Though he speaks casually, he knows it isn’t gossip. Ashbourne wouldn’t bring it up if it was. Blast it, how did he find out?
His hands balled into fists. Keeping his father’s solicitor on for even a minute after the old man had passed nine years ago had been a mistake Dominic had regretted daily.
But he had finally removed the man and hired someone else. Then he spent five hard years doing everything he could to manage some hidden debts and investigate removing that rule to the will. But it didn’t work. Without a wife in hand, the majority of his inheritance––which he had limited access to until he wed––would escape him.
How Dominic loathed it. Everything was always right out of his hands. He wasn’t a ruined man; he was simply powerless.
“That is correct,” he finally admitted.
I didn’t come here for a negotiation. What is he up to?
“Very well.” Ashbourne sat back down. “You require a wife and I require your silence and security. What could be a happier outcome than a marriage?”
That hadn’t occurred to him. Dominic controlled his expression, forcing only a blink. “Between our families? You wish to be united?”
“It is by necessity,” Ashbourne reminded him. “Aren’t most marriages strategic for money or land? This is to manage some… secrets. It would bind us and ensure we never betray the other.”
“You remove the risk,” Dominic murmured, seeing it now.
Cassian was a devious man; how Dominic had never noticed before, he didn’t know.
“You may marry my eldest sister. Verity.”
“And has your sister,” Dominic managed to ask politely, “agreed to this arrangement?”
“She will do what is necessary for this family.”
Standing, Dominic frowned and opened his mouth to object. That response told him everything he needed to know. And he didn’t like it. All of this plan was making sense now, and he didn’t care for it.
I could refuse. I am the last of my family, after all, and I could surely bear any brunt… Besides, who knows what truth could come out? Maybe nothing will happen. This could all be for nought. I don’t wish to marry a lady who doesn’t even know what she is getting involved in. Women are supposed to have a choice for their husbands now. I could say no, I could refuse the offer, and leave. Maybe Ashbourne wouldn’t do anything. Or he might say something. He could complicate my life. Make it unpredictable. Plan doubts. The risks are building…
Dominic looked at Ashbourne who wasn’t saying anything. It was like he knew he had Dominic trapped. They could keep control of the situation and work together, or they could stand apart––and most likely, fall.
He didn’t like unpredictability, not like this. Not when his life was at risk.
“That is… an effective proposal. Very well.” Dominic forced himself to accept while he started for the door, ready to be out of here. “I’ll speak with my solicitor at once for the contract.”
“I’ll be waiting for it.” Ashbourne followed behind as they reached the door. “It’s not as though I have any duels to worry about.”
His words caught Dominic and he paused while opening the door.
Right then, there was a flash of movement. His eyes realized they weren’t alone. A gasp sounded. He turned in time to catch a figure falling right into him.
“Oh! I beg your pardon,” the soft voice came, a hand falling on his arm. He looked and he stared. Big hazel eyes consumed his vision. His hands tightened around her––a small waist––when she wobbled on unsteady feet. Her lips curled when she spoke, “I didn’t see you there.”
He tried to remember how to remove his hands. “I believe,” he said in the meantime, “we share the fault.”
The two of them were too close. He could almost touch her nose with his. A tall woman, he realized, and decided he appreciated a tall lady. When she inhaled deeply, her ribs expanded. The motion had him loosening his grip.
He smelled lilacs.
Whoever she was, the young woman used that as her opportunity to move back a step. He thought it best to do the same.
“And I believe that you were standing where you should not have been.”
Dominic raised his eyebrow at the bold young lady.
“Verity.” Ashbourne was no longer forgotten as he came around Dominic. The young woman straightened. “You’re speaking to the Duke of Wycliffe.”
