Page 45 of His Forbidden Duchess
The man dropped his finger, and Eloise scurried to Felix’s side.
“Leave,” Carlisle said. “This matter does not involve you.”
“I beg to differ,” Felix replied. “I have been a friend of the family for as long as I have been alive. Now, tell me, Carlisle. What is your business here?”
“Oh! Oh! Your Grace!” Lady Danridge cried.
Felix ignored her and pushed Eloise behind him protectively. He wouldn’t allow anyone to hurt her, no matter the consequences.
To his surprise, Carlisle laughed, his mouth twitching grotesquely. He stepped forward as if to claim what was his, but Felix put a hand up, shielding Eloise from him.
“You don’t understand, Your Grace. These people you consider your friends have reneged on their agreement to repay their debt. Danridge did not even have the decency to remain alive.”
Felix gritted his teeth. He’d heard about Carlisle’s business and the way he conducted himself.
“How much do they owe?”
Carlisle sniggered. “Five thousand pounds, and it’s increasing by the week.”
“Five…!” Felix turned, wide-eyed to look at Eloise. She merely nodded, her expression sheepish. “Good Lord! That is more than some men earn in a lifetime.”
“You understand my concern, then, Your Grace.” Carlisle smiled as if the pair were now friends. “If you’d let me and my men continue with our business, then I shall have no reason to interfere with yours.”
“Please, Mr. Carlisle,” Eloise said from behind him. “I am certain we can come to some sort of arrangement.” She jumped as another ornament fell to the floor, and Felix looked around in horror at the destruction they had already caused. “There mustbe something I can offer you in return for a little more time. My brother?—”
“Oh, there’s something you can offer me all right,” Carlisle said, openly eyeing Eloise like a piece of meat.
Felix clenched his fists by his sides.
“I will pay,” he said simply.
He didn’t even need to consider it. Five thousand was a princely sum indeed, but he could afford it twice over for Eloise and her family.
Carlisle looked from Eloise to Felix then threw his head back and laughed. “Good Lord, Your Grace. You must really value her if you are willing to part with that amount of cash.”
“As I said,” Felix replied through gritted teeth, “they have been like family to me since I was born.”
Carlisle examined his fingernails, his lips pursed as he considered the offer, but finally he laughed and looked up again. “I’m afraid I cannot accept your money, Your Grace, as gracious as it was for you to offer.”
“And why not?” he demanded.
“Because it was written into the agreement, you see, that the debt could only be paid by a family member.”
Felix scoffed, his arm rigid as he held Eloise back. “What utter nonsense.”
“It’s not nonsense,” Carlisle said with a sneer. “And I am such a stickler for the rules, you see. I am sorry, but that’s the way it is. Now, if you do not get out of my way, Your Grace, I’m afraid I will have to consider you to be collateral damage. The Lady belongs tomenow.”
“Oh! No! Please, do not let him take her,” Lady Danridge cried from her cowering position on the chair.
Never.
“I am as good as family,” he said, his mind racing through the options.
Carlisle let out a bark of laughter. “As you well know, there is only one way you could be part of this family, Your Grace.”
Yes, I know.
“I certainly do know,” he said. “And that is why you should be aware that Eloise and I are engaged to be married.”
