Page 73 of When the Viscount Seduces
He gave her a tight, humorless smile. “And yet, you’re perfectly happy to have her wed a mere rake, which I think you’ll agree I am. Or rogue, if you prefer that term.”
“I’m happy for her to become the Viscountess Somerton. That is the only outcome I will accept.” She pursed her thin lips at him. “I do hope you will not force us to make this into a scandal.”
“I am not forcing you to do anything. I think you’ll find the coercion is coming entirely from one direction.” His patience was nearing its end. He took a step toward her and studied her intently. “Who did this to your daughter? Because it wasn’t me. He should be made to account for his actions.”
“Itwasyou,” she insisted, though her eyes darted toward the window for the barest moment.
“Was it someone she can’t wed? A footman or a married man? If someone took advantage of her, you can bring him up on charges?—”
“Do not advise me on what we are able to do,” she snapped, sneering at him. “You will be the one to marry her. I will expect you to call tomorrow. If you do not, my husband will be calling on you by nightfall. He knew your father, you know.”
The mention of Lazarus’s father turned his blood cold. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“Your father was a good and honorable man. He would hate to see how you’ve debauched women without a care.”
Nothing she said could have hurt him more. His father’s love had been a constant in Lazarus’s life, even after he’d died. To think he would be disappointed in his son nearly drowned Lazarus in grief and regret. The sensation was nearly identical to how he felt when he thought of Gwen learning about this. And of course it would be—Gwen had believed in him and supported him in ways no one had since his father. It only made sense that he valued her opinion of him more than anyone else’s. He wouldhate to see the pride and admiration for him in her gaze replaced with disgust and disappointment.
But he had already vowed to change the way he lived. Furthermore, nothing Mrs. Worsley said would convince him he’d taken advantage of her daughter. “I didn’t bed your daughter,” he said quietly. “And I think you know that.”
Sniffing, she lifted her chin. “I think you know that it doesn’t matter once everyone thinks you did. Please do what you must—call tomorrow and marry Melissa. You will not be unhappy.”
Mrs. Worsley swept past him and left the drawing room.
Lazarus went to a chair and gripped the back. He needed to find the father of this child. Perhaps then he could force something—he could ensure Melissa married the man who’d used her and tossed her aside.
Only, he feared it wouldn’t be happy for her. And for that, he was sorry.
But Lazarus was not going to pay for that man’s sins. Even if his reputation made him an easy target.
CHAPTER 17
After telling her mother that she was going to spend the afternoon with her friends to hopefully cheer herself, Gwen was now on her way to Min’s father’s house in Grosvenor Square. Her mother had felt badly about taking her to the ball last night, saying she should have realized the gossip would be bad.
Gwen hadn’t seen her father, for he’d left the ball at some point last night and gone to his club. Then today, she’d kept to her chamber until leaving for Min’s.
The Duke of Henlow’s London residence was one of the largest in the square, with several columns decorating the facade. Gwen had not yet reached the door before it was opened by a young footman in pristine maroon livery.
Inside the entry hall, the butler, who appeared stuffy but never failed to greet Gwen warmly, took her hat and gloves then directed her up to Min’s sitting room. Located on the second floor, it was connected to her bedchamber. They preferred to meet there instead of the drawing room because they would not be disturbed.
Decorated in varying shades of pink with an abundance of floral motifs, the sitting room boasted extreme femininity. Minhadn’t had a hand in decorating it, however. It was due entirely to her mother. Min found it a bit overdone.
Everyone was already there—Min, Ellis, Tamsin, and even Jo. Gwen hadn’t thought to invite her, but obviously someone had. They all rose when Gwen entered.
“We are so sorry this has happened, Gwen,” Min said, rushing to hug her. The rest of them took turns embracing her, including Jo, who was last.
“I hope you don’t mind that I’m here,” Jo said. “Min invited me.”
“Not at all. I am overjoyed, in fact. You are one of us now,” Gwen added with a smile.
They took their seats, and Gwen knew she had to tell them about Miss Worsley. She’d tried to think of how to explain, but there was simply no good way. She’d also contemplated whether she should have told Tamsin first—separately—since Lazarus was her cousin.
Gwen took a deep breath before speaking. “I know you all think the gossip about Somerton and me is the reason for my distress, but it’s more than that.”
“Min and Ellis said you seemed upset after some young woman badgered you to speak with her,” Tamsin said.
“Yes, my conversation with her was most upsetting,” Gwen said softly. “Her name is Miss Melissa Worsley. Her grandfather is the Viscount Haverstock.”
“My father knows him,” Min said, wrinkling her nose. “And from the way he speaks of him, I’d say I’m disinclined to like him.”
