“Absurd,” Lord Whitcombe said. “Both my daughters were loved equally.”
“Nonetheless, she means to tear us apart,” Lord Wembley said, glaring at Marcus. “In this instance, she has sent her husband to do so for her.” He laughed. “Odd that you would agree to such things, Your Grace. Forgive me, but considering the circumstances of your own marriage, I did not think you would be cowered so by your wife’s antics.”
A flare of anger rose inside of Marcus to hear Lucy spoken about in such ways. He curbed it, let it simmer, not willing to snap just yet.
Let the man talk… let him prove the type of man that he is.
“I am utterly ashamed that you have come here for such a reason, Your Grace,” Lady Whitcombe cried. “And after Amelia and myself tried so hard to fix our relationship with Lucy. Wetold you what she did…” She looked at her husband. “She kicked us out of her home as if we were dogs!”
“Yes…” Lord Whitcombe shifted uncomfortably. “That was… I have been meaning to speak to Lucy about such things.”
“This marriage is going ahead,” Lord Wembley declared. “I am sorry that you made the journey for nothing, Your Grace. When you return home, please tell your wife that she will never tear myself and Amelia apart. Our love is too strong, and if she cannot bear to see her stepsister happy for a change, then that is her problem.” He scoffed. “Truly, that she would try and ruin Amelia’s life like this is sad. I pity her.”
“Be gone, thank you,” Lady Whitcombe added. “If all your reason for being here is to try and ruin my daughter’s life, I want you out of this house. Thinking of it as returning the favor.”
“Your Grace…” Lord Whitcombe looked apologetically at Marcus. “It saddens me that you came here for this reason. Just as…” He looked at his wife who raised her eyebrow at him. “Just as I must agree with my wife. I ask that you leave.”
Marcus did not budge.
He looked with coolness and calmness at the small group, his eyes finally landing on Amelia who still could not bring herself to look at him.
“Lady Amelia,” he asked simply. “Is this true? Do you truly love Lord Wembley so?”
She said nothing.
“Amelia,” Lady Whitcombe snapped. “Answer him. Tell him!”
“Tell him, dear,” Lord Wembley cooed. “Tell him of how happy we are and will be.”
“I… I…” She stammered. “I… we… I am so sorry. Lord Wembley, I did not mean to tell them. I… I was scared.”
Lord Wembley frowned. “Tell them? What are you saying?”
Finally, she turned to look at him. Her eyes were bloodshot. Her skin was pale. She looked like a ghost, just as she looked like she wanted to be anywhere but in that room.
“You lied to me,” she said in a whisper, her eyes averted. “You said… you said it wouldn’t hurt her. You promised me.”
“Hurt her?” Lord Whitcombe spoke up. “Lord Wembley, what is she talking about?”
Finally, Lord Wembley came to understand why Marcus was there. He did his best to hide it, a quick glance at Marcus, an awkward chuckle, and then a shaking of his head. “I have noidea… Amelia, you are speaking nonsense. She is just nervous about the wedding.”
“She almost died, Lord Wembley,” Amelia continued, her voice still soft. “She might have. I… I never wanted that. I only ever wanted her to be happy for me.”
“Lord Wembley.” Lord Whitcombe’s expression hardened. “What is she saying?”
“I have no idea,” Lord Wembley dismissed. “She is rambling, confused.” He cleared his throat. “His Grace has clearly upset her. Be gone, Your Grace, you were asked to leave.”
Throughout this small confrontation, Marcus watched Lady Whitcombe, curious to see her reaction. As expected, she was as confused as her husband.
“Amelia,” she said. “What did you do…”
“Do not blame your daughter.” Marcus stepped forward. “Although her actions were undoubtedly ill-conceived, she was tricked and manipulated. And Lucy, bless her heart, insists that she is not to be blamed.”
“Blamed for what?” Lord Whitcombe demanded.
“Lord Wembley?” Marcus looked at Lord Wembley, now visibly panicking. “Care to tell them? Or should I?”
“I… I…” He started to sweat, just as his face started to flush red. “This is an outrage!” He was on his feet now. “Do not listen to what this man has to say. Tricks! Lies! He will stop at nothing to see this union ended!”
