Page 43 of Enslaved to the Seduction of a Lady
“I shall have to have him removed as soon as possible,” the Duke said. “I cannot put you at any further risk.”
“No, Father!” Alison cried. “Please do not do anything rash.”
“She’s right,” Teresa urged. “Mr. Jones has done nothing wrong—only expressed his interest. Being knocked back will be punishment enough.”
“I amnotknocking him back,” Alison said, outraged.
“And the Earl is conceited, and he smells bad,” Teresa added, almost excited. “We cannot leave her with him.”
“Be that as it may,” the Duchess said. “He is better than a lowly servant.”
“But if you’ll just listen to what I’ve got to say,” Alison cried.
“No. I don’t need to hear anymore,” the Duke said. “I will reiterate my earlier statement—you have no choice in the matter, My Girl. This cavorting with the groom is to stop immediately, and I shall ensure your wedding to the Earl happens as quickly as possible.”
“But—”
“You are dismissed,” the Duke said with a harsh and angry tone. “Both of you. Now get out of my sight.”
Alison fled from the room, heaving sobs as she ran up the stairs and through the corridor, until she burst through the door of her chambers and fell onto the couch.
“Alison,” Teresa said, rushing in the door after her. “Oh Alison. I don’t know what to say.”
“There is nothing to say,” Alison spat.
“I know that didn’t go according to plan,” Teresa said, stepping tentatively over to the couch and sitting down. “But—”
Alison turned to face her sister, letting the tears dry on her cheeks. She burned with determination and with love for Luke.
“If they don’t agree, I’ll have to take matters into my own hands.”
“What does that mean?” Teresa asked, her eyes darting with worry. “Alison, don’t do anything rash, it’ll—”
“It’s not rash. We have loved each other for years, and yet have always been kept apart. Our plan to talk to them failed, so now it is time to put the next option into motion.”
