Page 67 of A Duke But No Gentleman
Relief washed over Imogene.Although her sister was suspicious, she had not stumbled across the true reasons that had brought her to Lady Ludsthorpe’s door.“Verity, naturally, Mama and Papa were concerned.I had slipped out of the house to meet the duke and I fell ill in his company.Needless to say, my actions and Blackbern’s part in this have forced him to formally declare his intentions to our family.”
While there were certain omissions she wished to take to her grave, she had not lied to her sister.
“What about Lord Norgrave?”
Imogene started at the marquess’s name.“What of him?”she warily asked.
Her sister shrugged.“He appeared to be quite earnest in his courtship of you.Since he is Blackbern’s closest friend, he must be disappointed that he did not win your affections.”
Imogene stared off into the darkness, her mind drifting to the last time she saw him.The marquess’s light blue eyes seemed to glow with determination and triumph as he held her down.She ruthlessly banished the dreadful memory from her thoughts.
“I have no inclination to inquire after Lord Norgrave’s feelings.However, you may be correct.He and Blackbern have had some sort of falling-out, and the gentlemen have ended their friendship.”
“They fought over you?”Verity asked, excited over the romantic prospect that the two men had fought for Imogene’s hand.
“I am not privy to the details,” she hedged.“And I would consider it a great favor if you do not pester the duke about it.The marquess was once loved as a brother, and even though they have severed all ties, I am certain Blackbern mourns the loss of his friend.”
“So theydidfight over you.”
Imogene groaned.God save her from a stubborn sister.“Even if my affection for the duke instigated a fight between them, Norgrave and Blackbern were on this destructive course long before they encountered me.”She huffed and rolled back onto her side so she could scowl at her sister.“Now that I have satisfied your curiosity, let this be the end of it.”
Verity was silent for several minutes.Imogene could almost hear the younger woman’s thoughts clicking and whirling like the mechanical workings of a clock.She did not have to wait long before another question emerged.
“You never answered my question.”She ignored Imogene’s exaggerated sigh.“Why were you and the duke quarreling this afternoon?Does it have something to do with Lord and Lady Ludsthorpes’ ball next Wednesday?”
“If I answer your question will you cease your annoying habit of eavesdropping on private conversations?”
“I promise,” her sister hastily vowed.
“On your honor?”she added, doubting her sister would be able to pass by a closed door without pressing her ear to it.
“Imogene!”Verity exclaimed, taking offense.“I promised, did I not?”
“I shall be cross if I hear of another incident.”
“Oh, for goodness’ sake, if you believe I lack honor then I shall swear upon yours.”Her sister folded her arms across her chest and waited.
“Very well.Blackbern revealed that our betrothal will be announced at Lord and Lady Ludsthorpe’s ball.”
“This is marvelous news!Oh, Imogene, how did he ask for your hand?”Excited, she sat up and clasped her hands together.“Did he drop to his knees to declare his love?Recite poetry?Or better still—”
“The duke did none of those things,” Imogene said, her voice rising over her sister’s to silence her questions.
She rubbed at the mild ache forming between her breasts.Was it disappointment that she was feeling because the flowery declarations of love she had dreamed of as a young girl had vanished with a single act of betrayal?Instead of love shining in her beloved’s gaze, she had glimpsed sorrow and rage, and a thirst for vengeance.He had returned to her bedside with his friend’s blood on his hands, his heart and emotions as tattered as hers.It was not the sort of love she had expected, but they were bound together in blood, pain, and sacrifice.
“Perhaps you are too young to understand, but I do not need poetry or garrulous speeches to comprehend the depths of Blackbern’s feelings toward me.He has made his intentions clear for quite some time.I was the one who had doubts.”
“Is that why you quarreled with him?”
“In part.”Imogene blinked away the sudden sting of tears.“I fear that I am unworthy to be his duchess.”
She gasped in surprise at Verity’s impulsive embrace.
“Oh, you silly goose,” her sister teased.“Blackbern obviously disagrees.You and he are perfectly wonderful together.You worry for naught.You were born to be his duchess.”She pulled away as an unpleasant thought occurred to her.“Unless… do you love him?”
“So much so, I might burst from it.”
“Then all will be well, sister.”
