sure. Now go home and give Louisa a hug and kiss for me. If she can survive marrying you, surely I can survive Duldon.”
Swanston gave her the strangest look, but then made his nods of farewell.
The moment he left the room, she turned to Stephan. “What do you mean that you’ve arranged for the church and put an announcement in the papers? I didn’t even confirm my agreement until a few minutes ago.”
“I was not giving you a chance to change your mind,” he said simply. “I procured a special license from the archbishop’s office this morning. We will be married this Sunday.”
Chapter Twenty-eight
Bliss, Lady Duldon.
Lady Duldon.
Lady Duldon.
No matter how many times she said the name in her mind, it was impossible to associate it with herself.
Lady Duldon.
Lady Duldon.
It just didn’t work.
Bliss glanced across the crowded entryway of Stephan’s home and tried to understand how she’d gotten here.
She’d protested when he’d told her the wedding would be so soon—and yet, here she was a new bride of two hours. The church had been surprisingly full considering the late notice. The curiosity of the congregation had been clear. She wasn’t sure whether they expected her to appear with a huge belly or whether she was supposed to twirl down the aisles flashing ankle and higher at every eligible man. They’d certainly been disappointed by the solemn and sober service performed by the bishop himself. There had not been a single vulgar moment—well, perhaps one. Her father had appeared in a coat the color of ripe cherries with heavy gold braid but he’d smelled distinctly of llama. The odor must have drifted as he’d walked her down the aisle. Certainly more than one matron had stared and then turned away, nose wrinkling.