The Youngest Dowager: A Regency romance(40)

Marcus leaned back in his chair and smiled at her. An unexpected flash of anger overcame her embarrassment: here was another man dictating her life, dressing up his offer as the perfect solution for her when in reality it was the perfect solution for him.

‘No. I will not marry you. Last night… We must forget last night. It was a mistake. And there is certainly no need for you to marry me because of it. I do not wish to remarry. Not now, not ever.’

‘But you must marry.’ Marcus leaned forward, fixing her with his blue gaze. ‘You are young, and beautiful and eligible. You must want children – ’ He broke off as she felt herself go pale. ‘I am sorry if what I am saying is painful, Marissa, but life moves on. Charles will never leave you, you will never forget what you shared together, but it will become part of your memories as you live your new life.’

Marissa gave a choked sob and jumped up, knocking over her cup. ‘No. No, you are wrong.’ How could he tell her that she would never forget when her whole happiness depended on her being able to do that very thing, to push those awful years into a locked cupboard in her mind so she could start living afresh?

Marcus stood, but did not approach her. ‘I am sorry, it is obviously too soon to speak of these things. But why will you not come to London? You need a change of scene and you would enjoy the balls, the theatre, the shops. You have been confined in the country too long and need diversion.’ Marcus picked up his cup and saucer and strolled to the window, looking out over the rolling parkland. He added lightly, ‘And besides, Nicci needs you as her chaperone.’

‘Miss Venables would enjoy the role, and perform it far better than I,’ Marissa said stubbornly. She wanted so much to go to London, but she did not want to be with Marcus. Close to him, under the same roof, how could she disguise her feelings for him?

The underlying unhappiness in her voice must have reached him. He put down the cup, crossed the room to put one arm around her shoulders, drawing her against his warmth and strength.

‘Marissa, do not be so stubborn, please do not let us fall out over this. Can’t you see you are cutting off your nose to spite your face? I want you to come to London, Nicci wants you to come to London… Damn it, you want to come to London.’

Marissa let her body relax against his for one self-indulgent moment, then common sense reasserted itself. She pushed hard at his chest and wriggled free. ‘No. How dare you touch me after what passed between us last night? Sir, you are no gentleman!'

‘But you, Marissa, judging by your responses on the beach, are all woman.’

She lifted her hand to slap him hard, but he caught her wrist in one hand and pulled her against his chest. His other hand cupped her chin as though he was about to kiss her mouth.

Marissa set her lips tight and twisted her face away, fighting the temptation to reach for him, cover him in kisses.

There was the sound of the double doors opening and of raised voices outside. Marcus dropped Marissa’s hand and took a step backwards. Marissa sank onto the window seat and remarked coolly, ‘The park is looking quite lovely in the sunshine, my lord, do you not think so?’

Jackson entered with Nicci hard on his heels. There was colour in the butler’s cheeks and Nicci had an unmistakable air of triumph about her. ‘Jackson said you were busy and were not to be disturbed, but I told him that was nonsense, you were only having breakfast, and even if you were grumpy I need to talk to you… Oh, good morning, Marissa, I had not realised you were here. Honestly, Jackson, you are impossible – I would have come down directly if I had known Marissa had come.’

Jackson cast Marcus a look of resignation and departed as Nicci chattered on. ‘Well, I am really glad you have come because I need to talk to you about jewellery – Marcus is being incredibly stuffy about it. He will only let me take pearls and not Mama’s diamonds or the emerald set.’

‘He is quite correct, Nicci,’ Marissa said, somehow controlling her breathing. She was relieved that the girl seemed not to have noticed anything amiss. ‘You must not be disappointed, but gemstones are not considered suitable young lady in her first Season. Pearls will be lovely and there is no reason why you cannot wear amber or rose quartz beads.’

‘Oh, if you are going to be stuffy too, there is no point in arguing, I suppose. I am so excited. Is it really only two days until we set off? Are you packed and ready? I am sure I will never be.’

‘I was just saying to your brother that I am not coming with you to London after all. But I am sure Miss Venables will be a splendid companion for you.’

With a wail of disappointment Nicci ran across the room and threw herself down on the seat next to Marissa. ‘Marissa, say you are teasing! Why, can’t you come to London?’

Marissa, struggled to find an acceptable answer and realised that her gaze had strayed to Marcus’s sardonic face.

Nicci caught the look and swivelled round immediately. ‘So that is it! It is Marcus’s fault, as usual – I suppose he has upset you in some way and now he is going to ruin my come-out.’

‘No, no, Nicci, please do not blame your brother. It is entirely my decision. I just felt, er, it was too much. It is too soon. I mean…’ Marissa’s words trailed away lamely. She had not even convinced herself, let alone Nicci.

‘Now, Marissa,’ Marcus interjected smoothly. ‘You are being unfair on yourself. Tell my sister the real reason why you do not wish to accompany us to London.’