Page 66 of The Duchess' Ultimatum
Dorian suppressed a groan, because he could guess well enough the reason Lord Kenbrook had come to find him. “Lord Kenbrook, how is everything? I trust you slept well.”
“Not as well as I might have.” He made sure to block the hallway so Dorian couldn’t pass by. “My thoughts have been rather preoccupied. And I think you know why…”
“I assume you are speaking of your son.”
“Young Nicholas was rather taken with your sister – indeed, I can’t remember the last time he spoke so fondly of… well, of anybody.” Lord Kenbrook chortled. “And when he asked me if he might approach you and request the chance to court her, I was beyond thrilled.” Lord Kenbrook cocked an eyebrow. “I assume there is no reason that I should not be so?”
It was a most awkward circumstance to find oneself in the middle of, but one that Dorian had no choice but to face head on. His sister had made her feelings clear, and with how piqued Dorian’s mood was, he saw no reason to deny them. As he told himself time and time again, all he ever wanted was for Barbara to be happy…
“I take no pleasure in this, Lord Kenbrook. I pray you understand as much. Sadly, once your son told me of his interest concerning my sister, I sought her immediately and asked if she felt the same way.”
“You asked her?” Lord Kenbrook looked confused by the notion. “Forgive me, Your Grace, but what does your sister’s opinion have to do with anything – we are speaking of a marriage, are we not? God willing. Little more than a business contract.”
Dorian clicked his tongue, finding the comparison a little… harsh. “Yes, well, some might see it that way –”
“Most do,” Lord Kenbrook spoke over him. “My son is a most upstanding gentleman, Your Grace. From a fine pedigree, standing to inherit a fortune of considerable means. And as I am sure you are aware, my finances of late have been nothing if not healthy. I was hoping that with a marriage between our families, that you and I might find a common cause. Regarding future business endeavors, of course.”
“I understand the net positives well enough,” Dorian countered. “But as I was saying, I spoke with Barbara and as much as sheenjoyed your son’s company, she assured me just as much that she is not interested.”
“Is that so?” Lord Kenbrook’s expression flattened.
“I pray we may still do business together.” Dorian offered an olive branch. “That is still very much on the table. Only, it won’t be attached to any formal marriage contract. My sister…” He smiled softly as he thought of her. “I want her to be happy, and sadly I don’t think such a thing will be possible if I force your son on her. You understand?”
“Oh, I understand,” Lord Kenbrook muttered, his expression now turned cold. “You put your sister’s personal feelings above practicality. Which surprises me, Your Grace, considering all I have heard of you.”
That had Dorian blinking and leaning back. “What is your meaning?”
Lord Kenbrook flashed a toothy smile. “Forgive me for saying, Your Grace – and I assure you, I was not snooping purposefully. I would never do such a thing as that. Sadly, I could not help but overhear an argument that you and Her Grace had just two nights ago, following the ball…” He trailed off, his smile turned to a smirk.
Dorian’s eyes widened. “You heard that?”
“Alas, by pure coincidence and nothing more…” A shake of the head as if he regretted it. “And I am not one to judge how a husband and wife speak to one another. I would never do such a thing. Although from what I heard, I don’t even know if husband and wife is the proper terminology to use for what you and Her Grace are engaged in.”
“Lord Kenbrook…” Dorian felt a spike of anger stand through him, sensing immediately the threat in Lord Kenbrook’s words. “I would be careful what I say next if I was you.”
“There is no need for threats, Your Grace.” He was back to smiling again, his tone so light and friendly one might assume they were discussing what to have for breakfast. “You and Her Grace clearly have a marriage that is perhaps a little odd… even scandalous, depending on who one might ask. And that is your business.”
“As it is not yours.”
“Nor should it be anyone’s,” Lord Kenbrook agreed. “It is between the two of you and I would hate for it to become public knowledge. And you know how this town is…” He sighed as if with regret. “If it was to be learned that the two of you lived as you do, reviled one another from what I heard, it might… turn toward awkward.”
“I assure you that my wife and I are perfectly happy.”
“I am sure that you are.” Still smiling, he spread his hands. “Which would be a shame, as these things tend to reflect morepoorly on the woman than they do the man – just the way that things are. Why, I would even go so far to guess that if it was learned how the two of you live, or don’t live, it might ruin Her Grace’s reputation beyond repair. The word ‘spinster’ might even be used, God forbid.”
Dorian was shaking with fury. Hands clenched into balls, jaw tight, eyes narrowed, it took all the control he could muster not to grab Lord Kenbrook by the throat.
“What do you want?” he asked through a clenched jaw.
“Me?” Lord Kenbrook touched his chest as if surprised. “As I said, I am your friend here, Your Grace. And this little arrangement that you and your wife have, Iwantit to remain a secret. In fact, I pray that it does…” He raised a knowing eyebrow.
“Nicholas,” Dorian hissed. “You wish for Barbara to reconsider.”
He shrugged. “As I made quite clear, I don’t think your sister’s opinion matters one way or the other. What I would love is for you to realize this and do as you should. My son is an upstanding gentleman, and I know he will make your sister happy, should he be afforded the chance. All I would like is for to see this and do as I know you think is right.”
It was hard to articulate how exactly Dorian felt in that moment.
Furious, of course. Unable to believe that he was being blackmailed like this. The nerve of the man! If Dorian was not so aware of the corner he’d been backed into, he would have taken Lord Kenbrook by the scruff of the neck, dragged him through the house, and tossed him into the dirt outside, told to never return.
