She pretended not to take notice and made her selections from the sideboard, then took the seat beside him.
“You disappeared for a while last night,” he said. “Minto couldn’t find you to seek a dance.”
“My dance card was full, Papa. I can’t decline dances with suitors. And I’m sure you heard Diana announced her betrothal last night. I wanted to be with her to discuss preparations when I wasn’t dancing.”
“Indeed. There are rumors of scandal related to that betrothal. Perhaps you shouldn’t join your friends for tea.”
“I assure you, Papa,” she said, “that there is no scandal related to the betrothal. Diana was taken with the earl, and Snowdon approves the match. You are aware how shrewd he is when it comes to his sister. We shall begin wedding planning today, like we did for Juliana’s wedding last season. I must be there.” What she said wasn’t exactly true. She would get the details leading up to the betrothal later. What her father didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. The man wasn’t a reliable judge of anything if he believed Minto was an acceptable suitor.
“Very well,” he acquiesced. “Your friends have made excellent matches for themselves thus far and are strong connections in society for you once you take a husband.”
Marina rolled her eyes. “They are my friends, Papa. They are more than mere social connections.”
“You need to understand the way of society. Which is another reason to consider Minto’s offer.” He stared her down like she was a little girl he hoped to intimidate. Too bad he hadn’t realized that it stopped working on her ages ago.
“I wasn’t aware that Minto still made such an offer.” She offered a sweet smile and blinked through her eyelashes.
“Don’t be coy, daughter. You know his offer stands. I’m trying not to force your hand, but you are making it quite difficult, especially when you haven’t yet taken a husband.”
“Perhaps I’m being selective. Isn’t that what you taught me? To know my worth?”
“Your worth diminishes with each passing season, Marina. You’re not a debutante anymore. You’re approaching spinsterhood.”
“I’m barely twenty—”
“And Minto is willing to overlook your age.”
“Why, I must fall at his feet and thank him for that.” She pounded a fist on the table before she could think better of it. “You recall you promised me last season that I could select my husband, did you not? Do you intend to go back on your word, Papa?”
“Remember yourself, daughter. And I made that promise last season, but made no such agreement this season.”
“How convenient. Your word has an expiration date.”
His face darkened. “Watch your tongue.”
“Or what? You’ll marry me off to the first man who’ll take me?”
“The Earl of Minto is not a patient man, and he’s—”
“Rich enough to buy your approval. And revolting enough that you won’t meet my eyes when you speak of him.”
Her father’s jaw clenched. “You know nothing of what’s required to maintain a family’s standing. Nothing of the sacrifices—”
“Sacrifices? Is that what you call selling your daughter? From where I sit, I am the only one who shall be on my back making sacrifices.”
“Marina!” He slammed his hand on the table, rattling their plates. “You will not speak to me this way.”
“Then how should I speak to you? With gratitude? ‘Thank you, Papa, for condemning me to a marriage bed with a man who makes my skin crawl?’”
“Enough!” Her father stood, towering over her. “The Trowbridge ball is in three days. Minto has requested the supper dance. You will grant his request. You will be charming. You will give him encouragement.”
“I will do no such—” If her father thought she’d allow that blackguard to touch her, he was sorely mistaken.
“You will, if you wish to buy yourself more time, or I will accept his offer on your behalf.”
The words hit like a slap. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Try me.” His voice was deadly quiet. “Show me you’re making an effort with Minto and produce another suitor, or I’ll be forced to remove the burden of choice from your shoulders entirely.”
