Page 7 of Married Off by the Duke
“With all due respect, Ardennes, I haven’t witnessed any hoydenish behavior from Miss Willis this evening,” Adkins said, tilting his head. “You, on the other hand…”
The effect on Max was almost comical. At first, his scowl deepened. Then he shook himself, like a great bear emerging from a winter hibernation, and the scowl disappeared.
“I suppose that means you wish to marry the girl.”
“I daresay I have never met a man so obsessed with the matrimonial state as you are.” Pindell grinned and slapped Maximus on the back. “It’s almost as if you can’t wait to get yourself leg-shackled.”
Adkins grimaced.
Emma didn’t know where to look, or how to make sense of her guardian’s appalling behavior. Technically, she had done everything he asked of her this evening. Smiling hadn’t been too difficult, either, once she was out of Max’s earshot. She’d even been enjoying herself. Adkins took no offense when she confessed that she wasn’t seeking a husband. He then confided that neither was he looking to begin a new family, having just married off his youngest daughter. While Emma seemed like a lovely young woman, the judge had a new grandchild to enjoy, and did not wish to become a father again himself.
His honesty won her favor instantly. From there, they’d chatted amiably until Max and Pindell interrupted them.
Naturally, Max couldn’t stand seeing her happy.
He stiffened at Pindell’s insinuation of marriage as if it were a great insult. “We’re leaving. Miss Willis is tired.”
“I have expressed no such complaint,” Emma protested.
“You’ve only just arrived.” Adkins had confusion written on his craggy features.
“I’ve hardly had a chance to speak with her.” Pindell flashed her a smile.
“If you wish to speak with her, come to my townhome at half-past two tomorrow precisely. Let’s go, Emma.” He took her arm, trying to haul her out of the chair, and half succeeded before she shook him off. Max glared at her, then at Pindell. “Only visit if your intentions are sincere.”
Emma’s skin prickled with fury.
Adkins’ bushy brows rose. “Intentions? We’ve only just met Miss Willis?—”
“You’ve seen enough to make up your mind about her,” Max snapped. “Any further acquaintance will undoubtedly spoil the illusion.”
He seized her hand and hauled her to her feet. This time, Emma didn’t dare resist.
“You’re embarrassing me,” she hissed as he dragged her toward the exit.
“You are the one embarrassing me.”
“How?”
“By…by encouraging those rakehells.”
“Adkins isn’t a rakehell; he’s nearly sixty years old! And it was your idea to introduce us in the first place!”
If she thought he’d glowered before, Emma was disabused of that notion now. This was a glower of terrifying proportions. Max said nothing, not even a cursory goodbye to their hostess.
“Aren’t you going to take leave properly?” she demanded.
“No,” he bit out.
“I suppose one of the many perks of being a duke was that one can storm out and not risk being ostracized for your rudeness, but I do wish you’d consider how your behavior reflects upon me.”
Acid burned her innards. How could he do this to her? The entire point of this Season she’d never asked for was to look for a husband, and now that one man had expressed the tiniest crumb of interest, His Gracelessness dragged her forcibly away.
Emma had never been so confused in her life.
Outside, while they were waiting on the steps for his carriage to arrive, Max finally released her. Emma lurched back several steps, tripping over the hem of her skirt. He caught her before she could fall.
“What. Are. You. Doing?” Emma hissed. “Are you insane?”
