It’s been reported that Lady Man-Eater is a Scottish witch, a fact we can support.
If you need proof, here it is. She’s conjured yet another proposal.
What man in their right mind would want to marry such a creature?
Only our very own Damp Squib.
What more advice can we impart?
You can show a horse the barn door when the hay catches fire,
but the poor creature won’t heed the advice if he doesn’t possess common sense.
Respectfully submitted,
The Midnight Cryer
When Thea woke, she found a single red rose, perfect in color and shape with a note from Will on her pillow.
My darling, I have an early meeting with McCalpin. When I return, prepare to be ravished. I’ll be counting the seconds until I can hold you in my arms.
W.
With a contented sigh and Will’s rose for company, Thea broke her fast in her room, then bathed and dressed with Nancy’s help. Indeed, she’d be counting the hours, minutes, and seconds until Will returned. Last night had turned one of the worst days of her life into the most magical evening she’d ever experienced. But the morning brought a new reality that couldn’t be swept under the bed like a piece of lint.
As Nancy was tidying up her room, Thea reread the note from the Duke of Langham. The missive was delivered with last night’s treats. In it, the duke shared that he’d called upon the Prince Regent as promised, only to discover that Prinny had taken a trip to his palace in Brighton. The duke immediately wrote a detailed letter describing what had happened with the committee with a request that Prinny not take any action until Thea and Odell could have an opportunity to deny Ferr-Colby’s arguments. He’d sent a Langham Hall footman as courier to deliver the message with specific instructions not to return until the Prince Regent responded. He promised to keep Thea apprised of any news he received.
What she wouldn’t give to have the entire matter resolved. Then she could concentrate on her future with Will. After they’d made love last night, she’d practically paced a hole in the carpet in her room trying to decide the best course of action with him and his beautiful declaration that they’d marry.
She wanted to marry him with all her heart. Perhaps the best decision was to see about a special license and marry immediately. As Will had said, there were several advantages. Society and the committee would see her settled and part of their community.
But most importantly, she’d have in Will in her life forever.
When an unexpected knock sounded on the door, Nancy had raised her eyebrows, then went to find out who would call at such an early hour of the day. Nancy returned with a calling card.
The Duke of Ferr-Colby waited for her in the duke’s salon.
As she made her way to meet him, thoughts rushed and tangled together. Whatever he wanted, she’d listen politely, then ask him to leave. She had nothing to say to him. When she entered the salon, Ferr-Colby had his back turned and stood staring out the window at Langham Park.
Even she had to admit that he cut an impressive figure. Many a lady would welcome his attentions. However, she was not one of them, as all she felt for him was wariness.
Without acknowledging her, he continued his study of the park, then broke the silence. “Amazing beauty here, wouldn’t you say so, Miss Worth?”
Thea bristled. He was baiting her by not addressing her as Lady Eanruig. If he came here to gloat over her loss, he could enjoy it by himself as she would determine the reason for his visit, then make it short. “Why are you here?”
He elegantly turned, then came to her side. With a graceful bow, he greeted her, then surveyed her from head to toe. “London agrees with you, Thea. You’ve become a proper young woman.”
She didn’t answer.
In response, his cheeks flushed. Another person might have missed his unease, but she watched him like a hawk would defending its territory from a rival.
“May we sit?” he asked.
“Of course.” She led him to a sitting area in front of the fireplace. He waited until she was seated, then sat across from her.
“Would you like for me to ring for refreshments?” Thea asked.
He chuckled slightly. “I understand you are now quite adept at serving tea.”
“If you’re here to mock me, I must ask you to leave.” Though the urge to flee was fierce, she stood her ground. “I have work.”
“Ladykyrk matters?” he asked as if he were genuinely interested.
“Until someone officially usurps and takes away my title, I’m still responsible for it.” She swallowed her trepidation but continued to stare at him.
“Thea, I’ve made a poor impression on you. Shall we start anew?” Without waiting for her to answer, he continued. “I want to discuss Ladykyrk. I’m here to make you an offer.”
“And what is that?” Her confounded hope started to flutter in her chest. If he wanted money to drop his challenge, she’d pay him to settle this once and for all.
“I’m offering you marriage once again.”
“Out of the question,” she answered without hesitation.
His gaze intensified, then he slowly thrummed his fingers on his leg. Each tap against the wool fabric jabbed her composure. Finally, after making some sort of decision, he leaned back against the sofa. “I still want to marry you. It’s only fair. I don’t want you homeless.”
“I wouldn’t be homeless,” she countered. “Particularly, if you dropped your challenge.”
“I won’t do that,” he answered with a feigned impatience as if talking to a child. “You wouldn’t be homeless in the physical sense but in the heart. You belong to that land and those people. I don’t want to rip you away from the only home you’ve known. I’m not that cruel.” He smiled gently. “By the by, the twins, Rose and Iris, send their regards. They’re asking when you’re coming home.”
She swallowed. Ferr-Colby knew exactly how to unnerve her by bringing up the Daniels family. “It’s Ivy and Fern,” she said gently.
His eyes flashed as if he’d aimed and hit a target dead center. “See, that proves my point. They’re your people.” He straightened his coat sleeves, then rested his elbows on his knees. The full force of his gaze settled on her. “Your situation is untenable. My servants have searched every inch of Ladykyrk Hall and all the outbuildings. There is no charter to be found.”
“You had no right.” She stood in protest.
“I have every right.” He stood in response as his words echoed through the room. “I have no idea what happened up there, but tell me why the entire house looked like a storm had ripped through it before my men arrived? My man of affairs posted that Mr. and Mrs. Miles were systematically scrounging through every nook and cranny in that house, trying to find the charter. Where or why did your grandfather hide it?”
She refused to answer, so they stared at each other with neither of them ready to give in.
“It’s not there,” he said softly. “I have no interest in dredging up your grandfather’s death nor do I want to manage the estate outside of the mineral rights. I’ll allow you to continue with the estate and the tenants as long as they don’t interfere with my business.”
“What happens if they do?”
He ran a hand down his face. “If you don’t marry me, then I’ll not bother with any of it. I’ll have the tenants relocated to another estate, or I’ll buy their leases out.”
“You can’t do that. It’d be abominably cruel to uproot them from the only home they’ve ever known.”
He let out a long-suffering sigh. “Thea, don’t you see? I’ve won. Now, I’m trying to do what’s right for all of us, including your tenants.”
Her heart pounded in her chest. He would destroy the lives of those families who’d given so much to Ladykyrk, all in the name of wealth. For generations, these people had lived there. “Why are you doing this? Don’t you have enough money?”
He lifted an eyebrow in challenge. “Think of what I’m offering with marriage to me. All the rumors will be put to rest. You can return to your old life, one you love and cherish. You’ll still have your earldom.”
“But I don’t love you,” she said softly.
“Love isn’t a good ingredient in these types of matters.” He narrowed his eyes as he studied her.
Inside, her stomach roiled in revolt at his scrutiny. To put distance between them, she chose to stand next to the fireplace.
“Decisions like these should be made on what’s in the best interests of the estates.” He followed her. “Thea, I’m giving you everything you want.”
“I’m afraid the answer is—”
“Before you refuse, consider this.” His voice softened. “Your grandfather would be so proud if he knew you were the next Duchess of Ferr-Colby.” He reached for her hand, but she pulled away. “You promised to protect Ladykyrk, and I’m giving you that chance. You won’t lose anything.”
Except for Will, her heart pounded in answer.
“The people of Ladykyrk need you.” He stood tall and his gaze had captured hers.
Those six simple words gutted her, and they both knew she was running out of options. Though her guilt had diminished with Will’s help, it now sidled up to her once again. She’d made the promise she’d protect her home the day her grandfather had passed. She’d protect his legacy. It was the only way she could live with the guilt that he’d died with no one but her by his side.
“Why do you want to marry me?” Thea’s willful heart pounded against her ribs, rebelling against her decision.
“Because you’re worth a fortune.” He looked her up and down as if appraising her value. “You’ll make a fine duchess, Thea.”
Her heart stuttered in protest. Why did she ever think she could hope for love? Her dream for a life with Will evaporated before her eyes. She had no other choice but to accept.
The longcase clock marked the seconds passing, but for her, time stood still. She felt like a queen on a chess board in a famous move called the smothered mate. On her own, she could move in any direction she wanted with unlimited power. However, the queen’s ultimate role meant she’d forsake everything in a forced checkmate for the sake of the game. Once captured, she lost all power. The king piece could and would continue without her. She’d always wondered how the game would be played if the queen could choose a king who would be a true partner. Each defending the other, united in their cause.
That’s what she wanted—a true, loving partnership. Will offered such a life, but the cost would require she sacrifice Ladykyrk.
The truth refused to stay silent as it clawed its way out into the open. Love had never been her fate, as she didn’t deserve it. It was best to accept her lot in life and go home.
“All right,” Thea whispered. She concentrated on her breathing as her grief swelled, but she’d not allow a single tear to escape in Ferr-Colby’s presence.
“I’ll make the arrangements.” Without another word, the duke bowed, then took his leave.
She let out a gasp as a sob escaped along with all her hopes and dreams for a life with Will.
For the rest of the day, Will didn’t have an opportunity to see Thea. He’d been called away to his brother’s house again on the expansion. What should have only taken a couple of hours, turned into an all afternoon and early evening affair.
He hurried home to dress for the Prydwell’s soirée. Along the way, he couldn’t help but laugh at Claire’s warning: Be careful what you wish for. Though he and Thea hadn’t wanted to marry initially, their betrothal felt perfect, as if all the planets had aligned on his behalf. Though he’d be loath to admit his vulnerability to anyone, he could only be thankful that he’d set aside his fear Thea would reject him when he asked her to be his wife.
Last night, they shared something incredibly tender and honest, and he’d never experienced it with any woman before in his life. He shook his head. Without a doubt, marrying Thea was his destiny.
He’d quickly dressed into his evening attire, then started for Langham Hall’s entry where he’d meet his family and Thea. His body practically hummed with the need to see her again. As soon as they were alone together, he’d take her in his arms for another sweet, passionate kiss.
When he first saw her standing by Pitts, he couldn’t help but smile. She’d always been beautiful to him, but tonight in an ivory gown, she looked like Venus in Botticelli’s Primavera.
This was the start of a new life for both of them. He couldn’t wait until they married. Whatever their future held, he’d do his damnedest to make her happy and would gladly share her grief and hardship. She was his, and he was hers.
Without wasting another second, he sidled up to her. “I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you today,” Will said softly for only Thea to hear. “I was detained at McCalpin’s all day.”
He stood close with his hand on the small of her back and peered down at her with a smile. Once again, she devastated him with her beauty, and her ball gown only enhanced the aura that seemed to glow around her.
My God, the things this woman did to him. If he didn’t know himself better, he’d think he was a fool in love.
“Thea and I will drive to the Prydwells’ separately from the rest of you,” Will announced to everyone gathered in the entry.
“Perhaps we shouldn’t go this evening,” Thea murmured as her gaze lifted to his. “We must speak.”
“Thea, I think we should go. It’s perfectly understandable you’re nervous.” He gently caressed the small of her back. “We’ll take a separate carriage and talk privately. Will that suit you?”
The duke and duchess turned their attention to them, and, in tandem, their eyebrows peaked into perfect arches.
Thea nodded reluctantly.
“Is something amiss?” A tinge of alarm resonated in the duchess’s normal honeyed voice.
“Of course not,” Will answered. “Thea and I have some private matters that need to be discussed. Since I was completely absent from the house today, I thought we’d take this opportunity to be alone.”
Stella and Lady Edith looked at one another with shock clearly written on their faces, then Stella turned to Will. “Anything you want to announce to us now, William?”
“Not yet.” He took Thea’s gloveless hand and raised it to his lips. “But hopefully, by this evening, we’ll have some news to celebrate.”
Now, it was Thea’s turn to raise her eyebrows.
Pitts opened the door where the carriages that would take them to Lady Prydwell’s soirée stood ready in the circular drive of Langham Hall. The massive black carriage with the Langham seal and four black horses was the first in line. The duke and duchess, along with Stella and Lady Edith, entered it. Will escorted Thea to a smaller, unmarked black carriage with two matching bays. He helped her into the carriage, and then followed, closing the door behind him. He settled in the rear-facing seat across from her, and with a slight jerk, the carriage was in motion.
“Imagine how lost I’ve been today. I made wild passionate love to my fiancée last night, then was forced to leave her bed. When I craved her company, envision the stinging disappointment I’ve had to bear when I was called away to my brother’s home.”
“I’m sorry, but after last night…” She swallowed. “After we … hmm…”
“Made love?” He rested his elbows on his knees, leaning close to her. “That’s what it’s called. That’s what we did.” He grinned. “You seduced me, remember?”
“Yes. Well, after that…” She twisted her fingers together as if struggling to find the right words. “I found I needed to sort some things out for myself.”
“Did I hurt you last night?” God, he should have stayed home today and made certain she was fine. He’d much rather have held her in his arms than talk finances with his brother and sister-in-law. After today, he vowed to change his priorities. He valued his work, but Thea was priceless.
“Do you mean physically?”
He took one of her hands and squeezed. “Tell me the truth, Thea. I would never purposely hurt you, but if I did…”
She shook her head.
“Then what is it?”
“Ferr-Colby stopped by Langham Hall today.” Hesitantly, she shifted her gaze to his.
His ire rose, ready for a fight. If that reprobate had upset her again, he’d personally call the man out and beat him to a pulp. Everything within him snapped to attention. He shifted closer, ready to protect her like a wolf who would do anything to protect his mate. Ferr-Colby would never cause her anguish or pain again if he had anything to do with it.
Before he could ask Thea what the duke wanted, her next words drove a wedge straight through his heart.
“He asked me to marry him, and I agreed.”
The speed with which Will leaned away resembled a man who’d just been shot at close range.
“Pardon?” he asked incredulously.
“He told me he’d throw my tenants off Ladykyrk if I didn’t marry him.” The words were swirling in her mind, and she knew if she didn’t get them out quickly, she’d lose her nerve.
“I’m at a loss here.” He ran his fingers through his meticulously combed hair. “Help me understand. After what we shared last night, today you told Ferr-Colby that you’d marry him?”
“Yes. I should have said something earlier.…” She ceased talking once she saw the dumbfounded look on his face.
He suddenly seemed to recover his senses as he scooted forward with his knees framing hers. He took both of her hands in his, and the empathy in his eyes didn’t hide his underlying shock. She felt ashamed at her own cowardice and wanted nothing more than to hide in the farthest corner of the carriage.
Such a shame they’d taken one of the smaller ones from the Cavensham stables. You couldn’t hide a flea in here, much less a grown woman.
She chided herself for such thinking. This was the man she loved with all her heart, and she was setting him free. “But you should know … I love you,” she said softly. “I always will.”
“Oh my God, Thea.” The creases around his eyes marked his pain, and he tilted his face to the roof of the carriage. “Do you want him?” he asked, his voice suddenly wooden.
“No. But I have no choice.”
“We can find another way. You don’t have to marry Ferr-Colby.” His gaze held hers. “You don’t even know if you’ve lost the title. There’s been no decision on Eanruig. You can’t marry him.”
“He told me that his servants searched Ladykyrk and never recovered the charter. It’s not there.” A single tear escaped, and he gently wiped it with his thumb. “For all I know, my grandfather could have thrown it in the fire.”
“Or Ferr-Colby’s men could have done that.” He continued to caress her cheek with his thumb, ensuring that any other tears that fell would be swept away. If only he could do the same with her heartache.
“You could still marry me, and we’ll live with Aunt Stella until we find out for certain what happens to the earldom. Your tenants could come live there too. We’ll buy more land and build homes for them. I have money.”
“Will—” Her voice cracked betraying her pain. “They all just renewed their leases with me. They’ve committed to Ladykyrk for five more years. Ferr-Colby would seek damages against them.” She wanted to scream to the heavens at the insufferable circumstances before all of them. “He told me if I didn’t marry him, he’ll ruin them.”
“He’ll ruin you.”
The agony in his voice cut her to the quick.
He spoke the truth. She’d be nothing but chattel as Ferr-Colby’s duchess. Her gaze dropped to her hands where she could see the whites of her knuckles. She was clenching Will’s hands so hard, she had to be hurting him.
There was no use holding on to him. Everything inside of her stilled, then slowly cracked into a million pieces and fell into nothing. For a moment, she wished she could recall every word from this evening. She closed her eyes, desperate to find some type of equilibrium.
Gradually, she let go of his hands. “I’m sorry. I didn’t have any idea I was holding on so tightly.”
“Thea,” he whispered as he cupped her cheek. “Marry me, and we’ll build a wonderful life together.”
She leaned away from him purposely and summoned every ounce of courage she possessed and prayed it would be enough to do the right thing. “I can’t let those people suffer.”
His eyes widened, then he shook his head as if disbelieving what she was saying.
“I made a promise, Will. I couldn’t live with myself if I cause my people harm. We’d both suffer, and I love you too much to put you or me through that.” She fought to maintain control over her grief while wretchedness crept in like a thief stealing all her previous happiness. “I’m sorry.”
The simple words were inadequate for the pain she had created for both of them.
He shook his head vehemently. “What about last night?”
“No harm came from last night. We were two people who shared something profoundly special.” This time, she bent forward and cupped his cheek. He leaned into her touch. “I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m grateful that my first time was with you.”
“Thea.” He placed his hand over hers, holding it to his cheek. “I’ll not let you go.”
“My sweet darling.” Never before had she used such a tender endearment. She swallowed, in hopes it would give her strength. “Remember when I said I didn’t think I deserved love? I was right.”
“No. I beg to differ.” He leaned forward and swept his lips against hers.
His gentle touch was a bittersweet reminder of all they’d shared over their short time together. Memories she’d keep for the rest of her life. Another rebellious tear fell.
Gently, he wiped it away with his thumb. “Don’t cry. Every tear stabs me.”
“It stabs me too.” Determined to maintain restraint, she closed her eyes. Every touch of his became another haunting memory. “For seven years, I took care of my grandfather, Ladykyrk, and the ducal estate. I was so lonely through that time, then I met your wonderful family. Thank you for sharing them with me. It was a dream of mine to have a family like yours welcome me, accept me, and make me feel as if I was one of their own. All because I met you.…” She shuddered inwardly as the pain lashed through her, but she forced herself to continue. “You gave me everything. You’re everything in this world I want, but I can’t have.” Though the pain ripped her heart into shreds, she forced herself to smile. “It’s the right thing for me to do. I have to do this. It’s who I am.”
There. She’d said it.
However much it hurt, she had to let him go. The insufferable pain made her want to double over and cry like a baby. Never had she felt as if her insides were being ripped out of her.
The carriage had come to a slow stop outside the Prydwells’ stately home. The entire building was alight in merry lights and the soft sounds of music and conversation filled the air. Such gaiety appeared almost garish when compared to the sorrow inside their small corner of the world.
By now, he’d pulled away from her. Though the distance was a mere foot, it felt as if miles were between them. He rested his elbows on his legs, legs that she’d caressed last night. He held his head between his hands. Those same hands had worshipped her body hours ago. Oh God, she had to stop torturing herself with such thoughts. There was already enough pain inside the carriage from both of them.
He wiped one hand across his face, but it did little to hide the hurt and agony there. “Thea, give me a chance.”
“Will, I can’t.” She swallowed, desperate to find the courage to finish this between them. “But one more thing. I’ll make certain Stella understands why I can’t marry you. I’ll ask her not to disinherit you.” She said it as gently as possible, but his nostrils flared as he clenched his jaws tightly.
“She never would have. It was an argument in her arsenal to bring us together. She didn’t think I had it in me to fall for you.” The edge in his voice made her lean back. “She was wrong. I fell off the cliff for you.”
He leapt from the carriage and held out his hand for her to take. “If you truly love me, give me a chance.”