“Loving you is like breathing. I have no choice in the matter.”
Tristan coughed as if to indicate matters were drifting in the wrong direction.
Sebastian eased his hand out of her grasp and kissed the back of her hand in a final farewell. “Try not to worry, and get some rest tonight. We have a busy fortnight ahead of us.”
He settled against the crimson squibs of his carriage. It then lurched forward, the rhythm of the horses’ hooves drowning the ominous thud of his heartbeat inside his temples. Recounting his actions of this afternoon, Sebastian felt no satisfaction. Instead, he was riddled with guilt.
Sebastian had lied about Gwen’s virtue. Granted, it wasn’t the worst lie ever told in the history of the world, but it was a lie nonetheless.
Recalling her smile, her warmth, and the profoundly disturbing way she had thanked him for protecting her, he wondered how Gwen would react once she learned the truth about his deception.
Anxiety clamped his heart in a death grip. He’d never been terrified before, never in his life, but now he was experiencing the emotion firsthand.
What if she never forgives me for this?
As God is his witness, Sebastian swore that he would confess his sins to both Gwen and her father when the time was right. He couldn’t allow Gwen to continue in her belief that he was a selfless knight in shining armor nor would he allow Lachlan to go to his grave thinking ill of the daughter that had been willing to sacrifice her own happiness for his family’s reputation.
Yes, he would confess but not yet. First, he and Gwen must recite their vows before God. Next he would prove himself a worthy husband, show her that they truly were meant to be together – then and only then would he explain everything and beg her forgiveness. He’d promise to love her every day of his life.
Gwen would forgive him. She must. He couldn’t accept the alternative.
Tristan followed Sebastian’s instructions to the letter and brokered the dissolution of the marriage contract between Lachlan and Keir.
It was sheer torture.
“You have no idea how ruthless Davenport is.” Lachlan’s angry voice reverberated through the once cozy library. “What he did to my daughter is inexcusable.”
“Now Father, I know he went against your wishes,” Tristan spoke slowly, as if admonishing a child, “but he has not hurt Gwen, not in the least.”
Lachlan laughed, a cold and eerie sound reverberating throughout the room. He didn’t turn to his son but instead continued his address to Keir.
“That bastard seduced her.”
“Father!” Tristan’s tone hardened. “That’s enough!”
“It’s true. That’s why I had no choice but to consent. The daft girl is carrying his child.”
Tristan stood and stalked with leopard-like strides towards his father, halting about an inch away from the old man, glaring at his wrinkled face. “Stop this instant! Don’t you ever say such a thing about my sister, do you understand me? I don’t care whether or not you are my father! I won’t allow anyone to defame her.”
He then rounded on Keir with force. “How much will it take to get you out of my sister’s life for good?”
For someone skilled in the art of negotiation, Tristan proceeded in an unusually blunt manner. It was because both of the men before him made him sick. He wanted nothing more than to get away from them both before their filth rubbed off on him.
Keir named his price.
It was steep, far too steep under such circumstances; however, as instructed, Tristan wrote out the draft delivered to him by messenger the evening before.
“It’s a shame, Lachlan, that your daughter’s morals were suspect.” Keir sneered. “Ours would have been a rewarding union.”
Lachlan’s voice was sharp. “I know. If it weren’t for that—”
“That’s enough for today, gentlemen. Father, say goodbye to our guest.” Tristan grabbed Keir by his arm and shoved him out of the room.
While escorting the appalling man to his carriage, Tristan planned to place the fear of God into Keir, ensuring the fop would never again disparage Gwen.
The Duke’s coach was punctual, arriving at four that afternoon as promised. Tristan instructed the driver to take his time, seizing the opportunity alone with his sister to ascertain if their father’s allegations against her were true.
“How are you, Gwen?” he asked. “How did father treat you today?”
She released a fierce sigh. “Father is furious with me. I defied him and he will never understand why I did so.” She tipped her head to one side. “Do you still support my decision, Tristan?”
“I know how much you love Sebastian. It is quite evident that he returns the sentiment. Why wouldn’t I continue to champion you?”
Gwen’s smile was bright as she reached across to wrap her arms around her brother’s neck. “You are the best brother a girl could ever have.”
Tristan felt the frown line deepen in his brow. “Is there anything else you need to tell me? Anything at all, Gwen?”
She loosened her tight hold around his shoulders. “Only that I am happy.” Her sweet tone reflected contentment as she drew away and met his stare. “No, that’s an understatement. I am blissfully happy, I am thoroughly relieved, and I am utterly besotted. Does that answer your question?”
“That about covers it, yes,” Tristan responded with a genuine smile. Tristan found the answer he sought. Her speech was much too candid for her to have compromised herself.
Gwen leaned back against the crimson squibs and studied her plush surroundings. Her expression, one of disbelief, spoke volumes. Without uttering a word, her brother suspected that she was finding it difficult to accept that all of this luxury would soon be hers.
Gwen’s next words supported this theory. “I don’t know how I became so fortunate, because I still feel as though I don’t deserve any of this.”
“Why would you say that?” Tristan studied her.
“I had given up hope. In doing so, I hurt Sebastian terribly. He was willing to sacrifice his good name and marry me regardless of father’s reaction. I refused. Then I further wounded him by taking the coward’s way out and questioning his character. I was horrible to him, Tristan.”
Her brother remained silent, rubbing his clean-shaven jaw as he waited for Gwen to continue.
“I turned my back on him and, in spite of it, Sebastian still convinced father to change his mind. How could I possibly deserve this man when I gave up hope?”
Her brother grinned and chucked her chin. “It is evident that you do not.”
“See?” Gwen giggled. “It was pure luck.”
The extent to which Sebastian had gone in order to stop her wedding to Keir was evident by Gwen’s own recounting of the events. If in fact their father was telling the truth and Sebastian lied about Gwen’s virtue, Tristan was certain it was because the man felt he had no other choice.
He doubted Gwen would see it in the same light.
“Remember one thing, Gwen,” Tristan said in a serious tone. “We make our own good fortune. Promise me that you’ll remember that and act upon it from now on.”
“You’re tutoring me in the subject of chance now?” Her smile widened.
“I’m serious, Gwen. Fate doesn’t always intervene. Sometimes she is busy with others who are more needy. Occasionally, we each must make our own providence. Promise me you’ll remember that.”
“I will gladly make you that promise. I also promise to never again be a coward.”
“Good show, Gwendolyn MacAlistair. I am proud of you.” Tristan smiled at his sister’s tenacity.
“I am so lucky to have you for my brother.”
Tristan chucked her chin. “It’s about time you realized what I have always known.”
The carriage swayed to a stop. Gwen accepted Tristan’s hand then descended from the carriage in a flurry of skirts and silk.
Upon entering the gilded front door, a joyous squeal resounded from the inner hall sta
rtling the thin butler with wire-rimmed glasses. He adjusted his spectacles then returned to his post, standing straight and proud once more.
Gwen struggled to hide her mirth behind her gloved hand as Victoria bounded down the corridor, shoes tapping atop the marble.
“Gwen!” Victoria exclaimed as she approached the group in the hall at a break-neck speed. The butler gaped at her before turning to Tristan as if seeking solace. However Tristan was seemingly impressed, his lips turned upward into a grin.
Victoria threw her arms around Gwen in a fierce hug, swaying from left to right before squealing, “You’re going to be my sister!”
Tristan leaned toward the butler and whispered, “She’s also going to be seasick in a moment.”
The stern-faced butler coughed in an effort to stifle a hearty chuckle.
Gwen glanced over Tori’s shoulder. Victoria’s enthusiasm was contagious, it seemed, as both Tristan and Sebastian’s butler were wearing wide smiles and valiantly attempting not to laugh. Gwen’s own shoulders shook with mirth at the sight.
“Victoria, please stop that before Gwen becomes ill from all of that motion.” Sebastian’s baritone was light with amusement as he entered the foyer.
Tristan exchanged a conspiratorial look with the butler. “What did I tell you?”
Winston cleared his throat in a gallant attempt to suppress his amusement.
Victoria whispered, “I am so excited that you are joining our family.”
“I am, too.” Gwen stroked the girl’s cheek. “Make a pact with me that the next time you’re overjoyed, you don’t go running down the hallway. I don’t want my new sister suffering any broken bones.”
“Tristan,” Sebastian called. “I can trade you my sister to replace the one I’m taking from you.”
“No, thank you. I’m beginning to relish the silence that I will be enjoying at your expense.”
Sebastian studied his future duchess, deciding without a moment’s hesitation that he wouldn’t want it any other way. He then surveyed Victoria, noting that she glowed brighter than the wall sconces. Gwen was good for her. She was good for all of them.
He knew that he made the right decision.
His attention returned to Gwen. She appeared more beautiful than ever before and his heart welled with pride. Of course, he had long been mesmerized by her beauty, but now was different. Sebastian was proud that she had chosen him. She had at last confronted her father and was going to be his duchess at last. They would be happy. He knew it in his heart.
Tristan interrupted the thoughtful silence, “Good God, it is infectious. Every single one of us has a silly smile on our faces. This is entirely your fault, Gwen! Yours too, Victoria. You just look so happy, I can’t help myself.”
“Shall we move into the salon? Winston was supposed to escort you there upon your arrival but Victoria was too excited to wait, little imp.” Sebastian winked at his sister.
Victoria arched her brow. “I’ll have you know that I have run through these halls for years, with not even one scrape. The day I’m not here to do so will be a boring one, indeed.”
She then offered Tristan her arm. “Shall we proceed to the salon, Mr. MacAlistair?”
Tristan shook his head at her successful transformation then offered his arm. “God bless the man that marries you, Victoria, for you will always keep him on his toes.”
“And I will enjoy every minute of it,” she replied with a devilish grin.
Sebastian kissed the back of Gwen’s hand. “I would have done this earlier, but you were preoccupied.”
“Your sister is happy.” Gwen’s smile radiated her own contentment.
“And you?”
“Blissful,” she answered, adding a wink.
He offered his arm and they trailed behind their siblings to the salon. “I received a note from my good friend Alexander. He and his wife, Constance, have returned from their trip abroad. You will meet them tomorrow evening at the Wrights’ ball.”
“You mean to tell me that not only will I be spending the evening with you but also meeting your close friends?”
“It’s not as daunting as it seems.”
“No, not daunting at all,” She squeezed his hand. “It sounds delightful.”
Sebastian’s heart swelled at her sincerity.
They entered the rich burgundy room followed by the butler carrying a tray of refreshments on a silver tray.
Sebastian exchanged a quick glance with Tristan then tilted his head toward the door. The younger man responded with a slight nod.
Without missing a beat, Sebastian cleared his throat. “Excuse us for a moment, ladies.”
Gwen stiffened as she watched their tall frames exit the salon, understanding the reason for their departure. She exhaled a deep breath, mentally reminding herself not to worry. Tristan had assured her that everything went well with Keir.
Everything, Gwen assured herself, is as it should be.
Returning her attention to Victoria, Gwen decided that now was the perfect time to ask her soon-to-be-sister to be her bridesmaid. Taking Victoria’s hand in her own, Gwen regarded Sebastian’s enthusiastic sister with fondness. “Dearest Tori, I would love it if you’d be my bridesmaid.”
Gwen had thought herself the happiest woman alive. It was clear from the expression on Victoria’s face that she had fierce competition.
Tori’s eyes were bright as she answered, “I’d be honored.”
All was as it should be.
Upon entering Sebastian’s office, the two men wasted no time in getting down to business. Even before the click of the door closing behind them could be discerned, Sebastian was firing questions at Tristan.
“What happened between your father and Dunlop?” Sebastian motioned his guest to one of the leather chairs that faced his mahogany desk, then offered him a drink from the matching sideboard.
Tristan watched him pour two tumblers of whiskey. “It went as expected,” he replied.
“Would you care to elaborate? It is my life that we’re discussing.”
“What do you think happened?” Tristan studied his sister’s betrothed, as if gauging his reaction.
Sebastian returned the decanter to its rightful place. “For God’s sake Tristan, stop questioning me like an attorney and tell me what happened.”
After handing one glass to his guest, he then sat behind his desk and took a swallow from his own glass as he waited for a response.
“I paid the man an exorbitant sum of money to leave you and my sister alone.” Tristan traced the rim of his glass with his forefinger. “Keir accepted the draft, the betrothal contract is canceled, and both he and my father are mad as hell.”
Sebastian took a long swallow from his glass. “Thank you for your assistance.”
“Don’t thank me yet, for you may not feel so grateful after I’m done with you.”
Sebastian’s eyebrows arched in surprise. Why the sudden change in attitude from Gwen’s brother? Something told him he should have taken a bigger gulp of his whiskey.
“I know of the story you concocted,” Tristan began. “I now understand why my father had no choice but to agree, albeit reluctantly, to this union between you and my sister.”
Sebastian cursed himself for not swallowing the whole damned decanter before beginning this conversation. He took a deep fortifying breath. There was no point in lying. “How did you learn the truth?”
“My father had the pleasure of recounting all of the sordid details to Keir. My being present at the time was a mere nuisance.”
A muscle pulsated in Sebastian’s neck. “Your father told Dunlop?”
“Yes, I’m disgusted to say he did.”
Sebastian slammed his fist against the smooth surface of his desk. “Damn it!”
“There is no need for you to worry.” Tristan kept his voice smooth.
“Explain yourself.” Sebastian raked his hand through his hair. “Why bloody not?”
A devilish grin tugged at the corner of Tr
istan’s lips. “Keir will not repeat what he heard.”
Sebastian arose with force, rounding his desk. He then leaned against it and glared at his future brother-in-law. “Stop playing games right now before I find that bloody imbecile and make sure he doesn’t say a word. After I have rearranged his face, I’ll come back for—”
Tristan raised a hand, assuring Sebastian’s that his threat had no effect on him. “You needn’t worry because I escorted the fool back to his carriage. Imagine the man’s surprise when his driver was nowhere in sight.”
Tristan paused for dramatic effect. With a roguish glint in his eyes, he continued, “I seized the opportunity to educate him about the consequences should he repeat my father’s words to anyone.”
Sebastian’s shoulders relaxed. “You threatened him?”
“Me, a respected attorney? No, of course not. I did much worse than that. I gave him a lengthy narration of what he could physically expect to happen to him if he ever dishonored my sister’s reputation. I then left him terrified of the repercussions. As soon as I entered the house, his driver hurried back to his post, our butler having kept him occupied just long enough for me to have my conversation with Dunlop.”
Sebastian arched his brows. “I had no idea you were so resourceful.”
“Make no mistake, I will always protect my sister.” Tristan leaned forward in his chair. “Protecting Gwen was your intention when you lied about her virtue, was it not?” His words were issued as a challenge.
Sebastian assessed the man before him. It was clear to him that Gwen’s twin wanted the best for his sister and he was certain that Tristan would accept his reasons for the deception.
“You did instruct me to do what was necessary to save Gwen from her marriage to Dunlop. This was the only way your father would relent.” He shifted his weight. “That lie was my last resort. It was never my intention to disgrace your sister. If I suspected that your father would repeat any of it, I—”
“Would have done the same thing.”
“I don’t know.” Sebastian considered it and shrugged. “I probably would have.”
Dance with Deception: Scandalous Secrets, Book 1 - Exclusive Edition (Scandalous Secrets - Exclusive Edition) Page 14
