Page 7 of My Demanding Duke

Hurt turned to anger, as Anna realised that half of London had known about her engagement before she did, thanks to Falconbridge’s machinations. He had not even had the courtesy to call on her himself to tell her of his intent.

“I shan’t marry him,” Anna declared, crossing her arms across her chest defiantly, “He can’t force me down the aisle.”

“He can’t,” the viscountess agreed quietly, “Though, I think you should allow it, my dear. Your circumstances are dire; your father is a profligate gambler with no regard for your welfare. I shudder to think what might become of you, given the company he keeps.”

“The duke is no less a profligate gambler than father,” Anna protested, “And a rake to boot.”

“Rumours of his predilection for playing cards are greatly exaggerated,” Lady Limehouse replied primly, “People chatter because he usually wins. I don’t know how or when you caught his eye, Anna, but I assure you that one day you will be glad you did. Falconbridge wishes to make you a duchess; you will have stability as you have never known - and are unlikely to ever know if you chose to remain to coddle your father.”

Unable to form a reply, Anna simply nodded her agreement. She was truly caught between a rock and a hard place. She did not care for the duke, but even she could see that life with him would be easier than waking each day under her father’s roof, wondering what next calamity might befall them.

“You’ve plenty of time to think on it,” Josie interjected - the unusual circumstances rendering her brave enough to speak in the viscountess’ company, “It’s not as though you’re to be wed this instant.”

A knock on the door followed her fateful words, and Sarah appeared a moment later bearing a calling card and wearing a perplexed look on her face.

“The Duke of Falconbridge, for Miss Mosley?” she said, though from her tone, it was clear that she did not quite believe her own words.

“Send him in,” Lady Limehouse instructed, with a wave of her hand. She turned to Anna with a smile, “Thank heaven I am here to chaperone you.”

Anna did not share her sentiments; had she been alone in the house, the door would have remained firmly closed to the duke. Despite her mutinous thoughts, she ran a nervous hand over her hair to make certain it was not untidy. Even if she did not like the man, she would rather he find her presentable.

After a moment’s wait, the duke entered, his towering, broad frame all the more disconcerting in the small drawing room.

“Lady Limehouse,” he inclined his head in greeting to the viscountess before turning his gaze to Anna, “Miss Mosley, I trust your father has informed you of the news?”

“My father has not yet returned from his night out,” Anna answered, making sure her tone sounded as cold as her heart felt, “I only learned of our engagement moments ago when Lady Limehouse called to inform me. Though, I am told that half of London knew of it before I did, thanks to the papers.”

A momentary look of regret passed across Falconbridge’s handsome face, though it was fleeting.

“I apologise,” he said, his voice low, “I did not intend for you to find out this way.”

“I suppose there is no kind way to find out that your hand in marriage has been won at a card game,” Anna retorted, offering him a glare, “Perhaps if I refuse your offer, you might accept one of my father’s horses as compensation?”

“Anna,” Lady Limehouse clucked, “That’s no way to speak to His Grace.”

For his part, the Duke of Falconbridge looked most amused by Anna’s outburst. His lips quirked at the corners as though he was suppressing a smile, and his blue eyes danced with merriment.

“Miss Mosley will have all the time in the world to address her concerns to me when we are wed,” the duke declared, turning his attention to the viscountess, “Which I am hoping will take place as soon as she has packed her things. I have procured a special license from the Archbishop of Canterbury, so there is no need to wait. We can be married before noon.”

Shock washed over Anna at his words, and she struggled to remain standing. She had never had much control over her destiny, but more than ever, she felt like a ship lost at sea - powerless against the tempest hell-bent on capsizing her.

Mercifully, Lady Limehouse was not as awed by Falconbridge’s declaration as Anna, and she gave an amused titter.

“Really, your Grace,” the viscountess said, in a tone one might use with a misbehaving child, “You cannot expect me to countenance such an idea; you won awifein that card game, not a serf bound do do your every bidding. Miss Mosley has had quite the shock; she needs time to adjust. The banns shall be read before you marry, as is only proper.”

“I am not a man who usually cares for propriety,” he answered, his dark brow furrowed in annoyance. It was obvious that the duke was not at all accustomed to having his wishes ignored.

“No, but your mother cares,” Lady Limehouse replied, with an icy smile, “And I’ll warrant that she was as surprised as Miss Mosley to learn of your engagement this morning.”

Anna turned her eyes toward the duke and was gratified to see a faint blush stain his cheeks. The revelation that the fearsome Falconbridge was afraid of his mama made him seem almost human - though only slightly.

“You have created something of a scandal,” the viscountess continued, “You shall have to remedy it. It would be best if you and Miss Mosley were to be seen enjoying each others’ company once or twice to quell rumours that the poor girl was sold into marriage.”

Anna wanted to point out that this was not a rumour, it was fact, but she kept her counsel. The viscountess had bought her some time, as well as a little dignity.

“Very well,” Falconbridge inclined his head, “I cede to your wise counsel, my lady.”

Anna’s shoulders sagged in relief; she was not in imminent danger of being spirited away by the duke.

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