Page 17 of The Marquess' Wicked Wager
“Very well,” she sighed, extending her hand.
Albert took it and helped her to her feet. He reached over her shoulder and plucked a dark red rose from the bush and held it out to her. “So everyone should understand my intentions.”
A faint blush crept into her cheeks as she took the rose delicately between two fingers. She brushed the petals beneath her nose and looked up at him, her blue eyes stark against the red. “If I shall do this with you, you must truly commit. You must attend functions with me, give me more of these.” She dipped the flower toward him. “Not see any other woman, properly or not. And never ever take advantage of me.”
Albert watched her a moment, the implications of what she was saying bursting in his brain like fireworks. Parties and flowers were one thing; fidelity and chastity quite another. He glanced at her bright eyes and was struck again with visceral fear, half-faded memories of his mother crying in her room, clawing at the door, begging to be let out.
He had no choice, but Albert smiled softly.
“You drive a hard bargain, Miss Worthington.”
ChapterEight
“Must you tell everyone?” Edna asked sheepishly, her godmother having stopped a newspaper boy to inform him of the courting as well.
When Albert had assured her that his father had left the park, they soon rejoined with Violet and the Earl. Albert had raised a brow then, most certainly looking for a cue as to whether or not he should announce it just then or wait until she had fully decided. She had nodded her approval, and loud congratulations drew the ears of any nearby couples in the park. Since then, Violet had not stopped telling everyone she met as they strolled the two blocks back to their London house.
Violet smiled. “Of course, my dear. What is the point of an engagement if not to inform every one of the coming celebration? It would be a waste of time, otherwise.”
“I rather thought it the opportunity for the newlyweds and future in-laws to fret a bit.”
Violet chuckled. “Why are you not more excited dear?”
“Because you told me he is a rake of the highest order and should be avoided at all costs. And then you left me alone with him in the park.” Edna shot her godmother an accusatory glance, complete with pouty lips.
Her godmother sighed. “I admit I was harsh on the boy. And he does have a reputation. But seeing you in such a compromising and forced situation with the Duke…” She shot an apologetic look at Edna. “I rather think this a step up. Not only that, but Jonny assures me that Albert is a surprisingly sweet and thoughtful man.”
“Jonny?” Edna raised both brows and pursed her lips together. “Rather chummy, the two of you.”
A coy, little smile crept onto Violet’s face as they marched up the steps to their home. The door immediately opened, and they were ushered in, maids taking their parasols and hats before disappearing.
Violet continued, “If you can handle young Albert’s wandering escapades, I think that will be the brunt of his indiscretions. I do not think he has the constitution to be unkind.”
Edna’s heart pinched. She did not want to think of Albert and his indiscretions, his wandering escapades, or his proclivities of any sort. She wanted an honest and true man who only looked at her—even for a fake engagement. Janine and the other socialites would see through it, otherwise.
Janine. She sighed. Anyone Violet missed in the gossip wheel would soon hear it from her.
“Ladies,” her father’s voice carried from up the center staircase. He strolled down it, a strangely victorious look on his face. “You needn’t have walked to the park; I could have had Jensen get the horses ready.”
The horse. The one the Duke returned just that morning. Edna glanced nervously at Violet whose lips were tight.
“I take it the Duke found you? He was so taken with Edna this morning; he couldn’t help but see her again.”
Edna’s throat parched, but Violet gracefully stepped in. “He found me, yes, and I told him to go eat an egg. Edna, mercifully, was spared the interaction.”
Her father’s face fell, anger tinging his cheeks red. “You stay out of our affairs, Violet. If the Duke wants to marry Edna, I say let him. It will only do good for this family.”
“You mean, it will only do good for you,” Violet sneered.
“It doesn’t matter!” Edna snapped, her voice louder than she had intended.
“Pardon?” Her father turned his angry stare toward her.
“It doesn’t matter if the Duke wants to marry me. I am already engaged.”
Her father stormed down the stairs and raised a hand as if to hit her. She flinched just as he curled his fingers at the last moment and pulled back. He took a fuming moment to shake his hand loose. “How dare you? To whom have you made this ridiculous promise?”
“To the Marquess of Remington,” she whispered.
