Page 28 of A Duchess Disciplined

The man’s continued protestations were becoming tiring. Of course, Reeds ought to think of Lady Catherine’s best interests, but she could do far worse than marrying a wealthy duke. If Reeds would just accept the terms of this agreement, it would be best for all involved.

“Then, you agree it is legitimate, Mr. Davies,” William said.

The solicitor started, as though he had not anticipated being spoken to. “It does appear that way,” the man said, his voice shaking. “Apologies, Your Grace.”

Reeds cast Mr. Davies a mournful look. “There is no need to apologize. Your trade is the law, not in pleasing me,” he said. “I wish that I had been made aware of this agreement earlier. That is all. It seems rather sudden.”

“I wish to have the marriage contract drawn up at once,” William said. “Your solicitor, I assume, is capable of doing that.”

“Yes,” Reeds said.

“Once we have both signed, I shall leave,” William said. “In two weeks, I will marry your sister. Verdant Castle has a magnificent chapel that seems an appropriate place for such a wedding.”

“The preparations will need to be made quickly,” Reeds said. “And it will take some time for the ton?—”

“Does the tonneed to be in attendance?” William asked. “It seems to me as though your sister has no reason to desire their presence at her nuptials.”

Lady Catherine was not only a most improper lady, but she had just finished a failed Season. William supposed that was to his benefit, for of the available options, Lady Catherine did seem the most suited to his tastes.

“I suppose not,” Reeds said, “but my sister is only going to be married once. I would like for her wedding to be proper. I do not want her to feel as though her marriage is simply…a hasty, piecemeal affair.”

Reeds was clearly trying to bid for time, doubtlessly hoping that he would be able to escape this contract, even with the mounting evidence that he could not without disgracing his name and that of his sisters.

“It will not be,” William said firmly. “I shall ensure that your sister receives an adequate wedding. Now, if Mr. Davies would be so kind as to draw up the contract for us…”

* * *

With the stroke of a pen, the matter was done. In two weeks, William would marry Lady Catherine in Verdant Chapel. He would have a wife, and his dearest sisters would finally have the feminine presence that was so desperately needed in the household.

Having achieved his goals, William wanted to leave with all haste. Doubtlessly, Reeds and his sisters would be upset. They would want to exchange mournful farewells, as though Lady Catherine was being sent to the gallows rather than to a prosperous marriage.

As he approached the foyer, he found Lady Catherine waiting for him. His lips twitched in amusement, for she reminded him in that moment of a proper lady seeing off her husband. William knew that Reeds had already informed his sisters of the marriage contract, while William was left with the simpering, anxious solicitor.

“My lady,” William said.

“Your Grace.”

“I shall see you in two weeks,” he said. “You need not worry about the state of the wedding. It will be more than adequate for you.”

“Indeed, an adequate and quick wedding.” Lady Catherine clasped her hands behind her back and took a step towards him, her eyes searching his face for a long moment. “How romantic.”

“It will be. My sisters would be upset if I brought home a bride and did not provide them with a proper wedding to celebrate.”

“Even my own wedding is not mine,” Lady Catherine said dryly.

“Is it ever really for the bride’s sake?” William asked. “’It seems to me as though weddings are largely for the ton, so all the lords and ladies can gossip about who had the most extravagant showing.”

“I suppose.” Lady Catherine paused and furrowed her brow. “I would ask that you think more about this.”

“I shall not. You have agreed to be my wife, and the contract is signed. I am sure that I need not remind you of what damage may come to your reputation if you refuse to marry me now.”

“It is not that,” Lady Catherine said. “Your sisters…I am not a maternal woman. I cannot be amotherto them. I have never wanted that, and I am ill-suited for that role. If you truly wish to find a bride for their sake, you should reconsider your decision.”

William crossed his arms. He strongly suspected that Lady Catherine would be displeased with him if he announced instead his ready agreement to marry Lady Dorothy.Shedid seem like the mothering sort. It was a pity that Lady Catherine was the more interesting sister.

William shook his head. “I am not asking you to be their mother. You will be a guardian, a female presence that my sisters sorely want and need in their lives. That is all I request of you.”

“I see.”

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