“Lady Inverhall,” a voice suddenly called from the doorway. “I trust you are well after your successful event.”
She turned her head to see Lord Middleby striding in confidently, followed by a harried-looking Mr. Channing.
Elspeth suppressed a sigh. She was in no mood for polite conversation, but she set down her book nevertheless.
“Lord Middleby,” she greeted, her voice weary. “I confess that I wasnae aware of yer visit. I have just returned from an outing and am quite tired.”
“Pardon the intrusion, My Lady,” Mr. Channing said, edging out from behind Middleby. “Lord Middleby was most insistent that he be brought here immediately. A matter of some urgency, he said.”
“Aye, it is no problem, Channing. But Lord Middleby, I am rather fatigued. Perhaps we could arrange another time?—”
“I am afraid it cannot wait, Lady Elspeth,” Lord Middleby declared, puffing out his chest slightly. “My business is of a most urgent nature and will require but a moment of your time. It may even change your life.”
“Please ring if you need me, Lady Inverhall,” Mr. Channing said with a raised eyebrow as he slowly backed out of the room, leaving the door wide open. “I will let His Grace know that you have company as soon as he has returned from his business.”
“Thank ye, Channing,” Elspeth said with a huff.
Upon the butler’s exit, Lord Middleby cleared his throat. “Lady Inverhall, the success of your event last night was most remarkable. It has become abundantly clear to the ton that you are a woman of considerable merit, which I have known for some time.”
Elspeth merely nodded, waiting for the inevitable point. Her stomach sank as realization dawned on her.
Lord Middleby took a deep breath, adjusting his cravat. “Therefore, it is with the utmost consideration—and, I might add, a significant degree of generosity—that I ask for your hand in marriage.”
“Marriage?”
“Yes, Elspeth. A dream come true, I am sure.”
Elspeth blinked, a wave of disbelief washing over her. Of all the outcomes she had imagined after the charity event, Lord Middleby’s proposal was nowhere on the list.
She managed a gentle smile.
Remember yer lessons. Daenae fly off the handle.
“Lord Middleby, I am most flattered by yer generousoffer. Truly. But I cannae accept it.”
He furrowed his brow. “Cannot accept? But surely you understand the advantages of such a match? You do not need to play coy with me.”
“I am not playin’.”
“My standing in Society, my, my connections, my appearance. I am respectable, I am?—”
“I understand yer point, Lord Middleby,” Elspeth interrupted softly. “And I appreciate yer thoughtfulness, the security such a union might offer. But I daenae love ye, and I cannae, in good conscience, marry for convenience alone. I have come too far to settle for anythin’ less.”
“Settle? Convenience?” he scoffed. “It is more than convenience, you shortsightedlass!It is essential for a woman such as yourself to secure an adequate match, especially in this world we live in. What will come of you without a husband?”
“That is for me to figure out. It is none of yer concern.”
“It is obvious that His Grace has no intention to marry you.”
“Me answer remains the same,” Elspeth said, her voice steady.
Lord Middleby’s voice dropped, his arrogant tone replaced by a palpable desperation. “The truth is, I also have reasons for my haste. Lady Inverhall, my financial affairs are delicate. Substantial but delicate. My inheritance is tied to marriage, yousee. A suitable marriage. We could come to an agreement, you and I. I can tell that you are a woman of tenacity.”
Elspeth’s heart clenched slightly at his vulnerability, but her resolve did not waver.
“Lord Middleby, I am truly sorry to hear of yer predicament, but me answer remains the same. I cannae be a means to yer financial security. Ye will have to find another way. I have nothin’ left to say.”
His face flushed red, and his eyes narrowed on her. “But you owe me this! Consider the favor I bestowed upon you over the past weeks! I have forsaken many a good prospect for you.”
