Page 73 of The Scholar's Key
“I can’t do it,” Percy said in an urgent whisper. “I cannot marry him. Father was about to announce it, wasn’t he?”
Her mother looked one way and then the next before taking her hand and leading her toward another room, pushing open the door to the softly lit parlor and closing it behind them. She sat down on the sofa and patted the space next to her. Percy sank down, her satiny soft pale blue skirts billowing around her as she did.
“Yes, your father was about to announce the engagement. When you didn’t provide him with an answer, he decided for you.”
Percy shook her head desperately back and forth, tears welling in her eyes – tears of frustration that everyone, even Noah, seemed to be making decisions for her, as well as tears of grief that the life she had wished for had been so close yet remained out of reach.
“I cannot marry Lord Stephen,” she said, determination mixing with her despair. “I have tried, Mother, but I feel nothing for him. The thought of his touch only causes me repulsion, not affection.”
Once again, her mother laid her hands over Percy’s, her expression sympathetic. “Perhaps that will grow over time.”
“It will not,” Percy said, leaning in toward her. “For I know what it is like to desire the touch of a man, and with Lord Stephen, I feel the opposite. The truth is, Mother, I would rather be alone than be with a man that I do not love.”
“I wish that you could do as you please, Percy, but a woman cannot live alone.”
“Why not? Many women do.”
“And the only ones who live comfortably are widows and prostitutes.”
“I will find my way,” Percy said stubbornly. “I am sure I will. One day, when Father can no longer support me, I know that Richard will. My brother may be a pain, but he loves me, and I will promise him that I will stay out of Lady Jane’s way.”
“Oh, Percy,” her mother said with sorrow. “This is not the life I wish for you. What of Mr. Rowley?”
Percy’s head shot up at his name. “What about him?”
“He is the man whose touch you crave, is it not?”
Percy’s cheeks burned. “Yes, but he does not want me.”
“I can hardly believe that to be true.”
“He says that it is better this way. I tried to convince him otherwise, but he would not accept. If that is what he feels, then so be it. He has made his choice. Now I must make mine.”
“Very well,” her mother said, defeat on her face. “I will talk to your father. Now, go up to your bedchamber and I will make your excuses. I will say that you have become ill.”
“Thank you, Mother,” Percy said, leaning in and wrapping her arms around her in an embrace. “Thank you ever so much.”
Grateful that she had at least one person in her life she could count on, Percy did as her mother said and returned to her bedroom, where she began to pack. Cassandra had asked her to accompany her to Castleton, and Percy realized it was likely the only scenario in which her father would provide respite in attempting to find her a husband.
She knew her parents would not be pleased with this decision either, but she had to leave Bath. It held far too many memories.
Memories she needed to leave behind – just as Noah had chosen to do to her.
CHAPTER26
“After this, I am finished with traveling for a long time,” Noah said to Eric as they arrived at Castleton. “I feel as though I have been all over England and back in the past year, what with weddings and house parties and my stay in Bath.”
“I rather enjoy it myself,” Eric said with a grin. “I like to be on the move. I find myself becoming rather stagnant when staying in one place.”
“And yet you have so much to look after.”
“I believe I do a fine job of it,” Eric said defensively. “Besides, you know Mother is the one truly in charge.”
Noah smirked at that, for it was the truth. Not that Eric minded – he far preferred to do as he wished and not worry about any burdens. Which was why he was currently planning to travel to Spain.
Castleton, despite requiring some upkeep, was as welcoming as ever, but Noah couldn’t help the nostalgic emptiness that filled him when he walked through the door. It was caused, of course, by the fact that, on this visit to the estate, Percy wouldn’t be here. Even before, when she had barely looked at him, at least she had been in his presence.
Now, he had ensured that would never happen again.
