Page 28 of The Vagabond Viscount
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The woman had his mother’s ring on her finger. And if she had got that, there was every chance that she wasn’t lying about the special license. His father had gone ahead and done what he said he would do; he had secured Flynn a wife.
Augusta’s gaze burned into the back of his head. She would want answers. And he had none to give. None that would see her looking at this in any favorable light.
“Do you recognize that ring?” asked Augusta.
Flynn’s heart sank to his boots.Thatring had belonged to his mother.Thatring had been kept secure in the top drawer of his dresser.Thatring was meant for his future wife. For Augusta. Now some stranger had possession of it.
There was no point in denying the jewel. “Yes. It belonged to the Countess of Bramshaw, my late mother. It was left to me in her will. It should be in my room at Bramshaw House,” he ground out.
He had been so close to breaking free, and now this…
His father had stolen the most precious thing Flynn had left of his mother. A priceless memento. And he had given it to some stranger. Anger burned bright in his mind. Rage coursed through his veins.
Flynn’s brain worked feverishly, trying to find the right words. But there was nothing he could say in the face of his father’s dark treachery. While he had been busy making plans to build a new life, the earl had been working to ensure that his son stayed chained to his past. Marriage to this woman was the ultimate checkmate.
The rustle of Augusta’s skirts spoke loud in the tense air. She held out a hand to the other woman. “May I offer you my sincere congratulations. I hope you and Viscount Cadnam have many happy years together.”
To Flynn’s stunned dismay, the two women shook hands, after which Augusta turned and silently walked away.
“Well, that put her in her place,” observed one of the other young women.
He went to follow Augusta, chase her down, but a hand gripped tightly to his coat sleeve. Flynn attempted to shake it off but found himself dragged back to his supposed fiancée.
“Don’t be trying to embarrass me now, my love. Just remember it’s my papa’s money which is going to clear all your father’s debts. You get to keep a roof over your head. Well, our heads once we are married, and in exchange I am going to be Viscountess Cadnam. It’s a pretty sweet business deal in anyone’s opinion.”
“I have no idea who you are, and I don’t even wish to know your name. But if you continue to hold onto my coat for a second longer, you are going to discover that even gentlemen have their limits,” he bit back.
The moment his future bride let go of him, Flynn set off after Augusta. He had to try and explain things to her, let her know that no matter what his father did, he wouldn’t go through with the marriage.
And I must get my mother’s ring back.
Flynn caught up with Augusta just as she reached the spot where Lady Victoria and the footman were waiting. He skidded to a halt on the loose gravel. “Augusta, please.”
To the day he died, Flynn would never forget Augusta’s shattered face as she turned to him with tearful eyes and whispered, “Was this the big secret? The thing that made you change your mind and suddenly start making plans for us.”
“No. I have no idea who she is or how she came to have my mother’s ring. Augusta, you have to believe me. My father said he had found a wife for me, but I didn’t think he would go ahead and arrange the wedding. I…” He struggled for air. His whole life was unraveling in front of him.
“I do believe you, Flynn. But it would appear that the earl has once again been that one step ahead of you. He has arranged your betrothal and your marriage. And if a special license does indeed exist, you might just have to go through with the wedding.”
Her lovely face was the heartbreaking picture of broken dreams and lost hope.
No. He wasn’t going to be forced into marrying a stranger. Or lose Augusta.
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, ignoring the cries of anger from his new fiancée. This was the only woman he was ever going to hold in his arms. The only woman in his life, now and forever.
“I am going to go home and confront my father. He cannot make me take this woman as my wife. I told you I had made plans. My uncle Charles is going to lend me money. Friends have offered paid work. Yes, I know that part is ridiculous considering my family and title, but I will do whatever I have to in order to make you mine.”
He held her close, while Augusta sobbed into his chest. Her anguish stirred the beast within him. Rage fired his blood to boiling point. No man would ever stand in the way of their love.
“You are mine, Augusta, and I will not rest until I can call you, my wife.”
She clung to him. “I love you, Flynn. We deserve a life together. He cannot be allowed to win. Not this time.”
He lifted her face, and their gazes met. Augusta’s eyes were red, but the glint of determination still shone in them.
“I love you too, Augusta. I’m going to sort this out and then come for you. Wait for me, please.”
