“I do,” she replied, tilting her chin.
“Now you are just being unreasonable,” he said.
“I’m being unreasonable?” she repeated, her voice rising. “You are the one who eloped with another woman!”
“And I apologized for that,” he said. “Can we not move forward?”
“No, we can’t!”
Lord Eastwood walked over to the fireplace and put his hands on the mantle, leaning in. “Your father led me to believe that you would be much more agreeable.”
“I do apologize that you have been forced to travel all this way on Christmas Eve, but my mind is made up.”
“You would rather be a drain on your family’s household than marry me?” he asked in disbelief. “I will be a marquess one day.”
“I am well aware of your status.”
With a huff, he said, “You are being incredibly selfish, Arabella.”
“How so?”
“Your father went to great lengths to ensure that we were wed,” Lord Eastwood said, pushing off the mantle.
“Regardless, you are the one who broke this engagement by doing something utterly terrible.”
Tossing his hands up in the air, Lord Eastwood exclaimed, “How many times do I have to apologize to you?”
“It will never be enough for me to change my mind.”
Lord Eastwood narrowed his eyes. “You knew what I was like when you accepted my offer of marriage,” he said. “What has changed?”
“It matters not.”
“It most assuredly does matter,” Lord Eastwood declared. “This is my future we are talking about.”
Her eyes darted towards the door, but she remained quiet.
Lord Eastwood followed her gaze. “Do you truly believe that Lord Barrett will want you, considering he rejected you once already?” he asked haughtily.
“Lord Barrett and I are just friends.”
“I do not believe that,” he argued, shaking his head. “I can see in your eyes that you have hope for him.”
“That has nothing to do with us.”
Lord Eastwood walked over, stopping in front of her. “I do not have an issue with sharing you, if that is your concern.”
She reared back. “You are a scoundrel.”
“I have been called worse.”
“I think it is time for you to go,” she said, holding his gaze unflinchingly.
“You will regret this,” Lord Eastwood warned.
“No, I don’t believe I will,” she stated firmly.
Lord Eastwood stared at her for a moment before heading towards the door. He stopped and spun back around. “Let me know if you change your mind.”
