Page 10 of Duchess By Accident
“A baseless accusation. They are mere servants who have a grudge against me.” Lord Bolton’s voice trembled, even as he tried to make a dismissive gesture. “Besides, I am not married to any of them. I owe them nothing. Even if their allegations were true. Which they are not.”
The Duke whirled to face him, moving in a swift motion to stand on the step above him. He loomed in front of the dias, somehow seeming to grow even larger and taller as he did. Natalie swallowed.
His brown hair fell rakishly over his forehead, shadowing his eyes, his cold grey eyes full of dismissal and disgust as he stared at Lord Bolton. Every inch of him seemed carefully controlled, his beauty contrasted with Lord Bolton.
The Marquess took a step back, his eyes darting to the door at the end of the church and then back to the Duke. Natalie watched as he tugged the collar of his shirt, a bead of sweat forming on his brow.
“Do not think to lie in this house of God, sir. I know everything there is to know about you.” The Duke proclaimed, and Natalie could hear the calculated righteous indignation in his words.He certainly knows how to play a room.
The congregation muttered amongst themselves, like angry bees but she could tell the anger was directed at Lord Bolton not the Duke.
Perhaps I might help this along.After all, she had learned a thing or two from Lady Cotswalts. “I should never have trusted you. I cannot believe I have been so naïve.”
She let the truth of her pain seep into her words, allowing a tear to trickle down her cheek. Peter moved to stand beside her, his arm wrapped around her. She buried her face in his chest, taking the moment to hide her smile.
“You are not the first to be taken in by this rogue. We owe a great thanks to Duke Blackwood.” Peter proclaimed, and Natalie could tell he was thoroughly enjoying being able to ridicule LordBolton. “No doubt these women would have pursued a breach of promise should they have the means.”
Natalie heard renewed whispering amongst the crowd. If Lord Bolton had suggested or promised marriage to any of these women, then they would be able to take him to court for breach of promise.Though what servant would be able to afford that?
Duke Blackwood nodded. “I have encouraged them to do so.”
“And I would be more than willing to provide any support they might need in their claims.” Alexander said, casting a disgusted look at Lord Bolton.
“You are making a mistake. Your Grace, do not believe these feeble lies.”
“I am not the liar here, Lord Bolton. And do not think I would make such claims without proof.” Duke Blackwood moved closer to Lord Bolton, and Natalie strained to hear the words he whispered. “This is just the start. I suggest you leave this place while you have any semblance of dignity.”
“Are you threatening me?” Lord Bolton muttered.
“That is exactly what I am doing. It is good to see you are not as simple minded as you look.” The Duke took a step away from him.
“You have no idea who you are dealing with.” Lord Bolton drew himself up to his full height, which only made him look more ridiculous.
“Oh I do hope he tries to fight us.” Peter whispered, his voice full of giddy excitement.
“I know exactly who I am dealing with.” Duke Blackwood took a step towards the man, forcing Lord Bolton to step away from him and almost fall down the stairs. “Do not think to trifle with me. I will ruin you in ways that you cannot even begin to fathom.”
The look on his face sent shivers down Natalie’s spine, and she was surprised that Lord Bolton did not immediately turn tail and flee.
He must be really stupid if he thinks he has a chance of winning
Duke Blackwood arched an eyebrow at the man, boredom clear on his face. Lord Bolton swallowed, but as he turned away from the Duke and began to walk away his eyes fell on her.
“Do not think this is the last you will see of me.” He whispered. “I will have my revenge.”
Natalie felt Peter tense beside her, readying to strike at the man but she held him back. “You do not scare me.”
As Lord Bolton reached the church doors, the Duke called, “I suggest you start looking after your children, Lord Bolton.Allof them.”
Lord Bolton paused, Natalie saw him open his mouth to speak and then close it again, cowering away from Duke Blackwood’s look.
“I will be keeping an eye on you, Lord Bolton.” Duke Blackwood said, his words full of deadly promise.
Natalie watched as the man who would have been her husband turned a delicate shade of scarlet and fled the church before anyone could utter another word.
The room erupted into a wall of noise. She felt herself move out of the main church, while Alexander and Peter began to calm the crowd and encourage them to leave.
Relief coursed through her, tears of joy flowing down her cheeks. She moved away from the entrance of the church, around the corner breathing in the crisp, cool air.
