Page 106 of An Unwanted Spinster for the Duke
Linpool smiled at her, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Why had she not noticed that about him before? Insincerity came with his charm.
“It depends on business, Your Grace. At the moment, I am occupied by some new ventures, and of course—” He paused to look at Elizabeth. Marianne shuddered. “Some other pursuits.”
“Of course,” she said, feigning enthusiasm. Her tone was saccharine sweet, and she wondered if her father noticed. So far, she had not been caned, and no admonishment followed. “You must attend to such affairs for your life’s balance.”
Marianne thought of the kind of affairs the man had found himself entangled in. Yet, somehow, she managed to hold a conversation with Linpool and her father. Lord Grisham did not seem to notice the underlying tension in the seemingly idle chatter.
For some reason, though, she enjoyed the ability to prod the Viscount and make him sweat while his eyes looked at her with growing animosity. She suspected that she would soon regret this, but she could not help but take the temporary victory.
Eventually, Linpool seemed to not be able to take it anymore. He stood up and gave a polite nod to her father.
“I’m afraid I must take my leave, Lord Grisham. However, it was a pleasure, as always. I am grateful for your company, as well as that of your lovely daughters,” he offered.
“You may call anytime,” her father said, making her shudder with disgust.
“Your Grace.” Linpool gave her a low bow.
Marianne met his gaze steadily and, in a low voice, said, “Do be careful, my lord. As you can see, accidents can happen to us members of theton.I dare say it can happen to anyone.”
“Again, you know that I agree with you on this matter. One must remain vigilant.”
With those last words, he departed.
She swore that his strides were faster. He could not wait to leave the Grisham townhouse, for certain.
“Father, I do need to speak with you,” she told her scowling father.
Of course, her father preferred his study for the conversation.
Marianne remained standing as she thoughtfully looked at the fire in the hearth. With her arms folded across her chest, she wondered how she would say what she needed tactfully, without sounding like a madwoman.
“Father, I did not have much reason to tell you this before, but I now know that Linpool is dangerous. You should take care not to get too close to him,” she warned softly, looking at him with what she hoped was a neutral expression.
Her father immediately scoffed. “Nonsense, Marianne. Is that what the accident did to you? Battered your brain, aside from bruising you? Linpool is a respectable lord. A viscount who is vying for your sister’s hand in marriage.”
“I understand that he is not what he seems, Father. He had charmed me, as well, in the beginning,” she protested.
“Enough, Marianne!” her father snapped. “I don’t want to hear you say another word against him. To think that?—”
“He tried to kill me, Father! Listen to what I have to say. See all the bruises I got from the supposed accident? He made them all happen,” she hissed, not easily giving up.
“You’re nothing but a hysterical woman, Marianne! I thought you were better than most young women, but apparently, I was wrong.”
“Did you even think that, Father? Or are you simply using that to cover the fact that you are trying to dismiss an argument without listening? At least think of Elizabeth! Do not let her marry that man!”
Lord Grisham raised his cane. This time, the tip was merely inches from Marianne’s face. She thought that she would meet her end—not through Linpool, but through her very own flesh and blood.
Suddenly, Elizabeth slipped between them. Her arms were open wide, as if she were trying all she could to protect Marianne from their father’s cane.
“Stop it, Father! I am never going to marry Linpool! I don’t know how you cannot see him for what he is,” she cried. “I believe Marianne. Do you think she’ll just lie about someone for whom you obviously have a preference? I can’t marry a man who hurt any of my sisters!”
The cane moved a little closer, so close to her nose. Marianne told herself that she would not cry like a little girl who was again subjected to their father’s anger.
“Your Lordship?” a servant called, interrupting them. “I am here to remind you of a business meeting. You also have a poker game with Lord Mayfield and Lord Egerton.”
Their father was furious, but he let out a frustrated shout before he lowered his cane. He glared at the servant, who quickly bowed and scurried away. Then, he stormed out of the study.
Marianne could swear that he was vowing they’d regret this argument when he returned.
