Page 14 of Unraveled By the Duke
CHAPTER 5
Honor demands I reject a woman whose dowry would have cleared my debts. But how much would her demands have cost me, ultimately? I cannot help but think I have escaped a trap. But have I stepped into another?
Alexander stepped out of the carriage before the entrance to Banfield House and remembered his stepmother’s words when he had explained his plan to her. Olivia was his father’s second wife, but he regarded her as a mother figure, trusting her judgment implicitly.
Except in this regard.
Something in him rebelled at the notion of keeping Celia at a distance.
“Alexander, I have heard of this young woman, and I have my doubts. Rumor has it that she consorted with a commoner,dressing as a commoner herself to go incognito. Now she throws herself at an engaged man? I think she seeks a wealthy husband and aims to use subterfuge.”
Am I making a terrible mistake? I cannot accept Celia as a manipulator and seducer, as Violet would have it.
Celia had cost him his engagement. Miss Dunnings would not have been his first choice of wife, but she was available and interested. She also came with a dowry, which would have allowed him to pay for Hyacinth’s debut, giving her the best start to her social life.
That made him grit his teeth in frustration, but marrying Celia was the only honorable course of action.
Miss Dunnings had been cold when he had visited her to break off their engagement. He had expected perhaps tears and recrimination. She had been furious and icy instead.
Not the reaction of a woman who has lost her love, but the reaction of a merchant disappointed by the loss of a sale.
Cornelius Frid came out of the house, appearing angry and pompous. His wife followed, compassion and grief warring on her features with an anger that was more tightly controlled than her husband’s.
Lastly came Celia. She was plainly dressed, with her hair tied back like a servant. It could not take away from her pretty face,though, which shone radiantly. She looked up at him, and her gaze felt like a physical touch. He hardened himself against it.
“Well, you have your way, Your Grace. My daughter will marry you,” Cornelius grunted.
Alexander blinked.
Lady Scovell dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, and Celia looked down at the ground.
“I understood we would discuss the terms of her dowry over tea and?—”
“And I’m sure that was your primary concern. The dowry will be communicated to you via my solicitor. I wish no more contact on this matter than necessary, if it pleases you. That includes my daughter. With respect, as a father, I believe I am entitled to the opinion that you are both beyond the pale,” Cornelius said.
“Now, look here,” Alexander began. “I did not come here expecting to take a wife away with me. I do not have a special license or?—”
“I do not trust my daughter a moment longer as a single woman,” Cornelius interrupted, making him clench his fists at the rudeness.
Alexander reminded himself that this was a father who believed his daughter was disgraced and kept his own temper in check.
“You are a man of elevated rank,” Cornelius continued, “and as such eminently suitable as husband to my daughter. I am deeply concerned by the accounts of your behavior. I am sure you know what I speak of. I do not accept gossip as gospel, as a rule, but I must express my concern. I hope you will not take offense at such words from a man who is below your rank. I must speak, however. It is clear that the only way out of this scandal is for Celia to marry you. You got that right in your letter.”
Lady Scovell wept, and Celia glared at her father before taking her mother’s hands. Or trying to. Cornelius pulled his wife away from her, putting his arm around her shoulders.
A glacial anger was bubbling up inside Alexander, grinding through him, unstoppable and implacable.
“I would not choose your family either, Scovell,” he snapped. “I am not sure I have not been ensnared by an avaricious earl intent on acquiring a dukedom. Or a mercenary lady with questionable morals. I do what I have to for my name. Very well. Lady Celia, if you would get into the carriage,” Alexander said, stepping aside.
Two footmen emerged from the house at a gesture from Cornelius, carrying a chest between them, which was lashed to the rear of the carriage.
Cornelius seemed to be struggling with his response, glaring at Alexander over his wife’s head. When Celia had alighted, Alexander nodded curtly to Cornelius and his wife and joined her.
The carriage turned and began to rumble away along the long gravel drive before joining Oxford Street.
“Cheverton, Your Grace?” the driver called.
“No, take us to Finsbury,” Alexander ordered.
