The Notorious Proposal

by Terry Long

  Ally sat up in bed with alarming speed, her eyes darting toward the low drone of the voice. Mr. Ogre stood at the washbasin beside the foot of the bed, shaving his beard with meticulous care in front of a miniature looking glass. She scurried to put as much distance between them as possible, pulling the sheets to her chin to use as a barricade.

  Memories from the previous day rushed to her, and she fought a wave of nausea that threatened to conquer her. She tightened her knees closer to her heart. Swallowing several times, she focused her gaze on his side profile, studying his every movement.

  He paid her no heed. An unpleasant scrape sounded each time he dragged the blade over his chin, causing her to flinch. For better light, he tilted his head this way and that, trying to eliminate all his stubble. After the rigorous routine concluded, he dabbed his jaws with a cloth and turned only his head, causing her stomach to tighten. He still looked The Ogre in every regard. Wavy, black hair- barely brushed, dark, penetrating eyes—

  He threw down the cloth and the blade onto the tiny table near the washbasin. “We leave in fifteen minutes.” With his monstrous strides, he reached the door, yanking it open before she could make a rebuttal, and whirled back to give her a shrewd appraisal. A frown pulled at his lips while his gaze scanned her face.

  Ally squeezed her knees further, struggling to shrink into a ball.

  He grimaced. “If you don’t come downstairs before then, I’ll carry you out the same way I carried you in, do you understand, Miss Overton?” Before she could blink, he added with a nod, “Good.” Then he slammed the door after him, rattling the twin sconce fixtures.

  He carried me in? What had I been doing?

  Ally marched to the washbasin, peering into the looking glass that hung forlornly on the wall above it. An angry woman stared back, even as she cleaned her teeth and brushed out her hair.

  A knock sounded at the door.

  “It has not been fifteen minutes, you—”

  “Milady, your breakfast tray.”

  “Oh!” Ally spun from her reflection and fastened the ribbon around her hair, feeling guilty for having snapped at a maid. “You may enter.”

  A middle-aged woman who must be the innkeeper’s wife bustled in, balancing a tray. Was this where all the noise came from, someone preparing her breakfast?

  “Good morning, milady. I trust you’ve slept well? I’m pleased you and your husband chose to stay with us for the night, regardless of that fancy one that just opened up down yonder,” she gushed with a nod of her head toward the door.

  Husband? Grasping fistfuls of her dress in each hand, Ally suppressed a whimper. She wanted to tell the innkeeper’s wife she’d been abducted. But…What would the woman say upon learning she’d shared private lodgings with a man who was not her husband? Ally’s face grew hot. She’d think her a strumpet!

  “They’ve opened for business a sennight ago, but I really don’t believe they’ll do well. I heard- Oh, dear me! I have your breakfast try right here. I’ve prepared my famous coddled eggs served with bread and jam. I am sure you will find it to your satisfaction. You see, that is my specialty. But that’s not all, of course.” Ally’s head spun while trying to follow the woman’s train of thoughts. “I also have streaky bacon, some fried tomatoes and oatcakes for you as well. If that isn’t enough, however, you see…we try out best to accommodate our guests in every way, so you need just ring for anything else you’d like.”

  Ally’s mouth watered as soon as the delightful aromas wafted to her nose. “I believe this will do. Thank you. This is quite a breakfast.”

  “Yes, well.” The woman’s chest rose with pride, her smile widening. She set the tray onto a narrow table in the corner of the small chamber. After another long spell of unessential report on a family of four that secured a room here two nights ago, she inquired of Ally once more if anything else was needed. At the shake of Ally’s head, the woman hummed her way out the door, her voice fading as she walked further away.

  In solitude, Ally blew out a breath. So much for giving her a peaceful moment to think of an escape.

  Much to Ally’s surprise, she’d finished every morsel. She didn’t realize how ravenous she had been until she drained the last drop of tea in her cup. She hadn’t eaten all day yesterday. Well, it was rather difficult to plan a meal when one was abducted, she allowed.

  She contemplated barring herself in the chamber, but she detected no key in its lock. He must have taken it, of course. Would he really carry her out if she refused to go downstairs? She swallowed and rose, smoothing out her wrinkled gown. She wouldn’t put it past him.

  As Ally started down the stairs, she spied Mr. Ogre waiting beside his giant horse just outside the double doors. Awareness flooded her at the sight of the dominating figure. In spite of herself, she couldn’t help admiring the sight of his massive shoulders. The sinuous muscles in his thighs filled out his trousers quite nicely, as did his thick calves.

  She stopped her downward approach on the stairs when he suddenly turned around and looked right at her. Ally felt all the blood in her body flood to her head. Good heavens, why did I have to look there when he turned? He was so handsome. No! No, he isn’t! How could I be admiring his looks? He is my captor for goodness sakes!

  After a moment of gathering her wits, she lifted her gaze, only to find his continued perusal on her. Ally wanted to bury her face somewhere.

  “Come, wife, we will leave now.” His booming voice nearly jolted her from her slippers.

  Ally gave him a good frown.

  “Thank you, milord, for allowing my husband and I to serve you. Please come visit us again with your lovely wife?” the inn-keeper’s wife said, coming from behind the bar. “We would be honored. Yes, we would.”

  “Should we travel through this part of town again,” he answered the woman, but flicked his gaze to Ally as he finished with a smirk. “I’d love to return with my wife, madam.” Mr. Ogre then flashed a wide grin to the innkeeper and gave her a nod.

  Ally grated her teeth and told herself that the grin looked silly on him, because a dreadful man such as he couldn’t possibly look so charming. But she’d only be lying. Fine, he was handsome. But that was all!

  “Don’t dally. I would like to catch the sunrise.”

  Ally pierced him with the most fatal glare she could muster as she dragged her feet over to him. “We shan’t miss it,” she muttered as she watched him swing himself onto the saddle in one fluid motion. He bent over to retrieve her, wearing a look meant for her to keep silent. Since Ally had the last word, she silently gloated.

  After being situated atop his horse with her legs draped over one of his thighs, she repositioned to get more comfortable.

  He began to prod his horse forward, and grabbed for the reins, his forearm brushing against her breast. Ally held her breath in mortification. She hoped he didn’t realize what he’d just done, and even more, she hoped he didn’t see how embarrassed it made her.

  ***

  For the love of God, the woman was blushing. Michael hadn’t meant to touch her in any improper manner. He didn’t even like her.

  He had stared when she descended the stairway only because he hadn’t expected her to be so punctual. No other reason. Had she had time to break her fast? He hadn’t truly meant that he’d lug her down the stairs if she took longer than he’d granted her. He merely threatened so she wouldn’t take her sweet time.

  “Did you eat your breakfast?” he grated harshly, to make certain she didn’t think he cared.

  “I did. Thank you.”

  Michael didn’t know what to say. He grunted. He didn’t want her to be polite. It would make it that much harder to be oafish with her. And he needed to be oafish with her- it was the only way he could be comfortable in her presence.

  As the sun emerged from the horizon, Michael slowed his horse to a walk.

  “Do you see the reds and oranges painted in the east sky ahead of us?” Miss Overton didn’t answer his unexpected question, but he wen
t on to ask another anyway. “Do you know why the skies are those colors when the sun rises or sets?”

  Not certain why he wanted her to understand the fascinating hues, Michael nudged her arm for a reaction.

  She shook her head as a reply.

  “There are no confirmatory hypotheses, but do you know what I think? I believe they’re caused by the scattering of sunlight, by particles. Likely soot and debris,” he explained while his gaze remained focused on the intensifying rays. “However much I enjoy watching the sun rise, conversely, sunset has a more intense hue.”

  “Why is that?” Miss Overton asked in a low, tentative voice.

  “Again, it’s not definite yet, but I’d like to think I have it correct. You see, the morning air would hold fewer of these specks, so colors won’t be so brilliant. And how I’ve come to that conclusion is, if you cared to take any notice, nighttime air is less windy, which allows these particles to settle out of the atmosphere, reducing the amount of light scattering…which means brighter hues.”

  Caught in the splendor of the dazzling colors that emitted long shadows onto the cool, misty ground, Michael finally lowered his gaze. He raised a brow as she gawked up at him.

  Miss Overton averted those violet eyes from his, but not before she colored a deep shade of pink.

  ***

  For some reason, since Ally had caught a glimpse of the man’s sentiment, albeit for the sun, she felt somewhat…less intimidated by him. Why, he was just as vulnerable as any other being. He had a beating heart, he had blood coursing through his veins, he had a name, he had-

  Ally turned to look up at him.

  He returned her gaze levelly. “What is it now?”

  “You never told me your name.”

  He pulled the reins and slowed their pace to a brisk walk. “It does not matter.”

  Ally wanted to box his ears. After snatching her from the comfort of her home, thrusting an unwanted marriage upon her, he now flippantly declared his name mattered naught? She glowered at him.

  “Langdon,” he said after a long, overstressed sigh.

  Ally’s mind spun. He must be…She heaved in a sharp breath. “You’re Mr. Langdon’s- Victor’s brother.” The only feature they shared was the thick, dark hair.

  “So I am. Stop looking at me like that.” He frowned at her then persisted on the mission to ignore her again, looking over her head.

  “But why would you do this?” As he exuded the impression of pure disregard to her, she pleaded, but he still remained indifferent. “Don’t I deserve to know that much, Mr. Langdon?”

  His gaze dropped to her face. He looked to be deliberating a momentous dilemma. A shadow crossed his features briefly before blankness took over. Watching the narrowing dirt road that led to thick brush ahead, he said, “Victor is young. He does not yet know what he wishes. He could be insistent at times, but I take fault for that sinful trait. I should not have allowed him to carry on so when he was younger.”

  It was all disheartening, really, but Ally wanted to go home. “And where do I come in this remorseful story?”

  The muscles underneath her thighs went hard as he tensed. “He wants to marry you.”

  Ally bit down to keep her jaws from dropping. Victor wanted to marry her? They’d exchanged but a few pleasantries. Ally searched his face, expecting to find a trace of fabrication written there, but she saw none. Instead, Mr. Langdon wore a churlish countenance as if he couldn’t believe it himself.

  “This is the reason you’ve snatched me from my home, why we’re headed for Scotland, why I’m risking my neck riding on this giant you call a horse, and why I’d have to conform to your dictates?” She watched him closely.

  He shrugged, and that gesture infuriated her to the point of pulling her hair out. No- better, his.

  She drew in calming breaths, scowling at everything in sight as they passed. Trees- tall trees, shrubbery, so much it surrounded her, dirt, holes in dirt, branches growing out of the dirt…She nearly screeched with frustration. Nothing could help quiet her now. Her heart roared in her ears. “You wish to keep your brother a bachelor until he reaches your ripe old age, I presume?” Her voice came out deafening and spiteful to her. She hoped it sounded the same to him.

  Mr. Langdon grimaced. “I have my brother’s best interest at heart, Miss Overton.”

  “You actually believe that if your brother proposes marriage to me—”

  “When he proposes.”

  Ally suppressed a sigh, but she couldn’t stop from rolling her eyes heavenward. “You believe I would accept, even after our bargain?” When it appeared the man was not going to give her an answer, she added, “Let me straighten this out.” Forcing her shoulders back, she wet her lips, readying to try and understand the man. “You believe I would accept your brother’s proposal. And although you do not yet know my character, you trust your better judgment that I would not make an excellent match for him. Do I have it correct thus far, Mr. Langdon?”

  “Yes,” he returned with surprising ease.

  Ally balled her fists, striving for some control. Heavens above, she was appalled at herself for having the desire to strike him. She’d never taken to beating anyone before. Had Nana known what was unraveling in her granddaughter’s mind, she’d be incredulous. Ally swallowed the flare of guilt that rose in her chest.

  Mr. Langdon began to prod his stallion forward, but she turned her head to give him a pointed look. This conversation was not over. Thankfully, he caught her meaning and stopped the horse, sighing in the process.

  “Am I to understand that you’re hauling me to Gretna Green, so your brother would not have any choice but to hunt for a befitting bride?”

  His chin lifted a notch.

  “My God, are you high in the instep! You’ll put your wishes above all else to get what you want.”

  “Actually, my marrying you isn’t what I fancy. It’s a mere…as I’ve stated before, nuisance. Don’t carry on so,” he told her with a wave of his hand when she opened her mouth to make a rebuff. “After my brother weds, I’ll give you an annulment.” He picked up speed on his gigantic horse.

  “How would I ever marry a respectable man after an annulment?” she snapped, clenching her teeth and balling her hands into fists.

  Ally decided she’d never hated anyone with such intensity in all her nineteen years. He could certainly be the first. Who did he think he was, controlling her life, her destiny?

  “As far as you and I are concerned, Miss Overton, no one needs to know about this. The deed would be over in no time.”

  Her body shook with rage. “You cannot force me to marry you. I won’t do it.”

  “Oh, you will.”

  “Why? Why would I agree to such madness?”

  “Because if you didn’t, I would request you return my five hundred pounds.”

  Ally stopped breathing.

  He must have felt her body tense up and sensed her reluctance to hand it back, for he smirked. “I didn’t think you’d like that too much.”

  Burning tears filled to the brink, but she wouldn’t let them fall. She turned her face. There was no way the stubborn lout would ever see an Overton’s tear. Not even an angry tear. Did he actually believe she’d meekly let him antagonize her?

  Going through a list of terrible things to do to him, she tried to come up with the most irksome, wicked act, but none came. She stared at the arms that flanked her. She swallowed. Hurting him physically was out of the question.

  After a long, silent hour passed, an idea struck her so fast, she nearly gasped out loud. Her heart soared.

  “Even if I complied with your overbearing demand, your brother and I would still see each other, and more so than ever, since we’d be in the same home.”

  “Victor lives in separate quarters on the other side of London,” he countered as if they were simply discussing the weather. He urged his horse forward with a flick of the reins, to keep her from speaking. The beast quickly complied, tossing its head before pick
ing up speed.

  Unruffled, Ally grabbed one of Mr. Langdon’s arms to keep her seat and presented him a large smile which she hoped looked smug. “That doesn’t mean we couldn’t meet. Just as we’ve met before.”

  Mr. Langdon stared at her; his expression was that of complete suspicion. “You’ll stay away from him.” His breath came out ragged from the harsh pace he kept. “If he sees you on a daily basis, in no way would he court another woman.”

  It was hard to believe that, but he sounded so sure of himself. Unquestionably, there was an abundance of women in London who Victor could select from. He was a handsome, well-mannered, young man. His brother on the other hand…well, he had all the manners of a goat.

  As she sat amidst his bulky thighs, Ally noticed how irritated she’d made him. He truly did not wish for her to marry his brother. Her smile broadened. She had the upper hand now.

  “You can’t stop us from meeting, Mr. Langdon.”

  His jaw twitched. She guessed he was probably gnashing his teeth.

  Unprepared for his abrupt halt, Ally nearly toppled off. She turned to glare at him. When he returned her gaze without a sound, she belatedly took in their surroundings and grew a little worried she’d agitated him. Not a single person could hear her cry for help this deep in the woods. He could leave her here to die, and no one would be the wiser.

  Shifting amidst his thigh, all she could do was stare back at him.

  His eyes further darkened, if that were even possible. His jaw twitched again. “You’ll stay the hell away from him.”

  Ally quickly learned that when he was angry, he spoke in a bare rasp, low and even. And being so close to him where he could simply grab her by the neck and squeeze the breath right out of her, didn’t help. She shivered.

  “Do you hear, Miss Overton?”

  It wasn’t as if she had wanted any male attention at the moment, especially from a Langdon. But, if Langdon the elder was bent on doing things his way—awful things—someone ought to stop him, shouldn’t one?

  “I have a stipulation,” she said tossing his words back at him. If he wanted to make her his temporary wife to benefit his plans, she was going to demand stipulations, just as he had.