Page 20 of Wallflower Gone Wild

Taking her by the hand, he squeezed, letting her know that whatever happened he would always be by her side.

“This is going to be dreadful,” she mumbled just as Oakfield and Miss Hayward entered the clearing followed closely by Letty’s parents and brother.

“What is going on here?” Oakfield asked, his gaze roaming from Letty’s and Mac’s joined hands to something on the ground across from them.

Mac focused on the pile of garments. Fuck, if he thought there was a way to save Letty’s reputation from the scenario, he was wrong.

“I believe it’s pretty obvious what is going on, Oakfield.” Bertram walked over to the pile of clothing, bending down to lift up the discarded petticoat for all to see. “Well, well, it seems that our little Letty is not as innocent as you thought she was, Father,” Cedemoor said, the joy in his voice palpable.

“Thank you for your observation, Bertram,” Letty snapped at her brother, stepping forward toward her silent parents. “I can explain?—”

“Explain?” her father spat, waving his hands from her to the pile of clothing. “How do you plan to explain losing your virtue in a field like a light skirt?—”

“Father!” she shouted, the hurt from his words evident in her quaking form.

Mac had heard and seen enough. He stepped forward, wrapping a hand around Letty’s shoulder. “Pinerose, I assure you that I plan to marry Lady Leticia.”

“Do you expect us to rejoice that she is to marry a penniless printer?” Lady Pinerose said before turning to Oakfield. “My lord, surely we could forget this little indiscretion if Lady Letitia agrees to marry you.”

“I cannot marry Oakfield, because I’m marrying Mr. Meriweather.” Letty leaned into Mac, her arm going around his waist.

Unspeakable joy jolted through his veins, and he couldn’t stop the painful smile that spread across his own face.

“Well, I have never been so embarrassed in all my life!” Oakfield shouted before he stormed out of the clearing.

“Leticia, think of your future. Marrying a man who works for a living will get you nowhere in this world. Believe me, I know first-hand,” her mother pleaded.

For a moment, Mac believed the woman’s sincerity. She really believed that money and position were greater than love.

Letty shook her head, her hair looking spectacular free of its confines. “I am thinking of my future, Mother. I’m marrying for love. Besides my inheritance will provide for us.”

“It will not.” Pinerose stepped forward standing in front of Letty and Mac.

“What?” Letty asked horrified. “Father, you promised?—”

“I promised that if you behaved according to your station in life and was not married by the end of the season, you would receive your inheritance and dowry. However, I will not grant you either.”

“Fine! If you can wield your fortune around like it is a sword to cut and cause harm whenever you feel, then we do not need it.” Letty held her head high though tears trailed down her cheek.

“Do not think I do not know what this is, Meriweather. Once her fortune is gone, I’m sure you will be right behind it,” the older man said pointing to Mac.

“You’re wrong, Pinerose. I love your daughter and I’ll be by her side until she tells me to leave.” Mac squeezed Letty to him, taking comfort in the warmth of her body.

“We’ll see. Repair yourself. We’re leaving.” Pinerose escorted his wife away.

Once their parents were gone, Cedemoor began clapping loudly. “Bravo, Bravo.”

“What are you talking about, Bertram?” Miss Hayward asked, glaring at the heir like he was mad.

“Meriweather here was working for me in order to save his precious print shop,” Cedemoor said, bouncing on his heals.

Letty gasped, shaking her head. “No, that’s not true—tell him Mac,” she demanded, her gaze frantically traveling from Mac to Bertram.

“It’s true,” Cedemoor said taking a familiar crinkled sheet of parchment out of his trouser pocket and presenting it to Letty.

Mac couldn’t breathe, as she took the paper with trembling hands, opening it. She read the eviction notice.

“Why?” the pain in her voice was his undoing.