Page 71 of The Seductive Love of a Lady
‘No folly, no game, sir. I loved your daughter from the commencement of my courtship. I know my only means comesfrom Mary, but I will look after her, love her and cherish her. I understand why you do not approve of me, but I promise she will be happy.’
‘You made my daughter miserable in London.’ Marlow’s cold, assessing gaze bore into Drew.
Drew swallowed back his shame. ‘I felt humiliated before her, by my family. I did not think she would want a man like me.’
‘But she does, it would seem.’
‘Yes, sir, Mary does want me, and I thank God for it.’
Marlow’s arms unfolded. ‘I have always judged people by their actions. Actions speak far louder than words. Your actions towards your sister speak of what is underneath your anger…’
‘Sir?’
‘You have not treated my daughter well to date. But Mary told me you have sworn to hold your temper and stop these antagonistic outbursts. This conversation implies you mean that. I hope to see the actions that prove it in the future too.’
‘You must understand my family’s circumstances?—’
‘I know it. Mary has told me everything.’
Drew fell silent. Unsure what to say.
‘The slate is wiped clean. You have my consent. Or rather, you have my endorsement,’ he said. Drew swallowed as Marlow walked towards him. He gripped Drew’s shoulder, as a father might. ‘Do not let me down, son. Now may we go to dinner? I am hungry.’
Son?Emotion wrenched in Drew’s chest, an odd pain.
He shook his head. ‘Lord Marlow?—’
‘Edward, at least, or Father if you wish, as you have none of your own.’
‘Thank you.’
Marlow smiled slightly. ‘You are welcome. Now do you see how things could have been, if you had done them right?’
Drew took a breath; he was on unsteady ground. ‘I am sorry I did not.’
Marlow’s smile twisted, wryly. ‘Well, Mary has forgiven you. So, I forgive you. I am man enough for that. But remember, it is on a provision, no more foolishness.’
When they left the room, Drew discovered Mary waiting in the hall.
One hand wrapped around Drew’s upper arm, and the other hand pressed there too as they walked towards the formal drawing room. He remembered her doing the same when they ran away. Cupid’s arrow struck him firmly through the heart, the shaft quivering.
Mary talked to her father as they entered the room.
Bless her. She understood his confusion and was giving him time to adjust.She always understood. The conversation in the drawing room fell silent. Mary’s hand released Drew’s arm.
He could not move, his body became so tense.
She held his hand instead.
Drew saw Richard. Her uncle lifted his hands and clapped, the motion and the sound spread about the people in the room, until everyone was applauding.
When the applause ceased, Andrew tensed even more as her uncles and some older cousins approached him.
‘I admire your courage.’
‘Good work.’
‘Congratulations.’
