Page 98 of A Duchess Bound
“Yes.”
Leedway pinched the bridge of his nose. “That is the most ridiculous explanation for a proposal I have ever heard in my life.”
Gerard sighed deeply. “I know it sounds strange, but it is what I truly want. I wish for Dorothy to be happy, and I know that ensuring Lady Bridget is married to a man who can give her a good life will do just that.”
“I suppose that I accept, even if your logic is strange,” Leedway said. “You believe yourself unworthy of my sister, Dorothy, who you have deeply hurt with your rejection, yet you think yourself a suitable husband for Bridget?”
“But you accept,” Gerard said.
It did not matter if Leedway understood his explanations; only that the man accepted them.
“I do,” Leedway said, raising his glass of brandy in a mockery of a toast. “You have sealed your fate by agreeing to marry my sister. See that you do not make a mess of things. If you do, I will kill you.”
Leedway did not sound as though he was entirely jesting, but Gerard could muster no real concern for the threat.
“Of course,” Gerard said. “I suppose I shall take my leave now. There will be much for all of you to discuss.”
Leedway smiled thinly. “Indeed.”
They stood and shook hands. To Gerard, it seemed as though he had sold away his life and freedom with the gesture. A lump rose in his throat as the enormity of what he had been granted fell upon him. Even as he had devised this plan and enacted it, he had considered the possibility of Leedway refusing to accept his proposal.
There were even moments when he hoped that itwasrejected, for he would then be secure in the knowledge that he had tried to help, and his assistance was rejected.
But now, he was soon to be wed, and there was no escape.
After leaving Leedway’s townhouse, Gerard had neglected to call for a carriage. For a while, he had simply stared at the townhouse and wondered where Dorothy was. Would she be with Lady Bridget, comforting her sister over her unwanted husband? Would she be alone, cursing his name and hot with fury over his decision?
He could not speak to her. That would not be wise, for he might lose his resolve entirely if he confronted her. Gerard was uncertain if he wouldeverbe able to speak to her in confidence again, for the weight of his passions had not diminished since their last encounter.
After marriage, maybe he and Lady Bridget ought to spend some time on his country estate, so as to remove the source of temptation and pain from his path. He could not be tempted by Dorothy if she was not with him.
Gerard forced his feet to move, walking down the familiar streets of Mayfair. He clenched his jaw, trying to force away the image of Dorothy’s soft face, her sister’s wounded cries, and the sharp intensity in Leedway’s stares. Gerard did not succeed. Perhaps,he ought to confide in someone? Pontoun and Lady Everleigh would both listen to him.
But he did not know what either might say.
He was not certain that he wanted to hear whatanyonehad to say about the matter. Instead of seeking them out, Leedway continued his walk until he reached his own house. He hurried to the door, which Halls promptly opened.
“Your Grace,” Halls said, bowing.
“Halls.” Gerard paused. “I am to have a wife soon. The proposal was made and has been accepted.”
Halls straightened, shock sweeping across his face. The man made a valiant effort to hide his emotion, but didn’t entirely succeed.
“Yes, I anticipate that is how everyone will receive the news,” Gerard said. “But a duke must have heirs, right? It is not so startling that I might choose to take a wife.”
“Shall I congratulate you, Your Grace?” Halls asked.
“What an odd response,” Gerard said, handing over his coat and hat. “I should think it apparent that congratulations are in order.”
Halls cleared his throat. “Of course.”
Gerard paused. “You sound doubtful.”
“Not at all, Your Grace.”
Gerard scowled. “Perhaps I am mistaken, but if you have some misgivings, you are welcome to express them.”
“I was only going to say that you do not sound as if you are entirely happy with the match, Your Grace. That is all.”
