Page 28 of Wickedly Yours
“I didn’t realize you took notice of Arabella’s dress.” Rowan shifted as his breeches grew tight. Just the thought of taking Arabella out of those staid garments to caress the skin beneath aroused him.
“Your blessed mother does, I do not.” His father looked askance at him. “You do not need to sacrifice yourself for her honor. She has none.”
“I’ve signed the betrothal agreements. They’ll be sent for you to review as a courtesy.”
His father’s posture reflected his blatant shock. “I can still salvage things with Lord White.” Lord Marsh blinked in confusion.
“I am marrying Lady Arabella, Father. I am sorry you and Mother aren’t pleased.” Rowan stood. “But I’m wedding her, not you. You’ll have to come to terms or family gatherings are bound to be awkward.”
A sputtering sound came from his father. “While I have grown fond of His Grace —”
“You areafraidof the Devil of Dunbar. It is not the same as being fond of him,” Rowan snapped, delighted when his father’s face reddened. “I bid you good day, Father. Thank you for the drink.”
19
“Iambesidemyself. What is your brother thinking in marrying that girl? Even if she hadn’t gotten herself involved with,” Lady Marsh lowered her voice, “Corbett and his mother, she is still unacceptable. Lady Gwendolyn took to her bed upon hearing the news. I would express my disappointment to Rowan, but he has yet to appear before me.”
Jemma sipped her tea and cast a sideways glance to her cousin, Petra. She loved Aunt Mary dearly, but her dramatics were beginning to grow tiresome. Granted, no one could blame Lady Marsh for her ill-concealed horror at the prospect of Arabella as a daughter-in-law, but Rowan’s mind was set. And after speaking at length to Nick, Jemma thought she understood the situation better. “Rowan is a man of nearly thirty years, Aunt Mary. I am sure he knows his own mind. I assure you, Nick did not coerce him in the least.”
Aunt Mary shot her a doubtful look. “No one will ever believe Rowan was simply overcome with passion for the girl.”
Jemma nibbled on a sugared biscuit. Aunt Mary and Petra were both informed of the true reason Rowan and Arabella had been together, or at least the pertinent points. “Does it matter? Perhaps they will assume Rowan wishes to marry her for financial reasons. Her dowry is enormous. I am married to her brother. When you look at things from that perspective, their betrothal makes sense.”
“Arabella is not who I would choose as a sister-in-law.” Petra stole a small cake from the tray. “She terrifies me. Always has. Rowan should beg off and Arabella can be banished again. Wouldn’t we all be happier?”
Aunt Mary clapped her hands. “A brilliant idea. Jemma, surely you can discuss such with His Grace? You, more than anyone, should wish her gone.”
It was true, she didn’t care for Arabella, but neither would Jemma dictate to her husband abandon his sister. “I would never ask him to do such a thing. Regardless of her actions, Nick loves her dearly. And she has begged his forgiveness.”
“She’s a sour spinster. I would think gossip that she’s been ruined would do nothing but enhance her reputation.” Petra was rarely so unkind towards another.
“That’s a bit cruel, Petra.” Jemma had wondered at Rowan’s behavior toward Arabella since the first time she’d seen them together nearly a year ago. The air fairly crackled between the two with animosity, which on reflection, Jemma thought may be something else. Attraction.
No wonder he agreed to go after her.
“You can’t mean to say that you approve of this marriage?” Lady Marsh dabbed at her eyes with a tissue and her lips trembled as she spoke.
“I am as shocked as you are, Aunt Mary, however, I do sense a change in Arabella. Her time with Corbett forged a connection between she and Rowan.” Jemma shrugged. “I do not pretend to understand, but I do not think Rowan is easily manipulated. He knows his own mind. You do not have to like his decision, but you should respect it.” She gave both women a pointed look. “Nick loves his sister. I will not have him hurt over your disapproval else you answer to me.”
Aunt Mary sat back, her unhappiness clear. “Your meaning is taken, niece, though I doubt His Grace is in need of your protection.”
Jemma shrugged. “You’d be surprised.”
20
“Good Lord, taken by that vile man Corbett. I was rather put out when you didn’t arrive at my wedding celebration, but it appears you had a good excuse. Or a terrible one.” Miranda whispered in Arabella’s ear as they walked out of hearing range of the groom who had accompanied the carriage. The day was beautiful and sunny, if a bit chilly and she and Miranda had opted to visit the park, even though Arabella wished to avoid the thinly veiled curiosity of London society. She simply couldn’t hide in the house any longer and was in desperate need of some exercise and fresh air. Besides, Arabella detested cowardly behavior.
“Chester,” Miranda addressed the groom, “we are taking a turn about the path. You stay with the carriage. I promise we won’t stray too far.” Miranda bent her head to Arabella. “I wouldn’t wish him to lose his place. I know he’s been instructed to follow us about.” She shot the groom a brilliant smile before turning back to Arabella.
“When you didn’t arrive at the ball, I had the ridiculous notion that you were upset with me for marrying. I should have told you about Colin years ago, but I couldn’t, you see.” The emerald of her eyes glittered at Arabella. “Colin was my secret. I’d told no one. Not even Grandmother. He’d left me so long ago and…” A rustle of silk followed the slight shrug of her shoulders. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
Arabella squeezed Miranda’s hand. “I wish you had told me.” She’d never considered that Miranda had been heartbroken for years, always assuming her friend, who was forever cheery and good-natured, had few cares in the world.
“I was a bit ashamed of myself for thinking such a thing. That you wouldn’t attend just to be spiteful.”
Arabella gave her dearest friend a wan smile. Shehadbeen upset. Angry. Filled with desolation that Miranda had found love and Arabella would be alone. “Perish the thought. I am thrilled for you.”
“And then to have that horrid little gossip spread such tales. Lavinia Woodstock of all people. I’m grateful she didn’t catch wind of the true situation. Thank goodness Lord Malden went after you, else there is no telling what Corbett would have done.”
