Page 43 of The Wager and the Wedding

“Tell me more of this fairy tale where I’m sitting atop the king’s treasury. It amuses me.”

Lord James might be trying to act nonchalant, but Isabella could tell she had him hooked, much to her dismay. Success meant sacrificing any chance of future happiness. But if she could save Adelaide, it was all worth it.

“I would, but I’m afraid further details come at a price.”

He’d taken the bait, and now it was time to reel him in. It did not escape her notice that she was behaving exactly like the heartless women who made her life so miserable. Was this truly who she was? But what choice did she have but to follow their example with her sister’s life at stake?

Steeling herself, she took a deep breath. “I’ll tell you everything you need to know if you marry me and allow me to keep my sister with me.”

The man didn’t blink an eyelash at her demand. How could that be? It was far more shocking than her offer to make him exchequer.

“Tempting. But how could we marry when you are already wedded to another?” He stepped closer and ran his knuckle down her cheek.

It took all her willpower to hold still and not bolt.Good Lord. She was going to have to let this man touch her any way he wanted for the rest of her life. The thought made her blood run cold.

“Martin and I have not consummated the marriage. We can still have it annulled,” she said, holding very still and wishing he would back away.

“And how can I be sure of that? I have no interest in marrying used goods.”

Ugh. This was how he treated a prospective wife? “You’ll have to take my word for it.”

“No, my lady. I want proof. Come to my bedchamber and show me just how pure you are, and I’ll consider your offer.”

Shock rippled through her. He wanted her to sleep with him before they were wed to prove her virginity? What was to stop him from taking advantage of her and then refusing to follow through with the wedding?

She took a step back. “Absolutely not. I will not share your bed until we are married. You must take or leave my offer on its merits without such proof.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then I’ll find someone who has the vision and ambition to recognize my worth.” She really hoped she wouldn’t have to. He was by far the most convenient option available to her, and she needed to secure her and Adelaide’s futures quickly.

His eyes narrowed. “Why is Lord Martin playing along with your scheme? I could hardly believe it when he came to me and told me of your interest in marrying me. I can’t imagine what subtle game you two must be up to. I don’t believe for a moment that blather he spewed about how he wants you to choose him of your own free will rather than be trapped in marriage.”

Isabella’s heart stuttered at Lord James’s words. “Martin said what?”

The earl crossed his arms and stared down at her. “He told me that same thing you did—that you hadn’t consummated the marriage and that you wished to wed me. One minute he seemed to be encouraging me to steal you away and the next he was threatening my life if I dared to touch you without your leave. And he kept going on about how he had to earn your trust. It was very confusing.”

Martin couldn’t possibly have meant all that, could he? But what possible reason would he have to tell Lord James? Unless her attempts to convince him that she was a shrew had actually worked. Had she worn him down? But then, why would he have said he wanted to earn her trust?

“I hardly know Lord Martin. I couldn’t say what might be going through his mind. But it doesn’t matter. He was sent by Lady Eleanor and can’t be trusted. I need you to guarantee safety for my sister and me. Marry me, and I will make you one ofthe most powerful lords in England. That is my offer. What say you?”

He was silent for a long, agonizing moment. “You are asking me to take a significant gamble. What guarantee do I have that you can make good on your lofty promise? And you refuse to come to my bed to provide me with irrefutable proof of your innocence. For all I know, you might have been defiled before your wedding to Lord Martin, and he simply wishes to be rid of you.”

How dare he impugn her honor like that! If Isabella were a man, she would have challenged him to combat on the spot. It was only with great difficulty that she refrained from striking out with her bare hands.

“But,” Lord James continued, raising a placating hand, “I do like a gamble, and the prospect of being exchequer has undeniable appeal.” He stroked his beard. “You are confident you can deliver on your promise?”

“I am, my lord,” she said through gritted teeth. She almost had him, and never had she been so reluctant to succeed.

He nodded slowly. “I must consider. You will have my answer within the sennight. In the meantime, I expect you to keep your distance from Lord Martin. For me to even consider this, there must be no doubt as to whether your marriage has been consummated. If there is the slightest appearance that you are anything but chaste, the deal is off.”

It wasn’t a definitive answer, but she had every reason to believe that he would say yes in the end. For the moment, she had a respite where she might dream of what it would be like if he said no. But within a mere sennight, her fate would be sealed.

“Of course, my lord.”

“Very good. Now leave and call my man back. You interrupted my practice, something I would advise against in future.”

He was treating her like his servant, and they weren’t even married yet. A burst of rage coursed through her, but she forced it down and curtsied. “I won’t do it again, my lord.”

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