“I hate this,” she whispered, lifting her head. Steel entered hervoice as she continued, “But I shall do what’s required. Just ensure my assets are protected, that I maintain ownership of the publishing house.”
Steven placed a hand on her shoulder. “Thank you. It shall be done.”
“How did you convince the marquess to agree to this? I’m certain he is just as averse to this as I am, if not more,” she said, looking up at her brother.
Steven hesitated before responding, “He’s asked to stipulate that you separate after one year.”
The words washed over her like ice water. Humiliation burned through her veins. “You mean to say you agreed to have me disgraced after a year? Abandoned by my husband?”
“Only upon your agreement. Should you choose to separate, you shall be a very wealthy woman,” Steven said.
“Regardless. He’s counting on me to be a temporary inconvenience.” A year of enduring his indifference. Her throat tightened at the thought. She couldn’t quite say why his rejection stung so sharply.
“Best case scenario, you realize you’re perfect for each other. Worst case scenario, you elevate your social status, gain wealth and freedom,” Steven said gently. “It needn’t be humiliating.”
“And what of children?” Her voice caught. “If I have them? If I don’t? What becomes of me then?”
Steven knelt before her, taking her cold hands in his. “If I didn’t believe Hereford could make you happy, I would never suggest this match. There’s more to him than you realize.”
“You’re a man. You can’t understand what it means to lie awake at night, wondering which woman’s bed your husband warms while you’re alone.”
“That is the fate of most wives of wealthy or handsome men. Hereford is both.” Steven’s matter-of-fact tone made her flinch. “Given his reputation, you should prepare yourself for—”
“Never!” The word burst from her. “The marriage contract must stipulate that any infidelity within the first year requires him to pay me five thousand pounds. Our union may lack love, but I will not be made a fool of.”
Steven nodded with a slight curve in the corner of his mouth. “I’ll see it done. Now, I must speak with the solicitor.” He squeezed her hands once before rising. “Pack your things. The wedding will be within days.”
Amelia stood on shaking legs, then collapsed back onto the divan as her strength deserted her. She could already imagine Hereford’s barely concealed disgust as she limped down the aisle, his sighs of resignation as he resigned himself to a year with an invalid bride. The wooden leg that had never felt particularly heavy before suddenly seemed to weigh as much as all her fears combined.
