Malice gave Daring a sidelong glance. The answer, of course, was yes. “I asked her to marry me, if you must know.”
Daring didn’t relax as Malice had expected. In fact, his fists clenched at his sides. “Then why did she come in here crying?”
Malice tossed up his hands again. “You want me to explain women? A complete bluestocking rejected me and I’m supposed to know why she’s upset?”
Daring didn’t say another word as he charged at Malice. Knowing what was coming, Malice ducked just as the other man’s large fist swung at his head. “For feck’s sake,” he swore as he dodged another beefy fist.
Daring pushed him instead of answering, sending Malice crashing into the door. He could hit back at his friend but he wouldn’t.
“Did you not hear yourself? A bluestocking rejected you and you can’t understand why?” Daring stepped up so that his face was inches from Malice’s. “You don’t like or respect her. She’s a kind and gentle woman, but she’s not stupid.”
Malice grimaced. That was a valid point. And he had figured that out all on his own. Without being punched, even. Especially the part about her being quite smart. “I’m not interested in a romantic marriage. Is it so wrong that I didn’t lie to her and tell her falsehoods?”
The contours of Daring’s face softened. “No, that’s not wrong. But you hurt her feelings and you’re going to make that right.”
Malice frowned as he looked Daring in the eye. “Is that absolutely necessary?”
“Yes,” Daring growled back. “Consider it your wedding present to me.” Then he shoved Malice back into the door. “You couldn’t have picked a different day to ask her?”
That made Malice wince. “I’d thought she’d say yes.”
Daring shook his head. “Didn’t you learn by watching me? These Chase women hold their own.”
“Point taken,” Malice answered as he slid out from Daring’s pin against the door. “I’ll apologize. I’m sorry I asked you to marry me.”
Daring narrowed his gaze. “That’s not what you’re apologizing for.”
“Fine.” He pulled down his waist coat. “I’ll apologize for upsetting her, which was not my intent.”
“And don’t forget. You’ve promised to keep an eye on her after that scandal with the club and the countess.”
Now that was pushing it too far. “I only promised that because I thought I’d be marrying her.”
“Too bad for you,” Daring replied. “All the other men are keeping an eye on one Chase girl because it’s in the best interest of the club and the ladies.”
Malice slapped his hand against his thigh. “I made her cry. I’m not the right man—”
Daring pointed his finger. “If there is nothing between the two of you then you are the perfect man. Besides, you only need go to events with all of us in attendance. You’ll be perfectly chaperoned. You’re just the set of eyes designated specifically to her.”
That was an awfully good point. But it meant he’d have to spend time with the little chit who’d just rejected him. And he would have to give a solid apology so she’d tolerate his continued presence. Damn, he’d made a mess of this.
* * *
Cordelia sat in the family sitting room, attempting not to cry. How did one explain that a marriage proposal had been the cause of her distress?
Diana sat next to her, her arm about her sister’s shoulders. “Don’t be upset. No one will ever know you were alone with him. It’s just family here and we’ll never tell a soul.”
“That’s very comforting. Thank you.” She drew in a deep breath. She was glad that she wouldn’t end up married to Malicorn simply because of their conversation in the garden. But her worries ran deeper than that.
She covered her face. He might be the first man to ever really consider her as a marriage prospect. He might be the last too.
Since she was a girl, people had noticed her sisters. How could they not? Emily was full of life while Diana was a dark-haired beauty and Grace was a stunning blonde. Cordelia had always been like a wall hanging. That is to say, she’d faded into the drapes, no one ever paid her notice. Even her own family forgot her at times. She was far quieter than any of her other sisters. And her glasses, she sometimes thought they made her invisible.
She’d had one thing, her imagination. Since she was little, she’d dreamed of the man who would see the real her. Look behind her glasses and see all that she had to offer. As she’d grown older, her love of reading had blossomed into a desire to write. She’d began her own stories. Not of romance, of course. She didn’t fully understand the subject, if she were honest. But she’d written stories of children. Tales of the forgotten child, the less pretty one, the broken birds whose wings needed to be healed.
Ada, her cousin, held her hand on her other side. “He’s a little frightening anyway.”
Cordelia raised a brow. She supposed Malice was a bit intimidating. In fact, she was scared of him too. Not because of his looks or his demeanor but because of her physical reaction to him. He effortlessly made her heart thump wildly. He was the sort of man who would normally be interested in Diana or Grace. Not Cordelia. She dropped her head at the thought. “Why do you think that?”
“His eyes are intense and his features so…strong. He reminds me of a hawk who swoops down and eats little birds in the garden.” Ada gave a small shiver.
Grace shrugged from her seat across from Cordelia. “I think he’s handsome.”
Minnie, who was next to her, poked Grace’s arm.
Grace cringed in pain, then reached over and patted Cordelia’s knee. “But obviously a cad.” Then Grace straightened. “What did he say to disturb you so?”
Cordelia pressed her lips together. This was tricky. Did she share with them that the Marquess had proposed? If her mother or aunt found out, she might find herself hastily engaged. Both had an eye for an eligible man who was titled. “Well, that’s an interesting question.”
Diana ceased her rhythmic comforting motion. “How so?”
Drat. Cordelia pressed her hands together. “Well, he said that I was suitable, and that he needed a wife for childbearing.”
Her family reacted to her words with complete silence. Licking her lips, she went on. “Then he asked for my hand in marriage. When I refused, he confessed that he’d had the wrong impression of me, he’d thought me less intelligent and more docile.”
“That man is a piece of horse’s dung,” Diana said, her lips thinning over her teeth. “What sort of proposal is that?”
Grace straightened her skirts. “Dreadful.”
Cordelia sighed with relief. “Don’t tell mother, or anyone else, especially not auntie.” She looked over at Ada. “You know how your mother can be about a perceived good match.”
Ada nodded. “I certainly won’t.”
“Still, Corde, you can be glad for one thing.” Grace shifted in her seat. “You managed to get a proposal, even a bad one, before either me or Diana.”
Cordelia shrugged. Grace was trying to help, which she really appreciated. “When you get a proposal Grace, it will be because some man is so taken with you, that he’ll wish to sweep you off your feet. For me? I got one because I am suitable.” The word tasted bitter in her mouth.
“Well, that is interesting to know. The next time I propose to a woman I’ll shall make sure to leave that word out of it entirely.”
Cordelia froze. Just her eyes moving so that she might look at the door. Of course, the Marquess of Malicorn stood in the entry of the room, his back straight as an arrow as he assessed her. Drat. He’d heard every word and what was worse, they’d likely need to talk about it.
Chapter Three
Malicorn squeezed the outside of his thigh. How had this day gone so wrong?
Cordelia slowly stood from her spot on the couch, folding her hands across her stomach. “Wise choice, my lord.”
“I didn’t mean to offend,” he said as one by one the ladies stood. “I only meant that you have the
qualities I am looking for in a wife.”
Daring was just behind him and Malice drew in a deep breath to keep his face from heating. Did this conversation have to be witnessed by so many people?
She gave a small curtsy. “I appreciate your explanation. I only wish to respond that while it is a very generous offer, I believe that I am looking for different qualities in a match than you are.”
Her face turned a lovely shade of pink as she looked at the floor. His body tightened in awareness. How had he not noticed how creamy her complexion was? “Do tell, Lady Cordelia. What are you looking for in a husband?” He closed his eyes wondering why he’d just asked that question. He only meant to apologize.
Then he opened them. Which was a mistake because she was doing that thing with her tongue again. The one he liked. He had a sudden picture of following the path along her lips with his own tongue.
She stepped forward. “It’s not important.”
He lowered his chin, studying her. Their first meeting, he had liked her deference in these situations. But now, it appeared to be more of a deflection. She didn’t speak because she didn’t want to talk to him. “Your wishes are important to me.”
He heard a woman gasp. He didn’t look to see which one, it didn’t matter to him if the lady wasn’t Cordelia.
She fluffed out her skirts, staring at the floor. “I suppose I want a man who shares my interests and—”
He raised a finger. “To be fair, I asked you what your interests were. You gave a very vague answer.”
Her chin snapped up then, and she stared at him over her glasses. Reaching up, she pulled them from her face then pointed them at him. “To be fair, you were glad when I didn’t really answer.” Her chin notched. “Which is to my point. Not only do I want a husband who shares my likes and dislikes but I’d prefer that he actually liked me.” She tossed the glasses aside, taking a step forward. “I know I’m not much compared with my sisters but—”
His mouth dropped open and suddenly he understood. He had his own reasons for wanting a marriage of complete convenience and they were rooted in his past. Was it so odd that she needed a man to fill in her insecurities? “The rest of society will think you’re wildly successful for having married a marquess.”
She gave her head a tiny shake. “I’m sure they would.”
The pink in her cheeks spread down her neck. The shade of color reminded him of pink dogwood blossoms in the spring. The very same ones in the tree he’d hidden in as a child.
“But you wouldn’t.” He drew in a long breath. It was better she’d said no. He was already growing strangely sentimental over the girl. “Very well. I hope that I’ve apologized for my gaffe in manners.”
She gave him a small smile. The sort that crinkled her eyes and highlighted the apples of her cheeks. “No need to apologize. I wouldn’t have expected anything less from a man named Malice.”
Her accusation made him stiffen. The name was fine among his male friends, but he didn’t like hearing her say it. Did she think him cruel? Was that part of the reason she’d declined? He clenched and unclenched his fist. What did it matter? This would all be made easier if he could simply leave.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t just bid Cordelia farewell. He’d agreed to keep watch over the little nymph before him. Until such time he was certain she wouldn’t share the club’s secrets or be ruined, he’d have to keep an eye on her.
“Corde,” one of the women hissed. “We’re not supposed to use that name.”
Corde. He liked it. Something about it suited her fairy-like features. He had this brief flash of her flying over him and sprinkling him with her magic dust. He gave his head a shake. “I would also prefer you not use that name but as we’re all familiar with it here, there’s no harm.”
“All right,” Daring muttered behind him, letting out a long breath. “You’re acting very strange.”
He ignored Daring, focusing on Cordelia instead. She’d folded her hands over her stomach. “Minnie.” She looked to her cousin. “Shouldn’t we return to your wedding breakfast? Surely you and Lord Darlington are anxious to begin your travel.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you,” Darlington called from behind her, “But we’re only travelling across London.” He stepped next to Malice, squeezing part of his body in the door frame. “Why don’t you ladies return to the breakfast? Lord Malicorn and I will be along momentarily.”
Daring slapped him on the shoulder, hard. Then he pushed him into the room so the ladies could get out. They filed past silently, each giving him a sidelong glance before exiting. He crossed his arms and straightened his back.
Cordelia, the final lady to pass, stopped just in front of him. She drew in a deep breath. “Thank you, Lord Malicorn.”
“For what?” he asked, cocking his head as he studied her.
She stepped a little closer. “For asking for my hand.” Her eyes darted everywhere but toward him. “I haven’t had much male attention in my life but forever I get to say I got a proposal before Diana or Grace. Not an easy task to be certain.” Then she smiled and stared into his eyes. “Thank you for asking me instead of one of them.”
His chest tightened. He wished he could reach out and touch her face. Trail his thumb along the delicate curve of her cheek while he leaned over and softly kissed the plump curve of her mouth. “You’re welcome.” Then he cleared his throat, crossing the room and picking up her spectacles. “Don’t forget these.”
He brought them back to her, their fingers brushing as he placed the frames in her hand. Waves of tension passed through him at the touch. She was very pretty without her glasses. Beautiful even, but somehow, he liked the spectacles on her face even more. With a final nod, she turned and followed the other women from the room.
“That’s it,” Daring said from just next to him. “Tell me what the bloody blue bullocks is going on with you.”
“With me? You’re the one who keeps pushing and shoving me.” He turned to his friend, cocking a brow. “Love doesn’t look all that pretty on you.”
“See.” Daring poked him in the chest. “That’s the man I know. Sarcastic quips instead of polite manners or even actual feelings.” Daring stepped closer. “And another thing, when do you allow me to take a swing at you without hitting back? When do you freely hand out apologies and then give ladies permission to use your secret name? When do you pick up objects for people from the floor? I’d have expected you to step on them after her rejection.”
Malice shrugged, fixing his gaze on the wall to his right. “I am capable of change. I have to marry and, if nothing else, I’ve realized I may have to soften a bit to get a woman to agree. I was testing the theory and it seemed to have worked.” Liar. He’d smoothed his rougher edges because he’d been worried about Cordelia’s feelings. Him, the Marquess of Malice, being considerate. It was beyond ridiculous.
And Daring couldn’t know that. His friend had just fallen in love and gotten married. If Daring found out that Malice was even a little mushy on a woman he’d start getting ideas about love matches and happy endings. He’d tell Minnie and Minnie would share with Cordelia. Then Cordelia might have entirely inappropriate ideas about what to expect from him.
Not that she was marrying him. She’d been rather firm in her rejection. But, despite his wounded pride and the realization she wasn’t quite the woman he’d thought, he also wasn’t ready to give up. What he needed now was a plan.
* * *
Cordelia stood by the smoked salmon plate on the banquet table, her head bent with Grace and Diana’s. They were supposed to be enjoying Minnie’s wedding breakfast. Instead they were…scheming. “So you’re absolutely certain the Countess of Abernath will be at the Regal Ball?”
“She never misses it,” Grace said as she fluffed her skirts. “And my friend, Amelia, heard her discussing it with her maid at the sweet shop on Baker Street.”
“Your friend heard?” Diana sniffed. “Is that really enough to go on?”
“O
h please.” Grace waved. “You want to go whether she’s there or not.”
“Why are we seeking out the countess again?” Cordelia’s stomach clenched. “She threatened to ruin us. Do we really want to give her the venue to do so?”
Minnie joined them, her features set in a deep frown. “Are we discussing the countess? She doesn’t need you to be present to ruin you, Corde. In fact, it would be easier for her to just start a rumor when we’re not in attendance.”
That was true. “She strikes me as a woman with a fair bit of gall. She’d prefer a large public display.”
“Fair point.” Diana nodded. “I simply want to test her. Is she going to call us out publicly? If she doesn’t then I say we can relax and go about our lives.” Diana took her hand. “But I’ll go without you three. No need for you to suffer as well.”
Cordelia shook her head. She couldn’t do that to Diana. “No. I’ll come with you.” Then she turned to Grace who was staring at the fish. “Grace?”
Her sister didn’t look up. “Must we all be ruined on the same night?”
“Grace,” she and Diana said in the same moment.
“Fine.” Grace sighed. “I’ll come.” Then she glanced over at Minnie. “Can you and Darlington escort us? You are married now. If I’m going to be ruined, I’d prefer Mother not be in attendance.”
Minnie gave a stiff nod. “Of course. Who better to understand what the countess is doing than my husband? But Mother may go anyway. You know how she is about these things.”
Diana brushed her forehead with her hand. “If the countess chooses to ruin us then Mother will find out no matter what.”
Cordelia winced. Once upon a time, Darlington had been engaged to the now Countess of Abernath. The relationship had ended so badly that Darlington hadn’t pursued another woman for years until he met Minnie. The Countess harbored some deep anger that she directed toward anyone that Darlington cared about. “Have you factored into this plan the fact that the countess is likely stark-raving mad?”
Marquess of Malice: Lords of Scandal Book 2 Page 2
