“No.” Mama crossed her arms over her chest. “I demand to know what’s happening.”
“I want to marry your daughter. That’s what’s happening.” Royston’s tone sounded a bit too sharp.
Silence dropped. Even Angeline didn’t know what to say.
“Good Lord.” Mama paled and tottered on her feet. Her breath came out in uneven pants.
“Sit down.” Angeline helped her to the bed.
Her bottom lip quivered. “How can you do this to me? Me, your mother, the woman who spent thirteen hours labouring to give birth to you.”
Royston straightened. “What? A tryst is better than marriage?”
“Yes!” Mama said.
“That doesn’t make any sense,” he said.
“It’s complicated.” Angeline waved dismissively.
“When did everything start to go wrong?” Mama gripped the bedpost. “I raised you with solid principles, and instead, this happened.”
“You’re exaggerating.” Angeline poured a glass of water from the pitcher and handed it to her mother. “There’s no need for this dramatic scene.”
“No need?” Mama’s face reddened. “You don’t have to marry this man and be his slave. If you want to have a tumble with him, then do it, but you don’t have to shackle yourself to him and do his bidding for the rest of your life.”
Royston came forwards. “Madam, I assure you I have no intention of turning Angeline into a slave.”
Mama scoffed. “Don’t listen to him. They all say the same things, and then everything changes once they marry you, and before you know it, you’re his maid, housekeeper, cook, sex slave, and mother all rolled up together. That’s the future waiting for you if you marry him. He’ll expect you to do everything he asks, inside and outside of the bed. He’ll expect you to do the housework, cooking, and everything else.”
“That’s absurd.” Even Royston reddened. “I have enough money to hire a cook, a maid, and a housekeeper.”
Mama jabbed a finger at him. “You’re missing the point. It doesn’t matter how much money you have. You’ll still treat her like a slave. She’ll never be enough for you. You’ll resent her wishto be independent until you crush the very flame of life within her, and she’ll no longer exist. You’ll murder her.”
“Goodness, this can’t be possible,” Angeline said.
“You’re very much mistaken, madam,” Royston said. “And I’m sorry for the pain someone you cared about caused you.”
Mama swallowed the water with one gulp, staring at Angeline as if Royston hadn’t talked. “What do you know about marriage and men? Nothing.”
“Madam.” Royston’s tone sounded more strained by the minute. “I’m sorry for what happened to you, but I’m not one of those men who considers his wife a slave or a servant. I don’t know what I have to do to prove it.”
Mama stood up with surprising energy. “There’s nothing you can do that will change my mind. This marriage will never happen. Especially after you came here and searched my study.”
“I understand your rage.” Royston arched his brow. “But you blackmail people, madam.”
“Out of my house, Lord Wharton.”
“Madam—”
“Now!” She stretched out an arm towards the door.
“This conversation doesn’t end here. I want to marry Angeline and?—”
“Out,” Mama ordered.
Angeline gave him a nod. “Please.”
He bowed. “Good night, ladies.” He strode out of the bedroom and down the stairs.
