Page 12 of The Marquess's Scandalous Game
“Is that so? I will marry you, and you will willingly come to the altar. I guarantee it.” His voice was like steel, and it matched his hard stare. The room grew colder.
What scandalous and ruthless pursuit is this? Emma was surprised by his resolve, but he would see that she was also resolute.
“When we first met, my lord, I made it clear that I did not wish to marry. You may wish to marryme, but I do not wish to marryyou,” she said stiffly.
“I want you, and I can tell that you want me. There is no need to pretend.”
His arrogance had certainly surfaced.
“Wanting is not enough. I cannot marry a marquess who will expect me … to give up my life, my healing, something I hold dear.” Emma was irritated that it sounded more like a plea rather than a statement.
He regarded her, and there was no mistaking his challenge. She was uncomfortably aware that his nostrils flared. “I wish to be honest with you. I admire your passion; it is a worthy endeavor. However, my marchioness will not work.”
“Then surely you see that makes us incompatible to marry!”
“I have my mind set on marrying you, Miss Corbett, and only you. The sooner you accept that, the better. I bid you good evening.”
Emma could not remember the last time she was dismissed. Shocked and furious, she stared at him for several beats. He returned her regard, his expression cold and aloof.
“I shall see you out,” she replied. Etiquette demanded she remain polite. Furthermore, she had given her father her word and did not want to make it a complete disaster from the beginning, although it seemed to be headed there. If she angered her father, he may very well do what he threatened and choose a husband for her. Or worse, make an enemy of the marquessfor her father. She needed to be delicate when she eventually refused the marquess.
After Lord Adlington left, Emma sat by her bedroom window, looking at people milling around on the streets of London. Last night, she dreaded spending any time with him, but surprisingly, she enjoyed his company. When he completely unburdened himself and shared his grief, she wanted to leave her chair and sit close to him, but she fought the overwhelming urge.
Emma had seen that he was surrounded by his grief, like a fog—a thick, dense, and never-ending barrier between himself and the rest of the world. The fog had lifted, as fog tends to do. It must have taken a great deal for him to open up to her.
It was unimaginable not to feel compassion for him. After her mother’s passing, it had taken some time for the days to start getting a little bit easier and the nights a little more restful. Eventually, the tears came a little less, and laughter, joy, and gratitude were once again a part of her being. It seemed that the love she had for her mother had been intertwined with pain and grief. Ultimately, she understood her pain had become the expression of love lost, and she hoped Lord Adlington would see it as such someday.
Emma admitted she was also wildly attracted to the marquess and, somehow, he sensed it.
I want you, and I can tell that you want me.
She could do nothing to stop the tingling in the pit of her stomach when his gaze held hers and, at times, even when she heard his voice. She had been compelled to mention they did not suit, but he merely discarded her words. She will not refuse his attention. Emma had to be smart about it and not raise her father’s suspicion. She will allow him to court her, and he will move on when he realizes she is not suitable to be his marchioness.
CHAPTER 6
Leopold was pleased things were going splendidly a couple weeks later. Miss Corbett had not mentioned the notion of being a healer again. As a young lady of society who wanted to marry, she held onto an impossible belief that she could work after marrying. Leopold thought he was a reasonable man, but he believed in making his position very clear. He was sure she understood.
He firmly believed they could be good together and she would make a fine marchioness. Nevertheless, he did not want her to feel compelled to marry him. Somehow, he wanted her to desire this marriage. He hoped for it, but she had not yet expressed this sentiment.
They had gone to the races at Royal Ascot, a few dinner parties, and afternoon tea, and she appeared to enjoy herself at each outing. All of society would know that he was courting Miss Corbett. The Royal Ascot was considered a top sporting arena and a place to be and be seen. It was a popular fixture in the social calendar, widely attended by nobles and commoners alike. Curious stares had greeted them, but Leopold was not bothered, and Miss Corbett handled it with aplomb.
They watched as the queen and her family arrived at the beginning of each race day and followed the path of the racecourse in horse-drawn equipage as the royal standard was raised. The royal procession had become a bit of a tradition ushering in the grand event. Leopold enjoyed seeing the thoroughbred horses perform, though he was not a betting man. Thoroughbreds were the most desirable breed for their exquisite beauty, high level of strength, and endurance. That was his pleasure, but Miss Corbett said she liked the occasion’s fashion and grandeur.
They were en route to Vauxhall Gardens on the south bank of the River Thames this afternoon. Miss Corbett had flashed him a bright smile when he arrived to escort her, but she had been hushed on the journey, staring through the equipage window for most of the ride. The equipage pulled up and he assisted her and her chaperone to disembark. They began to stroll around the grounds.
“Is all well, Miss Corbett?
Surprise crossed her features before she quickly masked it. “Yes, my lord.”
He cast her a sideways glance. “You seem a bit quieter than usual.”
She gazed up at him. “It is my sister Cora’s birthday today. They remained in the country and will enjoy all the festivities without me.”
Such devotion to her family. He admired it. “How would you mark the occasion?”
Miss Corbett had a wistful look on her face. “Cora is the one that loves outdoor activities and sports. We would spend the day doing what she loves. She enjoys croquet, lawn tennis, rounders, and riding. She would have been equally happy to be born a boy so she could play cricket, football, or row.”
Leopold chuckled. “Rowing is quite entertaining. A well-contested rowing match on the Thames is a very lively and interesting spectacle. Have you had the pleasure?”
