Page 5 of Two Ruins Make a Right
A neutral and fair enough question that she could answer without allowing her hackles to rise.
Without turning, she swallowed the unease that lingered.
“Christa is being courted by the Marquess of Mounthaven. I picked her up from my Aunt Blanche’s and am bringing her home with me. The marquess will visit next week.”
“I see.”
His whiskey-dark voice seemed to surround her, and she shivered in response. If she didn’t get a hold of herself quickly, she’d make a fool out of herself.
“Another marquess,” he added, his dismay apparent in the lingering way he said the words. “It stands to reason that your sister would follow in her elder sister’s footsteps.”
Nell clutched her fist and whirled around. She should have known better than to think this would be a civil conversation. “And what does that mean?”
“You prefer marriages that come with money and a lofty title.” He smirked slightly.
“That’s not true.” She sounded defensive to her own ears, but she wouldn’t let his accusation stand.
“It’s perfectly understandable since you’re the daughter of a viscount,” he said sarcastically.
“Perhaps you’ve forgotten, but I haven’t.
Though I was practically penniless, I had employment.
I wasn’t too proud to be an assistant land steward at Redmond Hall.
You accepted my proposal, then one whiff of a rich marquess, and I was discarded like an old shoe. ”
“An apt comparison that you liken yourself to an old shoe.” She smiled sweetly.
“However, I believe you don’t give yourself enough credit.
I think an old horse ready to be put to pasture is more descriptive of you.
” Nell stood tall and forced her shoulders back, ready for battle.
“But this is simply rich,” she scoffed. “Don’t you have a better way to spend your precious time?
Need I remind you that there is a houseful of women for your benefit?
Each one is ready and willing to impress you.
” She furrowed her brow as she tapped her chin.
“Yet, you chose to be with me. One more thing, perhaps you need time to ruminate on how you will discern who your perfect duchess is? A little squeeze here or a little sample there? Just like a cook at the market. You can shop until you find one who best matches your qualifications.”
His eyes briefly sparkled with amusement and matched his smile.
“I see you haven’t lost your dramatic flair.
Let me be clear. There’s a world of difference between you and me.
” He glanced at her through half-hooded eyes.
“I should thank you for what you did. You taught me a vital lesson long ago.” The smile faded from his lips.
“Never entrust your heart to a woman who hasn’t the ability to love. ”
His softly spoken words stabbed her directly in the chest. She tried to suppress the unexpected gasp by taking a deep breath.
Over her dead body would she let him see the pain he’d inflicted, so she directed her gaze to the floor.
It was best to end the conversation there and return to her sister.
“I’m not here to fight. If you’ll excuse me. ”
When she lifted her gaze, James stared at her.
She cleared her throat and studied her clasped hands.
It was water under the bridge. He’d hated her for her actions, but there was nothing else she could have done.
Her father had been on the brink of insolvency, facing a future at Newgate.
Her mother had been convinced they’d all be ruined, even possibly thrown on the streets.
Nell had to marry the Marquess of Whitton.
But most importantly, she had no choice if her sister had any chance for a life of happiness.
Thankfully, Whitton had been a kind and considerate husband. She let out a silent sigh.
“I didn’t marry...” She let out a silent sigh as she clenched one fist against the middle of her stomach.
Though it might appear she’d married for selfish reasons, she hadn’t.
She’d married for family, and she’d paid the ultimate price.
“My sister would have...” Her voice broke, and she swallowed the shame and the lost dreams that were her due.
If she hadn’t married Whitton, then Nell had little doubt that her parents would have tried to pawn her sister off on the marquess.
Her father had made that clear. She had no choice but to jilt James.
If only there were a hole where she could escape so he couldn’t see her grief that he’d uncovered.
All those years, she’d protected the family’s secrets, and she wouldn’t let them escape today, no matter how much she longed to tell him the truth. No matter how much it hurt that he was still sneering at her.
Nothing she could say today would help if she stated her reasons.
He hated her and probably would for the rest of their lives.
She forced her gaze to his. The pain and humiliation from all those years ago stung like tears falling in an open wound.
“I apologize for interrupting your party.” She tightened her gloves.
“Mr. Tipton said he’d have one of the footmen see how the repairs on our carriage are coming along.
I should inquire and then collect Christa. We’ll leave as quickly as we can.”
She walked toward him, hoping he’d step out of her way, but James held his ground. In order not to collide with him, she stopped abruptly. Mere inches separated them.
Unhurried in his movement, James lifted his hand to stroke her cheek like he’d done hundreds of times before. Her eyes fluttered twice of their own volition as she prepared for the touch of his skin against hers. She shouldn’t let it happen. Yet in that moment, it was everything she craved.
Instead, he lowered his hand to his side. “I don’t know why I did that.” He looked away, understandably embarrassed, and cleared his throat. Immediately, he composed himself. “Shall we find Mr. Tipton?”
Nell nodded. She tried recapturing her earlier poise, but it was a losing battle. Her body trembled as if she were the remaining leaf on an aspen tree tickled by an autumn wind. Perhaps it was best to let sleeping dogs lie and not stoke the flames of animosity that swirled around them.
James opened the door and motioned for her to precede him.
As she passed, he spoke again. “You’re wrong about me.”
“How so?”
“I’m not simply shopping for a wife. I’m marrying for love.”
He couldn’t have shocked her more if he’d said he wanted to marry her.