Page 102 of Lies in Little Sutherland
“Crispin relinquishes the title,” Christopher said, “or Father takes it away from him.”
“You’re right.I don’t think either of those is likely to happen.Not unless we could talk one of them into it, but I don’t suppose that would be easy to do.”
He didn’t answer, and I added, “Was that both options in one, or do you have another?”
“That was two versions of the first option, in which Crispin is no longer Duke of Sutherland, and thus of less interest to Laetitia.She might relinquish her claim on him if the dukedom doesn’t come with the marriage.”
She might.Although it was by no means guaranteed, as she seemed rather attached to his person as well as to the title and money.
“That option seems tenuous at best.What about the other one?”
He looked down at me.“The other option is that you tell him you love him and beg him not to marry Laetitia, and hope that he changes his mind.”
“Lie, do you mean?”
“If that’s what you want to call it,” Christopher said.“His father… excuse me, Uncle Harold isn’t around to put pressure on Crispin anymore.He won’t be disowned if he breaks the engagement.He’s already Duke of Sutherland and can do as he pleases.There’ll be a breach of promise suit, of course?—”
I nodded.Laetitia wasn’t likely to give up without a fight, nor were her parents.
“—and it will undoubtedly be costly, but at the end of it, he would be free, and with his reputation mostly intact.”
I snorted.“What reputation is that?He doesn’t have one of those to speak of.”
“Precisely,” Christopher said serenely.“Throwing one fiancée over for another seems rather on brand.And if you make it worth his while, he might agree to do it.”
“I’d have to marry him, though.”
“I imagine that that would be part of the incentive,” Christopher agreed.
“What if I don’t want to be Duchess of Sutherland?”
“Then you don’t marry the duke,” Christopher said.“But if you don’t, you’ll have to watch him marry Laetitia instead.She’ll be sharing his bed and bringing up his children and spending his fortune and ruling Sutherland Hall.”
I grimaced.Rock, meet hard place.“I’ll think about it.”
“Think fast,” Christopher advised, as we came out of the maze and headed across the lawn towards the terrasse and the double doors to the drawing room.
