Dorian felt as if someone had just slapped him across the face. He sucked in a sharp intake of breath, unsure of what to say or do.
Do I tell him what Lord Dubois told me?
He wasn’t sure he should. On the one hand, it would give Lucien false hope, when really, there was no hope. Dubois had an airtight case, and there was nothing that the testimony of one man--a bia sed man, at that--could do to change things.
On the other hand, Dorian had never lied to his best friend. Especially about something this important.
He took a deep breath and decided in a split second to say nothing. There was no point in wasting time fighting a losing battle. There was only one way to save Lady Leah, and it wasn’t through the courts.
“My father… he really considered the deal,” Lucien was saying, a faraway look in his eyes. “He had bankrupted the estate and he considered this option, of selling Leah’s hand in marriage, for a profitable piece of land.”
“I know,” Dorian interrupted.
Lucien blinked and stared at him. “You… know?”
“Dubois told me last night when I cornered him in a public house. I know everything. I also know that we can’t beat him, not through legal means.”
Lucien raised an eyebrow. “We? When did you become so intimately involved in this, Dorian? I know you just want out of it.”
“No,” Dorian said, shaking his head. “I came here today to tell you that I have spoken to the Archbishop.”
“What?” Lucien gaped at him. “Why?”
“I have asked for a special license.” Dorian swallowed, the words already drying out his mouth. “I am going to marry your sister. As soon as possible.”
A deafening silence filled the study. Lucien’s mouth had slightly fallen open, and he was gazing at Dorian in wonder.
“You… you want to marry her?” he repeated. “But, Dorian--”
“I want to marry her considering the alternative,” Dorian said, his hand tightening in his lap as he remembered Dubois’ words the night before.
“I understand that you want to save her,” Lucien said gently, his eyes searching Dorian’s face now. “And I appreciate you coming to the help of my family. But Dorian, you swore you wouldn’t marry.”
Another long silence filled the room. Dorian couldn’t quite meet his friend’s eyes. “I know what I swore,” he said quietly. “But I also compromised your sister, and it is my duty to save her.”
“There are other options,” Lucien said sharply. “Lord Eaton, or--”
“No, there is only me.” Dorian looked up at Lucien. “Lord Eaton will not marry Lady Leah. Dubois has frightened him off—quite skillfully, I must admit. All the men of thetonwill be scared off. There are few who will stand up to him. I am one of those few.”
Lucien gave him a long, piercing gaze. “I want you to think very hard about this.”
“Why are you trying to talk me out of this?” Dorian asked, narrowing his eyes. “When you caught me with Lady Leah, you insisted we wed. This is your only chance to save her from Dubois!”
“I know, I know,” Lucien said quickly. He stood abruptly and turned to the window, clasping his hands behind his back. “It’s just, you are my best friend. And I know how opposed to marriage you are. I also know that you will not make my sister… Well, you will treat her well. But it will not be a love match.”
Dorian felt again like someone had slapped him. He had to shake his head to relieve the stinging sensation.
Lucien turned back around and met his gaze. “I suppose that learning of my father’s insensitivity toward my sister is making me rethink some things. It is making me realize that I do not want to be like him. I don’t want to force you to marry my sister, even though you did kiss her, if it will make you both miserable. I want to be different from my father and put the feelings of my loved ones first.”
“And I appreciate that,” Dorian said, his voice raspy. “But this is what I want: I cannot allow your sister to marry Lord Dubois. I would do anything in my power to stop that. And this is in my power to do. Let me marry your sister. Let me put an end to this nightmare.”
Lucien said nothing for a long moment. Dorian held his breath, not knowing what to expect. He had thought Lucien would agree right away, but this new side of his friend was disconcerting. He’d always wanted his friends’ and family’s happiness, but now he was willing to sacrifice for it.
Lady Leah is right. His wife really did change him.
“Very well,” Lucien said at last. “I will allow you to marry my sister. You are right: it is the best path forward.”
“It is the only path forward,” Dorian corrected.
