Page 53 of The Marquess and the Maiden

“Why not seduce me, then?”

Why hadn’t he? Then, at least, she’d recognize that she was partly to blame for their rushed nuptials. He’d wanted her to pick him, to say yes to his proposal. He shoved those thoughts away. “I understand I am not what you wanted. I don’t need you to pretend you’re in love with me, but can you please not behave as if you’ve got a gun to your back?”

“But I do. You’ve backed me into a corner. You took what you wanted without any thoughts to what I wanted,” she said.

“What is it that you want, Harriet?”

“I want a love match. I want a husband who would”—her voice choked a little—“love me.” The last bit came out in a whisper.

Something tightened in his chest. He knew it couldn’t be his heart, because that had died years before. “The ceremony will be at nine Sunday morning. I’ve taken the liberty of ordering you a dress.”

She flinched almost as if he’d struck her. “Of course you have.” She stood there quietly for a moment, watching the couples move gracefully across the dance floor. “Am I to ever have any control in my life again? Ever a say in what I do or how I spend my time?”

“Contrary to what you might believe to be true of me, I am not a monster, nor am I an unreasonable man. You will have every luxury money can buy, and before you tell me that doesn’t mean anything to you, consider the resources you will have, to do as you wish for your beloved charities. I know that as the sister of the Duke of Lockwood you’ve had access to some monies, but I’d wager your allowance with me will be significantly larger.” He moved her closer so he could lower himself to her ear. To others it likely looked like a lovers’ embrace. “And I’ve already been clear about your activities with your little group. You will have freedom, Harriet. Resources. All I ask for is you to warm my bed.”

She swallowed visibly but never moved her eyes off the ballroom floor.

“And you may dance with whoever asks. Do not sit out on my account.” He tapped his leg with his cane.

She looked up at him then, sympathy shining in her eyes.

He didn’t want her pity.

“I’ve actually never cared for dancing. It’s far too awkward for me to find a suitable partner as I’m so short I end up staring at the gentleman’s navel.”

He chuckled. “You’re not that short.”

“Perhaps not, but it certainly seems that way at times.”

“I think, for me, you are the perfect fit.”

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