Page 80 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke

“What if she is?” William asked, standing up.

The Duchess turned to face her husband who kept a stony gaze. There was no flicker of expression in it.

“No daughter of Nicholas’ is becoming a part of the Marlow family. Do you forget that her father almost took your life? You would have been dead if not for my pleas,” she shouted.

She banged both fists on the table, making the plates jump, before she stood up. She faced her son now, the anger she felt palpable across the table. William looked at his father. The man said and did nothing.

“Your hatred should be focused on the Duke, mother, not his daughter who is one of the most cultured chits I have met.”

The Duchess turned to face her husband.

“Will you allow folly of this extent?” she said to the Duke.

“I have not said the marriage is surely going to happen,” William said.

“So what are you saying son?” the Duke said in a voice calmer than William expected.

“I am saying she is nothing like her father. And right now she is the woman I see fit to marry,”

The Duchess scoffed and sat down hard. She shook her head vigorously.

“Does her father know that you and his daughter are courting?” the Duke asked.

“I don’t know,” William replied.

“What do you think happens when he knows?” the Duke continued.

“I will explain to him.”

“Explain what son? That you want the man who almost killed you in armed battle to allow you marry his daughter? Forgive me for thinking you a fool for even harbouring such stupid thoughts,” the Duke said.

His voice did not rise throughout as he spoke. William wanted to speak but he found no words with which to provide enough defense.

“I would not tell you not to be with the girl, son. But make sure you get both families to agree to it. This is not marriage between two farm workers we are talking about here. This is a royal bond, do not forget that,” the Duke said.

William nodded.

First I have to get her to forgive me before any of this can even arise.

“If you would excuse me,” William said.

He stood up and walked to his room. When he entered he sat on the bed and thought about what his father had just said. The door opened and Lord James walked in.

“You know your father is right,” Lord James said.

“I know,” replied William.

“But first things first,” he continued. “I have to go to Norfolk now. Will you be around when I return?”

“No, I’ll come back tomorrow though.”

“Saturday is the day after tomorrow; we have a ball at Bedford to attend. Don’t forget James.”

“Forget? Of course not, we’ll be going together,” Lord James replied.

William stood up and patted his friend on his shoulder. He picked up a black jacket and walked out of the room. When he got to the stable he met the stable boy feeding the horses.

“Is my horse ready to go?” he asked him.