Page 16 of Married to the Rake

“And you have nothing to say on the matter?” she asked. “Really, I should not have even gone along with this plan. I think my father was right about you Waverleys.”

“Right?” He scoffed. “I did not have you marked as a fool, Miss Larkin.”

“A fool? Because I support my father and his decisions?”

“You really support him after all he has done?” Brook shook his head. “I knew the Larkins were selfish but I had somehow thought you were untouched by it all.”

“Selfish? Your father is the very epitome of selfishness.” She folded her arms, drawing his attention to her chest. He damned well wished she would stop doing that especially when he was trying to have an argument with her.

“Your father stolemyfather’s fiancé. If we are talking of selfishness, I do believe the Larkins win that one.”

She gasped. “Stole? My father rescued her. Julia did not wish to be married to such a vile, awful man. My father did his duty and aided her.”

He frowned. Brook searched her eyes. She believed that story wholeheartedly. But, the way his father had told it, Marcus Larkin was no savior. Brook released a long breath.

“It seems we have been told different stories about the same matter.”

“Different stories?”

He nodded. “Whatever happened between our fathers, they believe it to be different to whatever really happened.”

“Your father could be lying about the matter.”

“So could yours,” he shot back.

“My father is no liar.”

“Nor is mine.”

“It seems we are at an impasse, Mr. Waverley.” She uncrossed her arms. “So what are we to do about it?”

“I think we need to find out what really happened all those years ago. If we are to ever have a hope of repairing the relationship, we need to know.”

“I only spoke with my mother. That is how I know what happened. I don’t suppose she knows much more. She met my father a few years after this happened.”

“I will speak to my mother at some point. Perhaps she knows more. Though, how she will feel about me asking about a previous fiancé, I do not know.” He glanced around the side of the doorway. “I think your parents are starting to notice your absence. We had better return.”

She nodded. “If I find out anything, how shall I get word to you?”

“Leave me a note at the border. My father will certainly not complain if I check it daily.”

Miss Larkin smiled a little and rolled her eyes. “Nor will my father.” She stepped out from the shadows. “We had better keep ourselves busy until your father arrives.”

Brook tugged out his pocket watch. “My mother is known for being late though I did not expect them to take this long.”

“You know how women are, we can never make decisions on what to wear.”

“Why do I think that that is not the case with you, Miss Larkin?”

She frowned at him. “I spent quite a while debating what dress to wear tonight, actually.”

“I would wager not as long as most women.” He grinned. “But you made an excellent choice if that helps.”

She blushed and it made his grin expand. “Go on,” he urged. “I shall enter in a few moments.”

Miss Larkin hurried away, becoming lost in the crowd far too quickly for his liking. He’d rather hoped to watch that curvaceous behind for a few moments more.

She was right, there were differences in their fathers’ stories and they needed to find out exactly what had happened. If all this arguing was down to a misunderstanding between the two men, then maybe it could be more easily resolved than they hoped.

---