Page 70 of The Duke of Daring (The Untouchables)
Ivy set her cup down with a clack. “He’s a scoundrel. That’s reason enough. He should be marrying you.”
For some bizarre reason, Lucy felt the need to defend him. “How do you know he didn’t ask? You know I don’t want to marry.”
“He asked you to marry him?” Aquilla sounded incredulous. “And you said no?”
“He did not, actually.” Lucy threw Ivy a quelling glance. “We shared a lovely evening together—one that I shall never forgetorregret.”
Aquilla sat back and studied Lucy for a long moment. So long that Lucy shifted and wondered if she maybe had a crumb on her face from one of the cakes she’d eaten.
“I’m not sure I believe you,” Aquilla said at last. “You were quick to defend him, you call him Andrew, and watching you talk about him…your eyes light up. And you almost smile, even as you’re talking. I think youwouldmarry him if he asked.”
Aquilla, her dear and charming friend, had done what she did best—she’d cut right to the heart of a matter and astutely comprehended what was really happening.
Lucy looked from Aquilla to Ivy, who wore an expression of concern, back to Aquilla. She whispered what she never thought she’d say, “Iwould. If he asked. But he won’t.” Her insides twisted. “I’m sure you don’t approve or understand, Ivy.”
Ivy exhaled. “Approval has nothing to do with it, but no, I don’t understand. He misused you horribly.”
Lucy arched a brow at her. “I was a willing participant. No, he didn’t handle things well, but it’s my own fault. We were very clear early on—neither one of us desired marriage.”
“Does he know you’ve changed your mind?” Aquilla asked.
“No, and I don’t plan to tell him.”
“Why is he so adamantly against it? He’s an earl. Surely he understands the need to beget an heir.”
That was a valid point and one Lucy hadn’t pressed with him. She was curious about that now. But she wouldn’t have the opportunity to ask him about it. “I believe it’s because he lost his entire family when he was young. They all died of winter fever.” Mrs. Alder had confirmed the illness when she’d helped Lucy prepare to leave.
Aquilla brought her hand to her mouth. “How terrible. My family is awful, but I wouldn’t wish them dead.”
“I would,” Ivy muttered.
“My family?” Aquilla asked, her eyes round with shock. “I know you don’t care for them, but that’s rather cruel.”
Ivy looked down at her lap. “I wasn’t speaking of your family but mine.” She flicked a glance at Lucy. “He doesn’t wish to have a family of his own because he’s still mourning the one he lost?”
Lucy longed to ask Ivy about her family—whom she never talked about—but could tell she wasn’t ready to reveal more than she already had. “Something like that, yes.” Lucy reached over and stroked Ivy’s arm briefly. “We’re your family, you know.”
Ivy smiled at her and then Aquilla. “I do know, and I love you both for it. I know I’m not always the easiest person to like, and that you’ve both become the dearest people in my life means the world to me.”
“Oh, Ivy.” Aquilla jumped up and went to hug her.
Lucy joined them, and soon they were in a heap on the settee, laughing.
When they’d composed themselves and returned to their respective seats, Aquilla looked at Lucy. “What do you plan to do now?”
“As I said, my association with Andrew—Dartford—is over.” She’d do well to stop first-naming him. He was nothing more than a memory now. “I sold some jewelry. Between that and my winnings, I have enough to invest. We’ll need to live frugally for a bit, but I think it will work out. I’ve been looking for cottages near Bath.”
“Is your grandmother happy?” Ivy asked. “I imagine she must be.”
“Or not,” Aquilla said. “She’s been clear about her wish for Lucy to marry.”
“What Aquilla says is true, but I think she would like for me to be with her. I’m acclimating her to the idea.” Lucy turned to Ivy. “I may also seek employment, so I’d be keen to be introduced to your contacts in Bath.”
“I’ll send letters when you’re ready to move.”
Aquilla crossed her arms over her chest, frowning. “I’m going to miss you terribly. Is there no way we can persuade Dartford to marry? He clearly felt something for you, yes?”
Something, yes. But Lucy didn’t think it went anywhere near as deep as the way she felt about him now. He treated her like an equal—appreciating her talent and her mind and, yes, even her beauty, which she’d thought was nonexistent. He made her feel special. Admired. Hadn’t he even said he’d admired her once?
