Page 36 of A Bride for the Devilish Duke
“Be still, woman!” Damien roared, “Or you will have both of us over the edge!”
“Let go of me!” Emma cried, “Do not touch me!”
Damien immediately released her, stepping back. Emma tore open the gate which swung outward with a rusty screech. She ran out to stand on the cobbles beyond. Damien moved to the doorway, watching her. She was breathing heavily and clutchingone hand to her side as though she was hurt. He wondered if she had bruised herself on the coping stones around the well or if he had hurt her in his haste to save her.
“Emma, if I hurt you I am sorry. It was done in haste, I feared that you would fall,” Damien expressed.
“I am... not hurt. I... apologize for my reaction,” Emma replied without looking at him, “and I am sorry that I have led you on. I should not have allowed the intimacy that has already passed between us. I gave the wrong impression.”
“I am sorry too. I did not set out to seduce or take advantage. I meant what I said about my intentions for this marriage. I swear that I will hold to my side of the bargain.”
Why am I so determined that it should be her? When she presents so many difficulties. When she is so resistant and challenging! There would be any number of women who would welcome marriage to a Duke. Even to me. Because of the rumors she spread?
Originally, it had seemed a fitting punishment for her. But after meeting her, there was something else. A magnetism drew him to her. It was an attraction that was frightening in its power. Frightening because it threatened all of his plans.
“I have…plans,which have been the entirety of my life since I became Duke. I have no desire to see those plans go by the wayside in favor of becoming a husband. So, I swear to you thatI will abide by my own rules. And I will help your father. Silas Sutherland will be deprived of his power. This I swear.”
Emma slowly turned to face him. She was a pale nymph, skin like the finest porcelain. Her eyes were shadowed and mysterious. She seemed to be recovering her equilibrium, and Damien found himself admiring her self-control.
“Very well,” she breathed. “By that oath, I accept. I shall be your wife in name only, and my family will be free of Silas Sutherland.”
Damien nodded. Emma took a deep breath. The urge to go to her was almost overwhelming.
Damien wanted to hold her in his arms again. Her softness was an enticing memory. It quickly became a demanding ache. The sight of her brought the memory of her feminine delicacy to the forefront of his mind. To stand still while she stood mere yards from him was the battle of his life. He reached for the gate which was moving slightly in a breeze and took a firm hold of the rusting metal, squeezing tight to anchor himself.
“Please, may I ask that you wait here for a few minutes while I go back into the house?” Emma asked.
Because you are as drawn to me as I to you and will not admit it. You are afraid of what you might do when proximity works its erosion on self-control. Wearing it down like the sea against cliffs.
That was what Damienwantedto say. Instead, he inclined his head respectfully.
“Of course. Tomorrow, I will suggest to your father that you all accompany me to London so that a modiste can be summoned to measure you for dresses. While the women are so occupied, I shall discuss financial matters with your father.”
“Thank you. Rosie and Josie will be in their element. You will make them both very happy. I should like to be present in the discussion of monetary matters,” Emma replied.
Damien frowned. “That is not customary for a woman.”
“Will you tell me that I have a place which I must not stray from?” Emma said challengingly. “I have helped my father manage his business affairs for years.”
“Is that not Charles' role? As the eldest son, I mean?” Damien asked, confused.
“Iam the eldest son,” Emma replied, cryptically. “I will be present at the conversation with my father.”
There was steel in her voice and Damien sensed that this was a battle he did not desire to fight, that it would be defeat if he tried to.
But why did Charles Montrose not take responsibility for assisting his father in such matters? Why did Emma need to assume the role of eldest son? Was Charles so feckless?
It was a question for another time, but it reinforced his admiration for Emma. If only their courtship and marriage could have been conventional, born out of love. She was magnificent and would make a fine Duchess.
There had been few Duchesses in the past who could measure up to her heart and determination. To her beauty.
“Very well. If that is how the Montrose family conducts themselves, I have no objection. My own family is also…unconventional.”
“I should say so,” Emma replied.
You do not know the half of it.
Damien smiled and noticed Emma's head tilt as she watched him. He shifted slightly, leaning against the stone door frame. He knew that the stone lintel above him cast a deep shadow over his face.
