Page 102 of Courting Scandal With The Duke
‘Are you saying you are barren?’
She straightened her back. ‘Quite possibly.’
He shook his head. ‘Unless you are certain, then I will not take the chance.’
‘Well, that is very noble and honourable of you, Duke, but as you say, I am not at all the sort of woman you wished for a duchess, and you are certainly not the man for me.’
Shadows filled his expression. ‘It will not do, Barbara. What is done is done. We will marry.’
Did he think to marry her against her will? She opened her mouth to speak but he did not pause to give her a chance.
‘These are my terms. Abide by them and we shall get along.’ He counted them off on his fingers as he spoke. ‘There will be no affairs with other men while you are of child-bearing age. No gambling. No cause for gossip. You will always have the best for the welfare of our children in mind. You will attend functions of state by my side. Apart from the need to beget an heir, we need not see each other.’
She stared at him in disbelief and horror. Did he think so little of her as a person that she would either need or agree to such a list of conditions—or indeed, such a travesty of a marriage? Did he think he could ride roughshod over her with his terms without even giving her a say in the matter? ‘Is that all?’ she asked withdeceptive mildness.
He frowned deeply. ‘I believe so. I will inform you if I think of anything else.’
‘No.’
He blinked. ‘No what?’
‘Thank you for your most flattering proposal, but no, I will not marry you.’
‘Don’t be foolish. Of course you will. You will never receive a better offer.’
She wanted to hit him over the head.
She stood up. ‘You are certainly not the man I want for a husband.’ She didn’t want any man for a husband.
‘I am sorry. I know you do not want a husband. I heard what you said, and I respect that you have your reasons, but we don’t have a choice.’
‘I don’t care what you think or what you say. We are not getting married.’
‘No child of mine will be brought up a bastard.’
The anger in his voice gave her pause. ‘As far as we know, there is no child. So put it out of your mind.’
‘If you do not care for your own reputation, then think about the child. Your family.’
Her heart picked up speed. She gripped her hands tightly. ‘My father has nothing to do with this.’
He took a deep breath and regarded her coldly. ‘Let us see how you feel after you have had some time to reflect, shall we? You are a sensible woman, and I am sure you will see that I am right.’
‘Damn it, Xavier. You and your stupid honour. You have ruined everything.’ She picked up her reticule and stormed out of the house.
She knew he would not follow, because he would not want to make a scene. Her carriage was waiting at the nearby inn not far from the Andersons’ house as usual. John Coachman shot to his feet when he saw her entering the yard. With a last regretful glance at his mug of ale, he started shouting orders for the ostlers to put the carriage to.
Damn. Now what was she to do? Her father would be in alt at the thought of a duke for a son-in-law, if this somehow came to his ears. She would have to make sure it did not.
And heaven help her, Xavier’s offer had been so very tempting.
Until he listed his demands. Another man who had no respect for women.
Not a chance.
Chapter Sixteen
Your Grace,
