Page 50 of An Innocent Little Scandal (Sensual Scandals)

“I assure you that is not the case, Your Grace.” Miss Stillwater kept her voice firm, but polite. “The previous Duke of Marlington had signed a marriage contract with my father shortly before his death. He even told me he’d purchased a ring in London.”

“The sapphire…” Araminta said it quietly, but the lady heard her all the same.

“You’ve seen it then,” she noted. “That alone should give you the evidence that you might require.”

“Even if that were true,” the duchess returned. “It does not mean that my son is bound by law to uphold a previous arrangement. England abolished that practice several years ago.”

She blinked. “And what of honor?”

“That will also not stand in this situation, as there is no reason for him to do so.” The duchess shook her head. “I fear that if you merely made the journey here to appeal to him, you are wasting your time. Not only has he gone to London to obtain a special license from the archbishop to secure Lady Olivia’s hand, but he will not appreciate being forced into a commitment that he was never party to.”

“Rest assured that my father learned of the duke’s arrival in London. No doubt he will be arriving soon with the news that our union shall stand,” Miss Stillwater announced, as if the duchess hadn’t even spoken.

The duke’s mother lifted her chin regally, and Olivia found even more respect for her. “I don’t appreciate manipulation in any way, so I think it’s time you took your leave of this house.”

She didn’t budge. “Aren’t you even curious as to my terms?”

“Blackmail, don’t you mean?” This came from Araminta, who had moved closer to Olivia and Calliope, as well as Isadora. All of them providing a united front in the face of such maliciousness, for the woman practically radiated it. It was obvious she was someone who was used to getting what she wanted, and she would do whatever it took to snag a duke.

Miss Stillwater pierced Araminta with an annoyed glare and returned her attention back to the duchess, dismissing them all as if they didn’t even account for any sort of opinion, even though she was standing in the midst oftheirfather’s estate. “If your son doesn’t see fit to assume the previous duke’s promise, then I shall be forced to take action that will likely not turn society in your favor.”

Isadora was the one who stepped forward this time. “Youdareto threaten us in our own house?”

Instead of being cowed, the effect turned opposite. Miss Stillwater scoffed, “This was neveryourhouse, but your father’s estate, which will soon be mine.”

“Say what you came to say,” the duchess snapped, obviously at the end of her patience. “I tire of this ridiculous conversation.”

Miss Stillwater’s lips curved upward. “Then appeal to the duke to honor the previous contract if he doesn’t wish to sire a bastard child.”

* * *

Lord Somers wasn’t pleasedto find out that they would be returning to Marlington Hall the same way they had departed, on horseback in the freezing cold, but once Miles had explained the viscount’s visit and his unease on the subject, the earl had relented with a mere grumble.

At least they would be returning with good news, that the archbishop had granted both of them a special license, claiming that it was the season for charity and he was feeling generous.

At long last they passed into the village of Canterbury and were nearing their journey’s end after nearly two long days of grueling travel with not much more than a brief repose and a few hasty meals.

The single thing that managed to keep Miles sane through it all was the fact that he would soon be reunited with Olivia. His heart burned to tell her how he felt, for their brief time apart had made him realize how much he truly cared for her. It went far beyond anything physical, although that was definitely a bonus.

The miles that had passed had been bearable because he could be assured that they would soon be together again.

A nice, hot bath and a hearty dinner would certainly be welcome as well.

They finally rode down the long drive that led to the manor, and while the large edifice was soon visible, it was the carriage that was parked out front that caused a frisson of alarm to shoot up his spine. Something told him he wouldn’t like who had come to call.

He was thankful a groom was there to greet them, as he tossed the reins over to the waiting servant and took the steps inside with a purposeful stride. He could hear voices coming from inside the parlor, so he headed in that direction.

He hesitated when he heard the impatience in his mother’s voice. It wasn’t often that she ever lost her composure, but whoever was in that room was not gaining any favor from her. When the sound of an unknown female voice began speaking, Miles frowned, for she didn’t seem familiar to him.

However, when she mentioned something about him honoring a contract, along with the fact she claimed she was with child, he knew it was time to intercede.

He walked in without removing his greatcoat or gloves first. His focus was dark and fixed on the woman standing in the middle of the room. “What is going on here?” he demanded, his raspy tone causing the woman to gasp in alarm as the rest of the room fell silent. Even the earl skidded to a halt behind him.

“Oh, thank goodness you are back, Miles. I pray you can add some clarity to this outlandish claim.” His mother waved a hand at the lady, who turned with a hand to her breast.

Miles didn’t soften his hard stare as he took in her appearance. At first glance, she looked like a lady, and she might have even been attractive with her ebony hair and bright, blue eyes, but when compared to Olivia, she truly had little to recommend her.

“Your Grace.” She curtsied deeply, but when she rose, her eyes were direct and adoring. “I wasn’t expecting you back so soon.”

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