Page 100 of A Bride for the Devilish Duke
Sutherland nodded.
“I need time to prepare contracts and deeds with my solicitor. Perhaps we can meet there tomorrow?” Damien continued.
“And in the meantime, I take it you will make it a condition that Josie returns with you?”
The thought of leaving her in this house with you sickens me. I will not leave without her, no matter what.
“I fear that my wife will make trouble if I do not return with her. Far easier for our plans if she returns to persuade her family of her willingness to marry you,” Damien replied.
Sutherland seemed to think for a moment and Damien felt his heart pounding in his chest, willing the man to agree. If he didnot, then Damien would have to remove her by force and risk Sutherland carrying out his threats.
“Very well. I do not need her presence to ensure her cooperation. She believes her sister is compromised and is willing to do anything to protect her. Take her back with you. And I shall meet with you at Wapping tomorrow.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Emma dashed from the front door of Redmane Manor as Damien helped Josie down from his horse. The sisters embraced, Josie almost collapsing onto Emma's shoulder. Emma looked tearfully over Josie's head to Damien.
“Is all well?” she asked.
“All is well. I am to wed Sir Silas,” Josie answered, glancing uncertainly at Damien.
Emma's mouth fell open but Damien stepped forward.
“No, she will not. Over my dead body, but I was forced to play an act for the sake of that snake in order to convince Josie to leave his house.”
“What is this, Josie? You were not there of your own free will, were you?” Emma exclaimed.
Josie glared at Damien. Emma could not understand the venom in her glare. Damien was surely the white knight who had returned her to safety.
“Josephine,Josie,” Damien coaxed, taking her hand gently, “you need not perpetuate the act. The blackmail that Silas Sutherland threatened is not believed by me and will never come to pass. I merely needed to remove you from his house and you had clearly convinced yourself that you had to go along with his scheme to protect your sister. You do not.”
Emma saw realization and then relief dawn on Josie's face followed by a crumpling into a fresh wave of tears. Emma embraced her, feeling a cold wave of anger sweep over her.
So, he tried to do to my sister what he did to me. Perhaps he did not force himself on her but as good as. I do believe that I loathe him. That I would cheerfully kill that vile serpent!
That thought shocked her rigid. That she could think that of any human being, or be capable of it. What wounds had she been dealt that she could be twisted into such thoughts? Silas Sutherland needed to be punished but she would never wish to harm him. Merely see him incapable of his wickedness again.
“Please do not tell Thomas. I fear that he would challenge Sir Silas or even simply shoot him down on the spot, and then...” Josie trailed off, brokenly.
“Of course we will not. Thank goodness for the Regent's love of carousing. They will be occupied for some time, do you not think so, Damien?”
“Undoubtedly.”
Emma led Josie into the house and into the sitting room.
“Hot, sweet tea is the best thing after a shock such as you have had,” Emma soothed, guiding Josie to a chair.
“I would rather a brandy. I convinced myself that I would need to marry that man and keep the truth a secret. He said awful things about you, Emma. I thought it was the only way to protect you.”
“You were prepared to do all of that for my sake?” Emma asked sadly.
“Of course, you are my sister! My blood. You have looked after me for my entire life. This was the least I could do for you. He said such awful things and that he could prove them.”
Emma hugged her sister tightly, tears brimming over.
“You are so brave. Truly fearless. I wish I had half your heart, Josie,” Emma said, kissing her sister’s head.
She was deeply touched at the sacrifice Josie had been prepared to make. Emma was so accustomed to feeling like the parent in her family, looking out for everyone and being prepared to make any sacrifice necessary for their happiness. To know that her sister not only recognized that but was prepared to do the same was deeply moving.
