The Wedding Game(68)

‘It was never my intention to marry,’ she said to her father, trying not to smile at his suffering.

‘And I promised that I would not force a husband upon you,’ he replied. ‘But for all that is holy, just once would you consider doing what is best for both of us?’

She sighed. ‘This is not much of a proposal. You did better by my sister, I think. She at least got a carriage ride.’

‘After the preliminaries were settled in this office,’ Ben responded. ‘And I have not, as yet, proposed to you. You cannot complain about my technique until after.’

‘You have my permission and she has not rejected you on principal,’ her father said, throwing up his hands. ‘You have already got further with her than any other man.’

Ben’s next comment was lost in an embarrassed cough. He cleared his throat again and her father reached for the brandy, pouring them both a glass and ignoring Amy’s outstretched hand.

‘As I was about to say...’ Ben glanced in her direction with a polite smile and drained his glass. ‘If the lady and I can speak privately for a time, perhaps we can come to an understanding.’

‘By all means,’ her father said. ‘Go to the sitting room and talk for as long as you like.’

Ben rose and preceded her.

When he was out of earshot, her father said in an angry whisper, ‘And do not come out of that room until you have said yes. I will lock you in together, if I must. But there will be a marriage and the matter will be settled.’

‘I will consider his offer,’ she said, trying not to laugh. Then she swept out of the office with the imperious glare of a disapproving spinster. She walked down the hall to the room where her lover waited and shut the door behind them, turning the key in the lock.

He glanced at the handle. ‘Are you sure that is wise?’

‘It was recommended to me,’ she assured him. ‘Either we lock it, or he will do it for us.’

‘It is always a comfort to have the support of the father when making an offer,’ he said, drily.

‘It is also necessary to have the support of the woman you wish to marry,’ she reminded him.

He hesitated. ‘Once, not long ago, I thought I had it. But if, after you know the truth about me, you have changed your mind, tell me now. I will go immediately and speak no more about this.’

‘Do not be foolish,’ she said, stepping into his arms. ‘As your mother said, it was very long ago.’

‘And I was very young,’ he said, by way of explanation. ‘And I thought I was in love.’

‘Did she love you in return?’

He rested his chin on the top of her head, holding her close. ‘For a time, perhaps. But neither she nor her husband were capable of really loving anyone but themselves.’

‘But what of your son?’ she pressed, and felt him still.

The look in his eyes grew distant. ‘I am honoured to be a friend of the Duke of Cottsmoor,’ he said. ‘He is a fine boy and will be a fine man.’

‘Who will always be welcome in our home,’ she finished.

‘He is alone now. He needs my...’ He paused. ‘He needs our help.’

She nodded. ‘And we both know how hard it can be to lose a parent.’ Then she frowned. ‘I have but one question left.’ She poked him sharply in the ribs. ‘Who is Mary and why is she taking my place as my sister’s friend?’

‘Mary?’ He laughed.

‘Mary,’ she repeated, not bothering to contain her jealousy of the interloper.

‘Mrs Mary Lovell,’ he replied.

‘Your...?’

‘Aunt,’ he finished. ‘Let us say, for convenience’s sake, that she is my aunt. As long as there are people who believe the story about my father the Duke, I would not want my mother to be the subject of speculation. As Belle’s caregiver, she will be living a scant mile from my home.’

‘Where you can see her whenever you like,’ she said, smiling and snuggling back against his chest.

He nodded. ‘It is time that I made amends. It will be good as well for Belle to have a new friend. And it will leave you free to marry. You would be living as near to your sister as I am to my mother.’

The arrangement was almost too perfect and she thanked him for it with a kiss that left them both breathless. When they parted, she asked, ‘Is the scandal of your changing sisters greater or less than that of my sister’s elopement?’

‘At this point, there are so many secrets between us, I cannot rank them,’ he said. ‘I have already procured a special licence. But if you wish to rival your sister, my carriage stands waiting and we can set off for Scotland immediately.’

She thought for a moment, then ran a hand down his chest to press against his heart. ‘I think the sooner the better. But choose what you wish. I have strict instructions to say yes to you, no matter what you request of me.’

He froze and she felt the beat against her hand increase. Then his hands on her back strayed lower, well past the bounds of propriety. ‘Anything?’

‘Anything,’ as he pressed her body tight against him.

And now he was walking slowly forward, pushing her towards the sofa in the corner and down until the weight of his body had sunk hers deep into the cushions. ‘Then, my dearest Amy, if you don’t mind, I think I shall rephrase the question.’