Page 15 of A Duchess Disciplined

“Then, I see no need to delay writing the marriage contract since we will be forced to wait two weeks before our wedding anyway,” William said. “I am sure that the solicitor’s report will be entirely satisfactory.”

“We will write nothing until we receive word,” Reeds insisted. “That is what Dorothy and I have agreed to do.”

“Once we receive word,” Lady Dorothy said, “if it is sufficient, I will marry you. As per the contract.”

“What?” Lady Bridget whispered, her eyes wide.

“To maintain our family’s honor,” Reeds said. “It is what must be done.”

A fork clinked loudly against a fine porcelain plate. Everyone’s heads turned to Lady Catherine, who curled her hands into fists atop the table. William somewhat feared for the lace covering the table. Her nails looked ready to tear it asunder. “No,” Lady Catherine said. “No, Dorothy will not marry him.”

William raised an eyebrow. His lips curved into a sly smile. The expression seemed to anger the lady, for she scowled in reply. Her face was too comely to be threatening, and his blood became alight with anticipation. Did she intend to keep resisting, or had she realized that offering herself would be the simplest solution for her family’s plight?

“His Grace wants a wife from this family,” Lady Catherine said. “Dorothy does not want to marry him, so she should not. However, I have a string of failed Seasons behind me. I am of marriageable age and have not made such promises.”

William let his face betray nothing, but his pulse jumped in anticipation of his victory.

“What are you saying?” Reeds asked.

“Do not say something foolish,” Lady Dorothy said. “I have already discussed this with Elias, and?—”

“And,” Lady Catherine interrupted, “I ought to marry His Grace. If he will accept me, I would be proud to be the Duchess of Sarsen.”

William feigned cool acceptance. Inside, his body stirred with warmth and desire. This arrangement wasfarbetter than the one he had anticipated. It seemed as though Lady Catherine had seen the wisdom, the elegance, of his solution.

“What?” Reeds asked.

A strangled sound emerged from Lady Dorothy’s throat, and Lady Bridget nearly choked on her toast and jam.

“What an interesting solution you propose,” William said. “I accept.”

“Wait!” Reeds exclaimed. “Cat, have you—why would you?—?”

“I have already explained my reasoning,” Lady Catherine said. “You will not change my feelings on the matter. This is the choice that makes the most sense. It is the best option.”

“I agree,” William said. “I think you will make a wonderful duchess.”

With the appropriate amount of correction, of course.

It would be some time before Lady Catherine became worthy of that title, but he was sure that she would be—eventually.

“Yes, but…” Lady Bridget trailed off.

Lady Catherine’s eyes glinted with fury. “That is, of course, provided that the solicitor’s answers are satisfactory,” she said. “If they are not, there will be no wedding. Do you agree to those terms, Your Grace?”

They would be satisfactory. Lady Catherine had lost this gamble, and she knew it. This was simply a weak bid for more time.

“I do,” William said. “I will impose on your hospitality a little longer, Reeds.”

“Of course.”

Although Reeds spoke to William, his gaze remained fixed on Lady Catherine. William wondered if the man was vexed that his sister had spoken over him and agreed to marry without her brother’s consent. If Reeds was angry, he did not allow his fury to show.

“Then, I will enjoy the chance to learn more about my future wife,” William said. “You will take a walk through the gardens with me, my lady.”

“Of course, Your Grace. Shall we go at once?”

Her tight words and fierce expression were, to William, like the call of a siren, irresistible and haunting.

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