Page 32 of Wicked Rivals
Ashton’s mother laughed. “We have Scots in the family, on my side. I knowexactlywhat you mean.”
They shared a quiet moment together, smiling at each other. Regina straightened her dressing gown. “So, we must decide what to do about this marriage business.”
Sobering, Rosalind replied, “I told him I am afraid to marry again.” She hesitated, but there was something sincere and honest in Regina’s expression that Rosalind trusted. “I lived under the iron fist of a brutal father. My late husband was many years my senior, but he left me well off. If I were to marry, most of the fortune I’ve built since his death would transfer instantly to my next husband. I will not sacrifice that control over my life to another man.”
Understanding lit Regina’s blue eyes, eyes so like Ashton’s it was almost eerie. “Ashton’s father was a loose-handed spender. I came into our marriage with a large dowry, which he lost at the card tables. He had no control when it came to his vices. The fool I was, I still loved him, even when he brought shame and ruin to this house. I understand better than anyone how you must feel.”
Rosalind had to admit that it seemed like Regina did have some understanding of being powerless, but marrying Ashton would only worsen her situation.
Regina played with the ends of her plaited hair. “May I ask a question, my dear?”
“Of course.”
“My son has never shown an interest in marrying before, and I have tried to settle him down with countless suitable young ladies. Yet the night you arrived here, he seems intent on marrying you. I know my son. I know he would not let scandal force his hand on matrimony, not unless he was genuinely interested in a woman.” Regina paused, letting her silent question float between them.
What makes me different?Rosalind shook her head, trying to erase the insane assumption that followed. Ashton’s interest was logical, removing the pressure his mother still lay upon him regarding marriage.
“Have you considered that perhaps you have more power than you realize?” Regina asked.
Was Ashton’s mother suggesting what Rosalind had intended to do since she’d left London? That she seduce Ashton to get her property and fortune back? “What do you mean, Lady Lennox?”
Regina leaned in to whisper, even though there was no one to overhear them. “What I mean is this—a woman who can seduce a man often gets her way whenever she pleases. If you were to marry him as he wishes, you might be the one with the control over your fortunes. If he’s desperately in love with you, you could demand anything you wish of him,includingcontrol of your lands and property.”
That was not unlike what Emily had suggested—seducing Ashton into getting her own way. But did it always have to come to this? She had built her business with cunning and intelligence, not her body. Still, when the male sex held the upper hand in so many parts of society, one fought with the weapons one was provided. At this moment, Ashton was convinced she would willingly play along in his marriage charade in exchange for what was rightfully hers, and his mother was suggesting Rosalind seduce Ashton to the same end.
But why limit herself to the games of others? She could have smiled at her own cunning.
I shall let Ashton woo me to please his mother, and then I shall seduce him in return to convince his mother that I am playing her game. In the end I shall get my companies and assets back on my own terms.
Regina rose from her chair. “I know he doesn’t seem the type to fall in love. Two hours ago I would not have believed him capable of it, but there was something about the way he looked at you, my dear. Yes, I think love may not be out of his reach after all.”
“But I am not the sort of woman to deceive a man,” Rosalind said, hoping to hide that she was intending to do just that. “Honor is all I have left, and I won’t use my body as a tool to deceive him.”
It was a lie, since that was exactly what she intended, but for some reason she wanted to hold on to Regina’s respect. It made little sense that she liked Lady Lennox so much while she despised Ashton, but Regina had proven herself an intelligent woman and seemed nothing like her infuriating son.
“That is why you would be such a wonderful wife for him. What a conundrum we’re in.” Her laugh was a little bittersweet. “Well, rest tonight, my dear, and don’t fret. You are quite safe in this house. We shall see that you’re well cared for. Ashton is a gentleman, and I will remind him of that as often as is needed. If you like, I shall have the servants find you a separate room.”
“I suppose, except it would be better to stay here and tempt him, wouldn’t it?” It would be akin to sleeping next to a hungry wolf, but she’d set her mind to this course of action and needed to stick to it.
Regina smiled. “You may be right. But if you change your mind, ring for me.”
Rosalind had no intention of waking Lady Lennox should Ashton choose to take things too far. She was not above kneeing a man in the bullocks to escape him if she thought he meant to do anything against her will.
Yawning, Rosalind stood and followed Regina to the door, holding it open as Ashton’s mother slipped into the hall.
“Thank you, Lady Lennox.”
Regina patted her cheek. It had been too long since Rosalind had felt a mother’s touch.
By the time Ashton had returned with a tray of food, she was almost asleep in a chair by the fire.
“I thought perhaps a light meal would be better, in case your stomach gives you fits.” He set the tray down on the table between them. A bowl of hot soup and some bread with two glasses of wine were waiting for her.
He seated himself in the chair next to her and folded his hands in his lap. It was nerve-racking to be so keenly watched while she ate her dinner, but he would not look away.
“Your maid, she is still at the inn? Should I send for her?”
Swallowing a chunk of bread soaked in soup, Rosalind shook her head. “She’s at the inn, but she’s sleeping. Please do not send for her tonight. I’d hate to have her woken up. If my coach is repaired by tomorrow afternoon, she can return here with it.”
