Page 68 of Stealing the Rake's Heart
They were stamping along the grassy path which led back to the house, alone. Lord Donovan had immediately offered to escort them back, but to Abigail’s surprise, her aunt had said no, she wanted to speak to her niece in private.
“I know I shouldn’t have said what I did at the picnic…” Abigail began, and was immediately interrupted.
“No, you shouldn’t have! Asking the man to take you out in the boat, in front of everybody! I was mortified, Abigail, and I don’t mind saying so! I would expect such behaviour of your sister, but not from you.”
That stung. Abigail rounded on her aunt. “That isn’t fair.”
“It is fair, and you know it. Your behaviour is bad, Abigail.”
“What have I done wrong? I’m sorry if I can’t fall in love with the man, you picked out for me, but I…”
“But what?” Aunt Florence interrupted, quick as a flash. “You’re in love with Alexander Willenshire, is that it?”
Abigail felt her cheeks stain red, a sure admission of guilt. No amount of holding up her head could make the tell-tale blush go away.
“Of course not,” she said, unconvincingly.
Some of Aunt Florence’s anger drained out of her face. “Oh, my poor sweet girl.”
“There is nothing poor about me, aunt! Except, of course, for the fact Iampoor, but that’s not the point.”
“I wish you would listen to me, you stubborn, silly thing. Lord Alexander Willenshire is not themarryingkind of man. You’re breaking your heart for nothing.”
To her horror, a lump rose to Abigail’s throat. She kept remembering the way Alexander had looked at her, those strange, intent glances, the little smiles that made her heart beat. He was so much fun to be with, and they’d spoken about such deep subjects. She was sure he cared for her.
But then, how many silly girls had thought exactly the same? How many women found themselves heartbroken and alone because they man theysworeloved them turned out to feel nothing of the sort?
She squeezed her eyes closed. “I’m not in love with him.”
It was clear that her aunt didn’t believe her. After a moment, Aunt Florence gave a long, heavy sigh, and continued tramping on towards the house. Abigail was obliged to follow.
“You’re more stubborn than I expected, Abbie,” she said, after a pause. “Perhaps the family blood runs deeper in you than I thought.”
That felt like an insult, or at least a criticism. Abigail held her tongue and said nothing.
“But all is not lost,” Aunt Florence continued. “I’ve spent a great deal of thought on this ball, you know. I had you in mind when I asked Mary to invite gentlemen like Lord Donovan. He is a fine man. He is wealthy, intelligent, well-bred, and looking for a wife. He’s of equal rank to Beatrix’s husband, so you’ll be on equal footing with her. That will oblige your mother and Scarlett to show you a little respect, which I believe you deserve. You’ll be settled and happy if you marry Lord Donovan.”
“It’s irrelevant, though. Lord Donovan does not want to marry me.”
Aunt Florence gave an indulgent chuckle. “You are a sweet, naïve girl. He’s been announcing his intentions since he first met you. He and Lord Alexander are well-known enemies, and I think that is the one good thing Alex did for you – his flirting made Lord Donovan act more seriously.”
Abigail flinched. “Are you saying that Lord Donovan only pursued me to put Lord Alexander’s nose out of joint?”
“No, I am not saying that. Well, there is an element of truth in it, but hedoeslike you. Lord Donovan, I mean. And you say he doesn’t want to marry you, but nothing could be further from the truth. Only this morning, Lord Donovan approached me and asked for my permission to marry you. There! What do you think of that?”
Aunt Florence gave a triumphant nod, glancing over at Abigail to see how she took it.
Abigail stopped dead in the middle of the path. “What? I… I don’t understand. Why would he ask you?”
“Well, he’s doing things properly, of course. You don’t need my permission to marry, since you are of age, but I am your guardian in this setting, and your aunt. There’s no point him writing to your mother, since she doesn’t know him, and would say yes regardless of who he was. I told him he would need to ask you, naturally, but I did hint to him that he should expect a favourable reply.”
Aunt Florence paused, the smile dying off her face. “You don’t seem pleased. This is a fabulous offer, Abigail. Your sister Beatrix and your mother worked very hard to secure her proposal from a man like Lord Donovan, and you’ve gotten it effortlessly. You’ve done well. Why aren’t you pleased?”
She drew in a deep breath. “If he proposes to me, I’ll say no.”
Aunt Florence jerked back. “Why on earth would you do that, you little fool?”
“I don’t love him! I can’t!”
