He lowered his weapon, and she watched as he seemed to physically contain his anger. “Then what, my lady, do you suggest?”
She forced herself to answer without regard for her own selfish desire, her longing for something that could never be. “You should marry Eleanor. That way, she’ll be free of Percival forever, and you’ll have what you seek in a bride. She’ll bring you a considerable dowry and Percival’s influence.”
A strange expression flickered across his face, or perhaps it was only a trick of the light. “She’s young and pretty, too.”
She wouldn’t let him see how those words hurt her. “Yes, she is. And a better choice than any of the other ladies here.”
“Really?” he inquired, his temper clearly once more under his control. “Better than Joscelind?”
“Yes, because she’ll make a better wife.”
“Certainly she’d be a more placid one,” he agreed. “But I might offend Lord Chesleigh.”
“That was the chance you took when you issued your invitation—that you might offend the ladies and relatives of those you didn’t choose. You must have considered that possibility.”
“Yes, I did, and I believe I’ll be able to placate Lord Chesleigh if I select someone other than his daughter.”
She should have expected no less. Clearly everything he did was cold and calculated, determined by ambition and his own needs.
“Are none of the other ladies remaining here to be considered?” he inquired.
“I don’t believe any of the other ladies are in the race, even if they’re still in Dunkeathe.”
“Oh? And upon what evidence do you base that conclusion? Are you able to read minds?”
“Because you’re not stupid—or is the budding romance between Audric and Lavinia something you hadn’t noticed?”
“Yes, I noticed, because I amnotstupid.”
“And I’m sure you have a reason for encouraging their romance.”
He inclined his head in acknowledgment.
“That leaves Lady Priscilla and her giggle. I can hardly believe you’d pick her. I’ve seen you when she laughs.”
“As it happens, I concur.” He laid his sword back on the chest. “That also leaves you, my lady.”
Was hetryingto hurt her? “I don’t forget, my lord, that I’m here only to prevent the Scots from complaining.”
“That was before you entered my bedchamber wearing that seductive gown,” he said as he strolled toward her. “Maybeyouthought to trick me into marriage.”
“I most certainly did not,” she said as she backed away, appalled by the suggestion. “I don’t want to marry you.”
“I’m heartbroken.”
At his callous response, her anger and frustration surged forth. “Go ahead, my lord, make fun of me,” she said through clenched teeth, her back straight, eyes blazing. “Treat me with the same lack of consideration you’ve shown to all the ladies here.”
His brows rose. “I’ve been very considerate.”
“And magnanimous, too,” she sarcastically retorted. “Inviting them here to parade before you as if you’re a prize bull.”
“I haven’t done anything except say I want a wife and offer to choose one from those willing to make the journey to Dunkeathe.”
“Are you really so blind that you don’t see what you’ve done? That you don’t appreciate the trouble you’ve brought to Eleanor? Or the strain you’ve placed upon all of the ladies as they compare themselves to each other? Did you ever consider how hurt they would be when they realized that they didn’t please you, or that they couldn’t compete with Joscelind or Eleanor—or even, apparently, with Priscilla?”
“It was not my intent to hurt any lady’s feelings. All I want is a wife.” He put his hands on his hips, the action widening the gap in his shirt, exposing more of his naked chest. “If they suffer because they don’t suit me, that’s not my fault.”
“What a convenient excuse that is.”
