by Ella Edon
And it was just like Jerome to stick to the truth whenever he could. It had only been a few days since he had been given this quest, so certainly his father did not expect decisive results already. “It has proven quite difficult,” Jerome told him. “My titleless state proves to be a problem.”
“You are the son of a duke,” he grunted.
Jerome nodded in agreement. “And the son of a common woman. Many are not willing to pay me any mind long enough to learn of the title I will soon inherit.”
The duke looked over at him, his eyes unreadable. “The physician was here early this morning. He recommended that I rest for today, that my body seems to be at its weakest. He says there are chances of better days in the future but there is no stopping the progress of the illness.”
“You have quite a blunt physician,” Jerome pointed out.
“Blunt is what is needed when decisions are needed to be made. You understand what I am saying to you, do you not?”
Jerome understood loud and clear. No one could understand his father quite like he could. He nodded. “I do. There is no telling how much time we have left.”
“Then there is no reason for you to be here any longer.” The duke turned his gaze out past the balcony doors, the curtains billowing in the wind. “You need only remember my conditions during your search.”
Knowing a dismissal when he heard one, Jerome stood and bowed respectfully. “Yes, Father.” He turned to leave but tarried at the door, throwing a glance over his shoulder. “Please be sure not to overexert yourself unnecessarily, and listen to the orders of the physician.”
“You do not give me orders, boy,” he snorted, not bothering to look at him.
Jerome nodded. He knew that well. It had not been an order, though, but a request from a concerned son to his father. Jerome understood that his stoic father was not used to expressions of emotion, nor did he care to hear them from Jerome, so he left it at that.
As he left the duke’s bedchamber and headed back down the hallway, determination sparked within him. As he’d expected, visiting his father had served to spur him on, urging his footsteps in one direction. Warwick Manor. Only this time, Jerome did not plan on being turned down. The more he thought of it, the more it seemed Louisa was his best option. She was perfect, despite her fiery temper, and he was certain his father would approve of her.
All he needed to do was to get her to approve of the marriage in the first place. A feat that was sure to be the most difficult one he’d ever undertaken.
Louisa had breakfast in her bedchamber. She claimed illness, and when her sisters came to check on her, she’d hopped into bed and pretended to be taking a nap. She’d done all that she could to stay away from Uncle Benjamin. But she knew it wouldn’t last long. Sooner or later, Louisa would be forced to be in his presence again, but she was hoping she would be better prepared for it when the time came.
For now, however, she wanted to revel in the silence, to give herself space to think. Too much had happened in the span of a few days, all fading into the background at her uncle’s appearance. Apparently, he had sent word, but her mother had thought to keep it from her daughters as a surprise. Despite the good nature of her mother’s intention, Louisa couldn’t help despising it. Had she been informed of his coming, perhaps she would have been able to grow accustomed to the idea of him being around.
She sighed, coming to a stop. The rest of the hallway stretched long and imposingly before her, but for the first time since last night, Louisa felt a shadow of relief. She’d avoided traversing these hallways because she did not want to run into her uncle. Knowing that her family had gone to visit Charlotte, she could breathe a sigh of relief. It had been a while since she’d had the manor to herself. She took advantage of it when she could.
Looking behind her, she pulled out a vial of laudanum, one to replace the one she’d lost. She’d been steadily sipping on it ever since she returned to her bedchamber last night. It had helped calm her enough for her to fall into blissful sleep, but it was not enough to chase away her lingering anxiety when she was awake. She might have to increase the dosage.
Lifting it to her lips, she finished what was left of it and tucked the empty vial away. She continued down the hallway, toward the grand staircase that led to the foyer. She was a bit peckish, so she was intending to have tea in the drawing room now that she knew no one was home and would not be home for a while.
But her plans came to a halt the moment she entered the drawing room, when she realized that she was not actually alone.
“Louisa?”
Her chest seized at the sight of Uncle Benjamin sitting in the center of the drawing room, blinking when he noticed her. She wanted to run, but her legs were stiff, her feet rooted to the floor. She could do nothing but stare at him as he approached her, a smile playing around his lips.
“I had heard that you were ill,” he said. “I had half a mind to see how you fared.”
The thought of Uncle Benjamin coming to her bedchamber was enough to send bile to her throat. “I had heard that you all went to visit Charlotte and her husband,” she pushed out tightly.
“Your parents and your sisters did. I decided to stay behind.” His grin widened. “I, too, felt a bit unwell, so I thought it might be best for me to save seeing her and her son for another day. It would be wise for the two that are ill to take care of each other, do you not think so?”
She swallowed harshly. “Very kind of you, Uncle. But I think it would be best if I returned to my bedchamber.”
Desperate to be far away from this conversation, she swiveled on her heels, about to leave. He was behind her in a second, his body so close to hers that Louisa lost all the strength in her limbs. His hand shot out to the door, stopping her from leaving.
“Why not stay and talk with your dear uncle for a while?” he murmured much too close to her ear. She bit her lip so hard she was afraid she might draw blood. “You hardly said a word at last night’s dinner.”
Louisa didn’t respond. If she wanted to leave, it would mean moving his hand from the door. It would mean touching him. And it would also increase the chances of him touching her. Right now, he was only hovering over her, close enough for her to smell the lingering whiskey on his breath, for her to feel his body heat. She thought she might very well fall unconscious if she dared to be so close to him a moment longer.
Louisa slipped away, heading further into the drawing room. Without a word, she sank into an armchair, a safe choice. That would leave little openings for him to sit close to her. She watched with a racing heart as he came to sit before her, crossing one leg over the other.
“How have you been, Louisa?” he asked her, his tone casual.
Louisa tried to mimic it. “I have been well.”
“You do look it. I was taken aback when I saw you walk into the dining room behind your sisters. You have truly grown into yourself.”
She didn’t say anything. She couldn’t think of a single thing she could say.
Uncle Benjamin seemed content to do the speaking, however. He tilted his head to the side, not hiding the fact that he was appraising her. “Though I do not know why I am surprised. It has been fifteen years since I have seen you. When last we were together, you were but a child. But now, you are quite grown and mature.”
Uncle Benjamin chuckled deeply. “Your mother says you are not yet married. Do you have any suitors?”
Slowly, she shook her head, tensing. This was territory she wanted to steer clear of.
“Why is that? You are far too beautiful to be spending your time alone.” He huffed a laugh a second later. “Though I suppose it is in the family’s good interest if you did not marry.”
“Mother does not think so.”
“Of course she wouldn’t, but that hardly matters. At least this way, you are free to spend more time with your family. With your loving uncle, whom you haven’t seen in years.”
Louisa glanced at the door. If she got up and ran, would he chase a
fter her? Would he try to stop her? The uncertainty was enough to keep her stiffly in place.
Uncle Benjamin leaned closer, clasping his hands as he rested his elbows on his knees. “Do you remember the past, Louisa? Do you remember how close we once were?”
They had never been close. To her, he’d always been the friendly uncle who had turned into a monster. They had no past, which made her instantly aware of what he was talking about. She couldn’t believe he would dare to mention that right now, but when she caught sight of that glint in his eyes, it felt possible.
Since he was clearly waiting for a response, Louisa slowly shook her head. “I do not know what you speak of.”
“Are you sure? I remember your face as clear as day. You seemed quite frightened, but you were a strong girl, even at your age. I was sure it would not be an issue for you to get over it.”
To get over it? Louisa glanced at the vase sitting by the chair. If she threw it, would she hit her mark?
The violent thought disappeared nearly as soon as it came when he rose to his feet. She instantly stood, preparing to run if she needed to. He advanced on her, that eerie smile still present on his face. He stood just a foot away from her.
“How would you like to go for a walk through the gardens, Louisa? It would be like old times, when I would watch you play. Though I do not think you will be playing much at your age.”
The sudden shift in the conversation had her wariness shooting through the roof. But hell would freeze over before she ever agreed to that. “I think I might have gotten worse, Uncle. I think it would be best if I returned to my bedchamber.”
“Oh, have you?” He raised his hand, as if to rest it on her forehead. She quickly stepped out of reach. “Allow me to help nurse you back to health. Once you are married, you will have a husband to fuss over you like that, but in the meantime, I am more than happy to help.”
“There is no need,” she protested. She took a few steps away, trying to get to the door. He didn’t move, but he followed her with his eyes.
“Are you certain?” he asked. “But then, Liliana tells me you have no intention to marry. Perhaps you will truly only have your family to rely on.”
At that moment, the door opened and the last person she had expected walked in, Henry right behind him. Louisa didn’t stop to think. She rushed to Jerome’s side, ignoring the look of surprise he gave her, and declared, “You need not worry, Uncle. My betrothed is standing right here.”
“Pardon?” Jerome exclaimed, having only just entered the room.
“What?” came simultaneous voices behind her.
Louisa closed her eyes, cursing her wicked luck. She’d said it in the spur of the moment, needing any reason to push Uncle Benjamin away from her. But she’d not expected her words to be overheard.
Slowly, she turned to see her parents and her sisters, including Charlotte, standing behind her, all of their jaws hanging open in shock.
Chapter Nine
Like a lightning strike, tension shot through the room to mingle with the shock. Jerome felt frozen. Foolishly holding his breath, his eyes focused solely on Louisa, who didn’t seem to know what to do. Her blue eyes were as round as saucers, her mouth opening and closing as she grappled with what to say. He couldn’t see the others who had appeared behind them, but he knew it was Lady Warwick and her daughters. He also could not he see the unknown man Louisa had been speaking with. Jerome’s focus was entirely on the blond-haired beauty who had clearly said something she wished she hadn’t.
“Louisa?” Lady Warwick’s features were stricken with disbelief. She took one step forward and Jerome watched as Louisa swallowed harshly. “Is this true?”
“You have asked for her hand in marriage?” That was Charlotte, effectively cutting Jerome’s stare short. He looked at the brunette sister, noting her own surprise. In truth, Jerome didn’t know what to say to her. He could tell that Louisa already regretted her words and he didn’t want to make things worse for her.
But he could already tell that she wasn’t one to sit back and let others fight for her. She moved suddenly, a jerky movement, as if she was breaking out of ice. Then she plastered a smile onto her face, one that felt out of place in a moment like this. “Mother, Father” she said, her voice back to normal. “I did not expect you back so soon.”
“Changing the topic will do you no good,” said the Earl of Warwick. He stepped up next to his wife, crossing his arms. He looked back and forth between Jerome and Louisa. “It is time someone explained what is happening here.”
“How odd that your parents do not know of this, Louisa,” said the mysterious man in the center of the room. He looked a lot like Lady Warwick—perhaps her brother—but Jerome wasn’t going to assume.
Louisa stiffened. Jerome noticed it instantly, but it was gone in a second. He didn’t take his eyes off her as she turned to face the man in the room, the one she’d made her bold declaration to in the first place. The blond-haired gentleman tilted his head to the side, frowning slightly. “You two have been courting secretly?”
Louisa opened her mouth to respond—and then closed it just as quickly. Her hands balled into fists at her side, but it was clear to Jerome that she hadn’t a clue how to scrape her way out of this one.
Jerome stepped closer to her. He tried to ignore the way she shied away from him. “This is quite a shocking reveal to you all. I know Miss Louisa did not intend for this news to become known this way, so I am afraid we are all a bit flustered. Perhaps if we could have a moment, we will be able explain everything properly.”
Louisa’s eyes bore into the side of Jerome’s face, but he kept his attention on the Earl and Countess of Warwick. He knew it was just as likely that they would chase him out of the manor just as it was that they would welcome him with open arms. After all, he could see the glimmer of hope in Lady Warwick’s eyes, glowing just underneath the surprise. Louisa’s parents wanted her to marry, so they might just cling to this chance rather than not. It was Charlotte who spoke next, “I do not think it is a good—”
“Leave them be.” All eyes fell to Lady Warwick. The graceful lady placed a hand on her husband’s arm and some sort of communication passed between them. “I’m sure they truly have a lot to talk about.”
“Mother!” Louisa gasped. But it was too late. Lady Warwick was already ushering her daughters out the room, hiding a small smile. Jerome felt a prick of humor as he watched the younger sisters try to get a last glimpse at the two of them before they hurried away, whispering to each other.
“I must say, Louisa,” came the man from behind. Louisa didn’t turn as he approached, her face perfectly still. “You have always had quite the ability to shock all who are around you. I am happy that that, at least, hasn’t changed.”
With that said, he sauntered out of the room, closing the doors behind him. But not before Jerome caught the curious look the blond man gave him, the way he ran his eyes up and down the length of him. When the door was closed, Louisa let out a rush of air, hurrying over to the sofa. She sat primly, her back straight, lifting a hand to her temple.
“Would you like to speak outside?” Jerome asked gently, not moving from where he stood. He blinked when Louisa cast him a scathing glare. Without thinking, he tried to explain his words. “I only assume it would be better for you to get some fresh air.”
“You shouldn’t assume anything,” she hissed. “That is not your place.”
“You appear to be upset.”
“Oh, do I?”
His lips twitched at her sarcasm. Perhaps it was because he’d come to expect this reaction from her, but he wasn’t at all fazed by her rudeness. After her bold declaration that she wouldn’t get married just the day before, it was clear that even she had not expected to go back on her word. Slowly, Jerome made his way over to the armchair facing her and sat, not looking away from her face for a second. Like a wild animal, there was no telling when she would pounce. Only Louisa would fight with her words rather than bare her cla
ws.
For a few moments they said nothing. The always proper Louisa was clearly frustrated with herself, was clearly trying to figure out what to say. And Jerome wasn’t much further. He wanted to choose his words carefully to make sure this delicate situation worked well in his favor. His father’s words echoed in the back of his head--the urgency—and all that was at stake. Marrying as quickly as he can wasn’t only for his sake, it was for the sake of the dukedom.
Even as the thought echoed in the back of his head, Jerome knew that wasn’t the only reason he was being so adamant. Before, he’d been so focused on Charlotte that he hadn’t paid Louisa much mind, even though he’d recognized her beauty. But that beauty seemed to have transformed in the time they’ve been apart, seemed to have instilled a carnal desire within him when none had been there before. Jerome found he couldn’t take his eyes off her, couldn’t deny how nice it would feel to run his lips against the gentle slope of her neck. He schooled his features as much as he could, knowing very well that she would not appreciate his lascivious thoughts. But now, he was more determined than ever to have her as his wife.
