Page 14 of A Proposal to Wed (The Beautiful Barringtons #9)

Her friend nodded slowly. “Estwood isn’t married, Lucy. Nor courting. Which is fortunate. And I can assure you, he has grand plans for Marsden. I’ve never seen him so focused on a project. Also, he detests your father, which only adds incentive.”

“With good reason.” Lucy thought once more of Pendergast, but she suspected there was more.

“Frankly, I believe he’d wed you for revenge, if nothing else.”

“Perfect.”

Better to be wed for revenge and a piece of property than to marry Dufton.

Lucy gripped the edge of the table as Romy helped her dress. She was more than a little terrified.

Romy took her hands again once Lucy was dressed.

“I can always send you to Leo, in New York, if you cannot find it in yourself to approach Estwood. He might be the best choice, but it doesn’t have to be him.

Georgina, Leo’s wife, is acquainted with everyone in Manhattan society.

She can find you a lovely gentleman. I’m sure of it. ”

“No.” Lucy had known it must be Estwood when her mind first caught on the idea last night.

She merely needed to gather the courage to do it.

“Father has everything to lose if I don’t wed Dufton.

He’ll come for me in New York, just as he would if I went to Rome. An ocean won’t be enough to stop him.”

She wouldn’t repeat the horrible things Father had said.

Or that Dufton had threatened to lock Lucy in a sanitarium.

Nor how small her life had become living under Gerald Waterstone’s roof.

How complacent and accepting she’d become.

Romy, who came from a warm, supportive family, was confident.

Brave. Full of courage. She would never understand such inertia.

I will not wed Dufton .

Honestly, she wasn’t sure she should be marrying Estwood either. “He is the best choice.” Lucy lifted her chin. “Estwood.”

“I agree.” Romy’s brows drew together once more, contemplating the situation.

“ Thally has the thervants… ” She shut her eyes at the sound of that terrible lisp. “Watching me. Even now, she is debating whether to barge back here and find me. I must convey to Estwood the benefits of my proposal. Convince him.”

“I doubt it will take a great deal of convincing.”

“He hasn’t replied to my note. Arranging a meeting with him will be difficult at best.”

Because he hates me.

“You can meet him here. Mrs. Waterstone has already insisted you have a new wardrobe. Madame will explain she is inundated with requests due to the Season. Only this ballgown can be completed at present. More fittings will be required for the remainder of the wardrobe ordered. New gowns are a convenient excuse to return. I’ll say the sleeves are wrong.

” She shrugged. “A code of sorts. And she can hardly follow you into every fitting.”

“You don’t know Sally.”

“I don’t care to.” Romy drummed her fingers. “Now, it will take some doing on my part to compel Estwood to speak to you.” She sent Lucy an apologetic look. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be.” He had good reason for his dislike. She only hoped he wanted Marsden more.

“But don’t worry—I have just the thing to convince him to speak to you. Will Dufton announce your betrothal at the Shaftoe ball?”

“No,” Lucy answered. “The ball is my introduction to the dowager countess. For her approval. But once she gives it, Father will try to move things along. His situation is quite precarious. I half expect him to push Dufton into my bedroom one night to ruin me.”

“That won’t happen. Dufton can’t afford a scandal,” Romy assured her. “You aren’t going to wed him, at any rate.”

Marisol appeared once more, throwing open the door, a pained look on her pretty features. “I am sorry, but Mrs. Waterstone is threatening to come back here.” She looked at Romy. “Your Grace.”

“We are finished.” Romy wrapped her arms about Lucy in a fierce embrace. “Do not worry. I’ll convince Estwood that a meeting is warranted. He won’t refuse to wed you. And you’ll be safe.”

A tiny sob left Lucy. She was relieved. Determined. But horribly unsure. She clung to Romy. “I wish I was as brave as you,” Lucy whispered.

“You are brave. And there is little I wouldn’t do to help you.

It is a good thing to be the friend of a duchess.

” Romy pressed a kiss to her cheek. “A most beloved one. Let your stepmother know you will have to return for additional fittings for the remainder of the wardrobe. Don’t allow yourself to be alone with Dufton. I’ll send word as soon as I can.”

Lucy gazed at her. “Thank you.”

She followed Marisol to the front of the modiste shop and calmly walked towards Sally.

Terrifying to stand up for oneself. To be brave.

But she refused to allow her life to be dictated a moment longer.

If nothing else, she and Estwood could have a perfectly polite marriage.

One in name only. She only wanted safety.

Some freedom. As her husband, he could do whatever he liked with Marsden.

Sally put her hands on her hips, peering suspiciously at the curtain leading to the back of the modiste shop. “That took far too long.”

She lowered her eyes. “Yes, Sally,” she whispered, thinking of the research she must do to prepare herself to face Estwood. While Romy felt he couldn’t possibly refuse, Lucy thought it best to have a compelling argument prepared.

Her heart fluttered about at the idea of Estwood, though it should not. This was merely a business proposal. Nothing else.

“Are you finished here, then?” Sally tugged at her gloves. “I have other matters to attend to.”

“Yes,” Lucy said in a tone barely above a whisper. Ever obedient and docile. “I believe I am.”