Page 82 of Unraveled By the Duke
Cheverton has faced worse tribulations than this. I will pull through. This actually simplifies things greatly. The dowry is academic; it cannot solve my problems. The only way to do that is to negotiate with Grimaire, win him over, and work like a dog to build my fortune enough to pay him back. Father, I swore an oath to protect your name, and I will make good on that oath.
He realized that, if he wished it, he was now free of his obligation to Celia. He had married her to squash the scandal and secure her dowry. Now, the scandal and her dowry were both academic. What, then, would be the consequences of taking Celia up on her offer and quietly annul the marriage? None. Except…
Except I would be without Celia. She would leave my life and never return. Which is what I have wanted all along, isn’t it?
The idea left a yawning, cold chasm within that could never be filled.
What was happening to him? He could live without a woman to love or be loved by. He was sure he could have any woman he wanted, for sport. He had never wanted more from a woman. Why did the prospect of losing this troublesome, irritating, frustrating woman chafe at him so?
His eyes fell on the next envelope in the pile and caught the same handwriting in the letter he had received from Nathaniel Grimaire, father to Phillip Grimaire. He reached for it and sliced it open.
Cheverton,
You have insulted my son, and I cannot ignore that. But I am not so foolish as to call you out. That would result in my death, I am sure, or my son’s. I will offer you the chance to settle this matter like gentlemen. According to a trusted source, your marriage is not all it seems. I understand you would not be unhappy to see it end.
You may consider all your family’s debts to Grimaire forgiven and forgotten if you are willing to accept the following proposal. You will give up your wife and let her marry my son, Phillip. He will swear to committing adultery with her, and your testimony will be enough to secure a divorce.
Celia Frid will then be offered the protection of my family from the scandal that will follow and make the previous scandals seem trivial. She will have no choice but to accept, or she will be destitute. I am sure her father can be persuaded to support our plan.
Failing that, Phillip has his eye on her younger sister. I believe her name is Aurelia. Assist in this matchmaking, and your debts will be forgiven. My preference is for Celia, but I understand that Aurelia may be the simplest target.
I leave the decision to you.
Grimaire.
The letter slowly crumpled as Alexander’s fist closed around it. His head fell, his eyes closing.
Grimaire had offered a devil’s pact. Alexander could right the wrongs his father had done, the wrongshehad done through youthful selfishness. The slate would be wiped clean for good, and he could be rid of a troublesome woman who had dared to worm her way into his heart.
His hand opened and dropped the ball of paper. He fell back in his chair, letting his head slump against the headrest.
A moment’s rest. A few minutes only to gather his thoughts and decide on the best course of action. A few minutes only.
A few minutes later, Alexander slept soundly. The only sound in his study was the steady ticking of the clock on the mantelpiece.
Down the hallway, Hyacinth sat at the desk in her bedroom, writing a note, which she folded and sealed with wax before ringing for a servant.
The letter was addressed to the Duchess of Cheverton, Finsbury House.
CHAPTER 26
“Celia, welcome back to Cheverton. For much longer this time, I hope,” Hyacinth greeted.
Celia smiled gratefully at the warm welcome. “We shall see.”
Hyacinth was projecting an aura of stateliness, as though trying on the mantle usually adopted by her mother. The facade cracked in a moment, though, and she ran forward to hug Celia.
“I am so glad that you are here. My brother is such a stubborn man. I do not know why he insists on keeping you at Finsbury. Mama is wrapped up in her painting and would not notice the house burning down around her when she is in her studio. So, it has fallen to me to be the voice of reason and bring the Warren family together.”
She turned, lacing her arm through Celia’s, and led her into the house.
“I am grateful that you did, Hyacinth. I think that your brother has certain ideas that are difficult to dissuade him from.”
“He is as stubborn as an ox ploughing the same furrow that it has for years. He will not deviate or stop even if the ploughman tells him to.”
Celia could not help but admire Cheverton Hall. It was bright and new, compared to the brooding gloom of Finsbury House. At the same time, she felt a curious protectiveness for the neglected house in which she had been placed.
Tucked away, out of sight and out of mind. That is what I cannot say to the girl who obviously adores her brother. He is trying to forget me. But I will not be forgotten. I am owed recognition and?—
