Page 42 of His Forbidden Duchess
And yes, part of her was happy to hear that Mortcombe was engaged, albeit after having his hand forced, because it meant that she would not have to put up with his pompous face and his arrogant attitude for the rest of her life.
But that was her heart and body speaking. Her mind painted her a far more sinister picture.
Without Mortcombe her plan had come to a screeching halt. Her family now faced certain ruin, for time had nearly runout. Hehad been her last hope. Felix had indeed taught her well, but could she really hope to find and woo another man in one week?
Most certainly not.
“It was a beautiful announcement, though, was it not?” Lady Danridge said. She snapped a biscuit in half and a cascade of crumbs fell on the plate.
“I beg your pardon?” Eloise said, looking blankly at her mother.
“Lord Mortcombe and Lady Arabella. He seemed almost coy. It was sweet.”
Horrified, more like.
Just as she had entered the ballroom, she saw Mortcombe and Arabella on the stage announcing their engagement. Arabella had beamed across the crowd, her prize won, but Mortcombe had looked every bit like a frightened lamb. In other circumstances, Eloise might have found it in herself to pity him.
“I suppose,” Eloise muttered.
She picked up her teacup and raised it to her lips, only to discover that she had no energy left to drink it. She lowered it again, making it crackle against the saucer.
“Do not worry, dear girl. There will be plenty of other gentlemen, just you wait and see.”
Not if we are ruined, Mother.
Eloise couldn’t say the words she was thinking or explain the situation to her mother. She so often felt like their roles were reversed. And now, at the brink of their imminent destruction, she felt it more keenly than ever before.
If only Jeremy was here. He would know what to do.
She had been so determined to fix the problem herself, but all she had done was waste time. The burden still weighed heavily on her, but now she had no more opportunities to lighten it. It was crushing her.
To make matters worse, Felix had twisted her mind and her body to such an extent that she found herself unable to even think of a solution without picturing his body pressed against hers.
She repeatedly imagined the sensation of his manhood pressed into her thigh, her hands forced above her head. He had trapped her there, and the truth was she had liked it. She would have given him anything in that moment, handed herself over to him entirely.
And, given the chance, perhaps I still would.
She sighed and picked up her teacup again, this time taking a sip. She sneered at it as she swallowed and quickly put the cup down again.
“Did it grow cold?” her mother said, looking down her nose at her. “Do not say that I failed to warn you. I do not know what has gotten into you today. Just the same as last night. I do wish you would tell me what was going on in that head of yours.”
“You would not wish to know,” she muttered in reply as her mother raised her eyebrows.
“No, perhaps I would not. Regardless, there is another ball this weekend—at Hambly House this time—and I thought it might be the perfect opportunity for you to send your best wishes to Lord Mortcombe and Lady Arabella. No hard feelings and all that.”
Eloise groaned. Could she tolerate another ball?
She was about to open her mouth to retort when the butler entered, his face pale.
Eloise’s eyes widened. There was only ever one time when she saw that expression on their butler’s face: when trouble was afoot.
“Lady Danridge, Lady Eloise. Mr. Carlisle and his companions are here.”
He bowed, but before he could straighten himself up, the three men bowled past, almost knocking him to the floor.
Lady Danridge let out a loud cry immediately, but Eloise could only stare open mouthed. The two brutes accompanying the creditor were different from last time. Bigger and more intimidating. Mr. Carlisle, meanwhile, wore a cruel expression.
“Good afternoon, My Ladies. How lovely it is to see you enjoying a cup of tea—one atmyexpense, no doubt,” Mr. Carlisle said.
