Page 10 of Her Duke By Accident
“What you perceive as ‘the best’ might not be for the rest of us.”
The corner of Alicia’s lip perked up in a smile. Something hopeful filled her eyes, and it looked like she was about to speak.
Matthew stepped forward. “Let me make myself clear.”
“How about we keep this civil?” Owen interrupted.
“Were you expecting something other than that?”
“My father raised me not to judge others by their reputation,” Owen said, looking mighty proud of himself, “but to only consider their actions. Do not give me a reason to make him turn over in his grave.”
Matthew couldn’t stop the surprise from showing on his face. “You seem to be feeling quite confident in yourself today, Egerton,” he said, crossing his arms over his back. “Tell me, Marquess, did you want to discuss my reputation on this day?”
Matthew watched Alicia twitch and sway from her spot behind them. Tensions were beginning to run high, and it seemed she felt it the most. She fiddled with the ribbons on her dress, twirling a stray curl around her fingertip. He tried not to scowl.
Owen’s face curled into something cruel as though he prepared to say something with a sharp edge. “Someone with an affiliation towards saving one's family name shouldn’t be giving me such a difficult time,” he said, crossing his arms defiantly over his chest.
“Have you forgotten your place, Egerton?”
The marquess paused, his arms dropping to his sides. “No, Your Grace.”
“Correct me if I am wrong,” Matthew began, stepping towards the marquess, “but if my memory is right,yourfamily is the one that needs saving.”
Owen pressed his lips together, staring at the designs on their trimmed rug.
“My name is not lacking in finances,” he continued. “My name does not lack status. The ton does not whisper about me when my back is turned.” Matthew paused, frowning. “Well, they might, but they would gladly tell it to your face, Egerton.”
“Please accept my apologies, Your Grace,” Owen quietly said, not meeting his gaze, “I stepped too far and offended you. I apologize.”
“It seems as though your promotion in status gave you the idea that you are something more than what you are,” Matthew concluded, despite the apology. “The late marquess left you with a mess to clean up. I would treat the one saving you with a bit more respect.”
Owen bowed his head. “Yes, Your Grace,” he said with no pride in his voice. “I understand the importance of the upkeep of one’s family as the head of one’s household.”
“Are you trying to say we have something in common?” Matthew asked, his lips twisting into an angry sneer.
“We want the same thing,” Owen replied.
Matthew held his chin up. “I do not think we do.”
“A union could help your family?—”
“Egerton,” Matthew raised his voice above his, receiving a startled jump from Alicia standing behind them. “Do not talk of something you know nothing of.” Matthew stood directly in front of Owen, looking down upon him. “I am a duke, Lord Egerton. What ails you does not touch me. You are lucky I came today. You should be grateful I decided your sister was worthwhile.”
Alicia crept forward and gripped her brother’s arm. Her voice rose to stand above the rising conflict. “I don’t see how this is impertinent at the moment, brother.”
“I am here for one reason and one reason alone,” Matthew said. “The ton saw me engaging in behavior that is inappropriate for a man of my stature. Out of respect for your name, I offer you a proposition that will turn the unaware eye away from your sister’s virtue.”
Alicia’s hand dropped from her brother’s arm. “Virtue?”
“Despite your constant denials,” Matthew said, “I know what a family would do for a chance to better their name, and if I was a lesser man, I’d congratulate you on what you have accomplished today.”
She groaned, storming past her brother and pointed an accusatory finger towards Matthew. “How dare you continue this? Still you believe we set a trap for you, but I swear?—”
“Alicia,” Owen snapped.
“Keep the charade up,” Matthew scoffed. “You have bested me. I am the prize that will save the Egerton family. What ruin have you fallen into? What has your papa done to gather the scorn of the ton?” He didn’t bother to refrain, didn’t bother to pull his venom tongue back.
Owen reached for his sister, but there was no bother.
