Page 53 of The Duke of Ruin
“No, she wouldn’t.”
“There is that other alternative…”
Not changing her name and disappearing, and not awaiting her father. That left… “I don’t think she’s interested in marrying me.”
“Have you asked?”
“I have.”
The duchess blew out a breath and lowered her lids as she stared at him expectantly. “Did you really, or was it more of a suggestion?” She waved her hand. “Have you asked herrecently?”
“Er, no.” He didn’t count the discussion they’d had at Brereton. They hadn’t seriously discussed it as an option.
“You may consider doing that.”
What did that mean? Had she and Diana discussed this? Was Diana expecting a proposal? Did shewantto marry him? A cold sweat dappled his neck, and ice slid down his spine.
“She wants that?”
“Do you?” the duchess countered. She straightened. “I’ve meddled too much, probably. I just want, no, Ineedfor Diana to be happy.”
Then on that they were agreed. Simon just wasn’t sure marriage to him was the answer. But neither was he sure it wasn’t. “I want that too.”
“If there’s any chance you care for her—and it seems you do—please think about it. We have an excellent stable. You can take horses and be in Gretna Green in three days if you change a few times a day. I’ll send a groom with you to help. Actually, I may come along myself. My presence will lend some prestige to the event. And please don’t think I have a lofty opinion of myself—I’m a woman out in the country raising a son. But if I can use my title for some good, especially where it concerns Diana, I am happy to do so.”
Simon couldn’t argue with that. “Your offer is most generous, Duchess.”
“I insist you call me Verity, especially if we’re to be family.”
She made it sound as if it had all been decided. Really, was there any other choice? He wasn’t going to let Diana’s father get near her, and the only way he could protect her was to make her his wife. He just hoped she would agree.
“You’re a formidable woman, Verity. Diana is lucky to have you on her side.”
Verity laughed. “I’m not sure I agree with formidable.” She seemed to think about it for a moment. “But maybe you’re right.” She grinned. “I think I like you, Simon. I hope you don’t mind, but I’m calling you Simon. Since we’re to be family.”
Yes, it had been decided—at least in Verity’s mind. “Of course.”
She scooped the toy soldiers from the table into her left hand. “We should rise early and leave by eight, I think. I’ll have everything organized.”
Simon gave her the soldier he’d been holding. “You really think she’ll say yes?”
“Are you going to make her happy?”
“I’m going to try.” But he honestly didn’t know if he could. Hell, he didn’t know anything anymore.
“Then she’ll say yes. She’s not stupid, but you know that. It’s one of the reasons you admire her, I’m sure.” She gave him a small, almost secretive smile, as if she knew more about their relationship than even they did. “Sleep well.”
Simon watched her go and wondered if he and Diana had just been managed. Did it matter?
Not particularly. He couldn’t say he was distressed by this turn of events. Nervous, worried, and incredibly apprehensive—yes, he was definitely those things.
What the hell was he going to do with a wife? He’d considered remarrying, had thought he wanted to, but now faced with doing so, he wondered if he could do it again.
He’d have to take Diana home to Lyndhurst.Home.It had ceased being that when Miriam had died. Now when he went there, it felt like a mausoleum.
The ice returned to his spine and spread through him like a sickness.
He knew what he had to do. He just prayed he’d be a better husband this time.
