Page 26 of The Duke's Christmas Scandal
Or he could be like Aunt Mags and refuse to let history shape his future.
No.
Ian wasn’t leaving yet. Grace had thrown him out of her house in a fit of temper, but Tavi would listen if he got her alone. He was going to fix this mess.
Ian had no intention of extending the family quarrel to another generation. Grace might be justifiably angry with him, but Tavi didn’t deserve her sister’s ire.
Determined, he turned his horse down a narrow street, whereupon he found two petite women standing outside arguing about which direction to go. One carried a baby-shaped bundle.
The other was Tavi. Her auburn hair flowed down her back, gleaming in the bright winter sun.
Ian hauled back on the reins. The wagon juddered to a stop. Before he knew what he was doing, Ian leaped out. Startled, both women looked up. Grace frowned. Tavi’s pretty eyes flared wide.
“No, Tavi, I’m not leaving you,” he declared, storming up to the women. “I am not as craven as Solomon Abernathy. I would never be the kind of man who abandons his wife and child. Furthermore, I’d have gladly provided him with a living, if I’d known about the situation. It was never mentioned in the court documents, nor did he reach out to me directly. He could have done, if he wanted to.”
“He’d have been too proud to accept.” Grace sniffed. She looked worn and tired. “When his claim to the dukedom was denied, he decided he would make his fortune elsewhere. I didn’t want to believe it, but now I can accept the truth. He wishes to keep his marital options open in case a richer bride comes along.”
She sniffed. That had been Ian’s impression of Abernathy as well, but he didn’t have the heart to say it. Like Tavi, Grace had learned the hard way not to take men at their word.
He could give them a reason to.
“How about we make him rue his greed?” He winked. Grace eyed him warily.
He took Tavi by the shoulders. “This will cause a scandal, but I am asking you to marry me.”
“Me? A duchess? You must be joking.”
“Not remotely, darling. I know we’ve only just met, but this tiresome peerage has caused more family strife than any title could ever possibly warrant. First in my family, now in yours. I say we resolve the conflict through our union. I shall settle a generous amount upon Grace, which should enable her to find a husband. If she chooses Abernathy, I can try to use my newfound influence to have him elevated to a peerage, even if it’s only a baronetcy.”
“He wouldn’t deserve it,” Grace said flatly.
“But you do.”
For the first time of their acquaintance, she gave him a genuine, if wobbly, smile.
“We hardly know one another,” Tavi said slowly, as if she were tempted but didn’t quite trust him enough to say yes.
“Then let’s spend the next fortnight together. I have no close family to celebrate the holiday with, and no pressing business to attend to until after Twelfth Night. If you’re willing, I could join you and your sister.” Ian gave a lopsided grin, fully aware that baring his heart didn’t mean she would agree to his abrupt proposal.
“I—well—if it’s alright with you, Grace—”
“Yes! Tavi, I would never want my woes to deprive you of your happiness. I haven’t been very welcoming, but I hope you will forgive me in light of my circumstances.” She nudged Tavi. “Besides, while it’s a bit crowded, your beau is in possession of a wagon. Nutmeg can’t carry us both.”
“I would be delighted to drive you away from this place, Miss Dawson.” He turned to Tavi. “It’s settled, then.”
Startled hazel eyes met his. Her lips parted. Before she could utter a word, Ian bent to claim them in a fierce kiss. She didn’t resist. Tavi melted against him. Ian hadn’t expected that, either. His arms slid around her back, pulling her closer. Deepening the kiss.
“Ahem.”
Reluctantly, Ian pulled back. Tavi’s cheeks were bright red. Shyly, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Your lordship—” Grace said.
“Who?” Ian cast about. “Oh, right. Me.”
A reluctant smile tugged at Grace’s lips. He’d come so close to making her laugh. “I’m just Ian. No matter how many titles they grant me.”
He earned a chuckle for that.
