Page 30 of Lady Farah Creates a Scandal (The Season of Secrets #2)

He jumped to his feet. “Better suited to. What nonsense is this? Your brother is quite in agreement as to my suitability. I’m a wealthy earl who would make you a fine husband. I think we should have this conversation after your brother returns.”

“My brother’s presence would make no difference.

My answer would still be no.” Farah stood, smoothing her skirts with a nervous hand.

She met his gaze, her chin lifting defiantly.

“Lord Franklin, I appreciate your patience, but I cannot accept your flattering proposal. My feelings for you do not extend beyond friendship, and that is not enough for me. There is no need to wait for my brother’s return. I shall not be persuaded.”

“Obviously, your illness has robbed you of your reason.” His eyes flashed with rage, and he took a step closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “You think you can reject me without consequence? Your brother, the Duke of Blackstone, will hear of this. He will make you marry me.”

Farah’s heart pounded, but she stood her ground. “My brother may be a duke, but he does not control my heart or my decisions. I refuse to be coerced into a marriage I do not want.”

Lord Franklin’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. “You are making a terrible mistake, Lady Farah. You will regret this. I won’t let you walk away so easily.”

She took a deep breath, drawing on every ounce of her courage not to step back as he crowded her. “That may be, but I would rather live with my choices than be shackled to a man who resorts to threats. I will not marry you, Lord Franklin. That is my final word.”

“How dare you?”

He reached for her just as a loud, deadly voice spoke from the doorway. “Step away from the lady immediately or I shall have something to say about it.”

Farah’s gaze flew to Rockwell standing in the doorway, his face a mass of fury. She had never been so thankful to see him. “Lord Ware, Lord Franklin was just leaving. Is Howard there to show him out?”

“I’ll see him out,” was Rockwell’s reply.

“There is no need. I can find my way.” Lord Franklin swung to face him. “I see how it is. I shall speak with your brother on his return. A second son is not nearly as good a match as an earl. I’m sure he’ll agree.”

“I’m sure His Grace would prefer a second son of a marquess over a bully. Perhaps we should continue this discussion outside.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Lord Franklin said, sneering at Rockwell. “I’m leaving. For now.”

The tension in the room was palpable, a silent battle of wills. Lord Franklin glared at her, his eyes dark with fury and frustration. Finally, with a sharp exhale, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, Mrs. Thompson chasing after him. Rockwell closed the door after them.

Farah collapsed into her chair, her composure crumbling as the tears she had been holding back spilled down her cheeks.

She had stood her ground, defied him, but at what cost?

Only time would tell. For now, she could only hope that her brother would understand her decision and support her in the storm that was surely coming.

“He will not stop, will he?” she whispered, almost to herself. “I do not know why he’s so obsessed with a marriage to me. Can it simply be that I’m a duke’s sister?”

Rockwell crouched before her. “He’s a man who usually gets what he wants.

He desires a duke’s sister as his wife to elevate his position within society.

There are few daughters of dukes looking to marry and no father who would consider Franklin.

The man has a mean temper. I don’t understand what Blackstone is thinking. ”

Farah knew. Farah’s brother was so worried about the timid mouse being led into a scandal that he thought to save her.

He just didn’t understand her. Mainly because he’d never taken the time to get to know a sister seven years younger.

He’d been seventeen when their parents died, and sick too.

When he recovered, he was lost in learning to become the man of the house and she was too young to be of any help to him.

“He thinks this is protecting me. He thinks Franklin’s feelings are genuine. But I won’t marry him.”

“That’s my girl. No more timid mouse. Show Blackstone the woman you’ve revealed to me over the past weeks. Make him see you, then he’ll understand.”

Rockwell was right. She wiped her eyes. “I will not shed another tear over that man, and I swear I’ll run away before I marry a man like him. Can you imagine sharing myself…” She did not hide her shudder, and she noted Rockwell’s lips firm. “I could use a sherry right now.”

Rockwell walked over to the sideboard and poured them both a drink. Once he sat down, she looked at him quizzically. “Has something happened?” Why else would he call?

Rockwell settled into the chair across from Farah, his expression grave. “I’m afraid I have some concerning news about Lucien,” he began, his voice low. “His fascination with you seems to have grown, and I fear it may lead to trouble.”

Farah’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean? Surely, he understands that I have no interest in him romantically.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m uncertain he does. He’s been asking questions about you, about your relationship with your brother. I’m worried he might…” He trailed off, seemingly reluctant to voice his concerns.

“He might what?” she pressed, leaning forward.

“He might reveal the truth about our journey to Ireland,” Rockwell said quietly. “He seems to think that if a scandal breaks out, you will be forced to marry. And he believes you would choose him.”

Farah gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “But that’s absurd! I would never… And what about Courtney? Surely he wouldn’t hurt her like that?”

His expression darkened. “I’m not sure he fully understands the ramifications of his actions. He doesn’t remember Courtney, doesn’t feel the connection they once shared. In his mind, you’re the woman who’s shown him kindness and understanding since his return.”

She stood abruptly, pacing the room. The tension between them was palpable, crackling in the air like electricity before a storm.

“This is a disaster,” she muttered. “If word gets out about our journey, we’ll both be ruined.

My brother will insist on a marriage, and I’ll lose any chance of finding a love match. ”

Rockwell watched her, his eyes following her movements. The air seemed to thicken with unspoken emotions, desires they both tried desperately to ignore. “We won’t let that happen,” he said firmly. “I’ll speak to Lucien, make him understand the consequences of his actions.”

“And what of Courtney? How will she react if she learns of Lucien’s infatuation?” Farah turned to face him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “She’s already heartbroken that he doesn’t remember her.”

He stood, closing the distance between them. She longed for him to take her in his arms, to comfort her, but he held himself back. “There’s another possibility we need to consider,” he said softly. “Courtney might see this as an opportunity, too.”

Farah’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

“If word of our journey gets out, there will be pressure for us to marry,” Rockwell explained. “Courtney might see that as a way to remove you as a potential rival for Lucien’s affections.”

Her heart raced at the implication. “She’d never do that. No. I won’t believe that of her.” The idea of marrying Rockwell sent a thrill through her she tried desperately to suppress. “But you don’t want to marry,” she whispered. “Your travels, your adventures—they mean everything to you.”

Rockwell’s gaze softened as he looked at her.

“Sometimes life doesn’t let us follow the path in life we would choose.

But we only have to face this issue if and when it happens.

” The words hung between them, heavy with meaning.

“I mean to do everything in my power to persuade Lucien it’s not in his best interests to pursue a match with you.

What I’m asking is that you do the same. ”

Her eyes flashed to his. Was that jealousy she heard? “Who are you trying to protect—me or Courtney, or is it yourself? This possessiveness you are showing can’t possibly be simply about desire?” Can it? she asked herself. She held her breath while waiting for his answer.

He simply stood looking at her as if she were all he really wanted. But she knew that wasn’t true.

The air between them seemed to crackle with unspoken emotions.

Farah stood, drawn to him despite her best efforts to resist. “Rockwell,” she began, her voice trembling, “I won’t ask you to give up your dreams for me.

Your travels, your adventures—they’re part of who you are.

That decision has to be made by you freely.

But I won’t marry a man who will be away from home more than he will be there. ”

Rockwell took a step closer, close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from his body. “And what if my dreams have changed?” he asked, his voice low and intense.

Farah’s heart raced. She wanted nothing more than to throw herself into his arms, to forget about Lucien and Courtney and the impending scandal. But she held herself back. “Have they?” she asked, searching his eyes. “Or are you just saying that because you see a rival for my affections?”

Rockwell reached out, cupping her face in his hand. She leaned into his touch, unable to help herself. “Farah,” he said, his voice rough with emotion, “you know if I thought I could make you happy, I’d suggest marriage immediately.”

Farah felt tears prick her eyes. “But your wanderlust—you said it was part of who you are. I don’t want you to resent me for tying you down.”

Rockwell’s thumb brushed her cheek, wiping away a tear that had escaped.

“I could never resent you,” he said softly.

“Yes, I love to travel, to explore. But the selfish part of me still wants you. And you’re right.

I hate the idea of you being with any other man. And that’s not fair—to either of us.”

“I deserve a man who loves me above all else. Like Wolf loves Tiffany,” she whispered. Farah felt herself wavering, torn between the desire to give in to her feelings and the fear of getting hurt. “When you can give all of yourself to me, then I would consider marrying you. Not before.”

“You’re forgetting one thing,” he whispered as pulled her tight into his embrace. “You may have no choice. You might have to marry me.”

She closed her eyes and lay her head on his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat.

Oh, she had a choice. He didn’t know that she was financially secure.

She didn’t need her brother’s money or his protection.

Her adventure in Ireland had awakened the timid mouse.

She’d even had the nerve to invite Mrs. Ahearn, a woman who’d been Rockwell’s mistress, to dinner while pretending to be his sister.

She’d given in to passion with Rockwell and to hell with the consequences.

She’d turned into a lioness who would fight for every piece of the life she wanted.

She sighed and said, “Then best we ensure Lucien and Courtney find each other again and don’t destroy us in the process.”

She gazed up at him. She drew in a sharp breath and stared at his sensual, inviting mouth.

As if he could feel the sudden flare of awareness in her eyes, a low groan issued from deep in his chest and suddenly, Rockwell’s lips crashed onto hers.

The possessiveness of the kiss almost destroyed her will to keep him away.

Desire did not equal love. Could she make him love her?

His tongue swept into her mouth like a conquering hero, and she reveled in the taste of him.

She’d missed him these past few days. Missed this connection that they undeniably had.

She encouraged his ravishing and loved when his hand sought her breasts and pushed her gown down until they sprang free.

This time, it was her that moaned as his mouth left her lips to suckle one turgid nipple. Her head fell back, and he bent her over his arm to gain better access to her breasts. His thigh slipped between her legs and he encouraged her to ride him. Soon she was panting with need, her climax so close…

Thankfully, Rockwell still had his head about him and heard the commotion below.

He drew back immediately and helped right her gown while she ran her hands over her hair. They barely had time to take a few calming breaths when the door crashed open and her brother stood in the doorway.

He saw Rockwell immediately…and the fact that they were unchaperoned. “What the hell is going on here?”