Page 5 of Forbidden Earl

Blackwell narrowed his eyes and grimaced as if he was settling for the black plague. “Are you going to ask for Chelsea now?”

Life had other plans for him. Remington shook his head. “Absolutely not. My contract will be for Cassidy. I need to make the arrangements as soon as possible now that Cassidy’s accepted.”

Chelsea’s lips parted and she stared at them both like they were aliens. “My sister? Are you serious? She’s awful.”

Cassidy wasn’t awful. She’d been mistreated by her family, but he kept his thoughts to himself. Instead, Remington crossed his arms. “And she’s about to be Lady Sky as she’s already agreed. Your family needs the money, clearly.”

Chelsea’s face went bright red.

Soon she’d be his sister-in-law so it was best if they stayed cordial. She stood taller like her back was now steel and crossed her arms. “What happened right here cannot be discussed with anyone else, ever. I need to marry fast.”

A car turned off its engine, the sound coming through the front door.

“You don’t get to dictate terms after trying to destroy my engagement,” Blackwell said, but Remington tapped him on the arm, getting his attention. He assumed that the car brought Lord Paston, her father.

He had no idea what had just happened and considered it best to stay out of it. Remington stepped away from the two of them and opened the door, wide, so Cassidy and Chelsea’s father felt welcome.

The moment Lord Paston walked into the room, Chelsea’s tears began to fall. “Father! These men are not nobles.”

Now that seemed overdramatic. Where was Cassidy? She must have missed her father on the road which meant he didn’t know the change of plan. She’d be here soon—hopefully, he’d not have much to do with Chelsea.

Blackwell adjusted his collar. “Lord Paston. Please send your daughter home. We have business to discuss.”

Lord Paston hugged his daughter, but asked, “Where is Cassidy?”

At least he remembered his oldest daughter, but then a gambler always knew where the money came from.

Chelsea held onto his coat. “She went to work already, Daddy. Lord Sky wishes to marry her, but she doesn’t want to.”

“She agreed and will tell you herself.” Remington didn’t clarify that Cassidy had already finished a full day of work and was now on her way home. Clearly Chelsea’s pout mattered more than Cassidy’s efforts.

“I will speak to Cassidy about your proposal this evening, Lord Sky. Chelsea, please go home now,” Lord Paston instructed. “I’m here to speak to Gigi and His Grace, the Duke of Oakley.”

She hugged her waist and said, “But-”

“Go.” Her father walked her to the door and closed it behind her the moment she passed. He then took off his gray driving cap. “First, Lord Sky, what is this about marryingCassidy?”

Remington folded his hands in front of him and bowed. “It’s my grandmother’s dying wish.”

“I understand. I’ve hoped one day Cassidy would stop working and accept her position as a lady. She’ll be more agreeable once her mother and I speak to her.” Lord Paston spoke like it was a fact.

Remington understood that if Cassidy quit her job, her family would have no income of its own. In her own room, here, as his wife, he’d protect her. She deserved better.

Blackwell widened his stance. “I am withdrawing my contract for Chelsea’s hand, Lord Paston. Your daughter did not take the news well.”

The older man’s eyes softened. “Was that why she was crying?”

Blackwell blushed and looked at his shoes. “She tried to show she was the better choice and disrobed herself as my fiancée walked in.”

Remington wished he hadn’t heard that. Now he knew Cassidy’s sister needed to stay far away from both of them. Perhaps she’d let him send Chelsea on an extended trip.

“Ahh.” Lord Paston said and Blackwell looked up. Bright continued, “I will go see Gigi now. It sounds like you have somewhere else to be as well, Your Grace.”

Blackwell nodded his goodbye to both men and said, “I’ll have my courier send over the check. Thanks again.”

He left and Remington wondered if he had Cassidy’s phone number still in his contact information. He scrolled his phone and saw her name so he texted her,‘Your dad is here.’

‘He is probably dancing a jig. My mother is happy. I’ll see you soon.’

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