Page 78 of How to Best a Marquess

How swiftly things had changed.

It was a lovely morning, and swans and ducks swam in the man-made lake. A pleasant spring breeze cooled her cheeks. She would accept Hugh’s proposal today. Her brother and Grace needn’t announce a winner of the club. It didn’t matter who won. Together, they would own the Raven Club. Her heart leaped with anticipation. Now that she’d made a decision, she wanted to tell Hugh as soon as possible. She’d tell him about her back alley meeting with Violet. She’d accept Hugh’s conditions, all of them, along with his offer. She rose and paced the patio in anticipation.

Ellie had never excelled at patience.

Perhaps she would visit her sister-in-law and bring her a glass of lemonade. She opened the French doors and entered the house. Just as she passed her brother’s study, she halted at the sound of two male voices.

Ian’s and Hugh’s.

Her pulse raced at the sound of his voice, and her interest was immediately piqued. It was early, and as far as she was aware, Hugh was not expected for three more hours. Why was he already here, in Ian’s study?

“I’ve been meaning to speak with you, Castleton,” Hugh said.

“Lady Castleton and I plan to make our decision later today,” Ian said.

“I know. That’s why my visit cannot wait,” Hugh said.

“What’s troubling you?”

“Your sister.”

“Ah, you think Ellie will win,” Ian said.

“No. It’s not about the club. Not exactly. It has to do with the Raven Club, but not our competition.”

Ellie froze, her mind muddled. Doubts crept into her head, and she stood immobile as blood began to pound in her temples. Why on earth was Hugh here talking to her brother about their competition? He’d said himself, if they’d married, it wouldn’t matter.

“I’m afraid I don’t understand,” Ian said.

“You must not choose Ellie to win the club,” Hugh said.

Ian chuckled. “Then you do fear we will find her the most successful?”

“No. Ellie must not win for her own safety,” Hugh said.

“I understand your concerns regarding her reputation. I felt the same, but my wife put my mind at ease. Brooks will manage the casino floor, and Ellie, should she win, shall continue to provide instruction from the seclusion of my office. I understand she will have to visit below from time to time, but those interactions will be limited,” Ian said.

“You misunderstand. It’s not about her reputation anymore, but her safety. Your sister has been conducting dangerous clandestine activities.”

Ellie stifled a gasp as dread pooled in her stomach. How dare he! She began to tremble in shock and anger. Hugh had promised not to whisper a word to her brother. Was he to betray her once again?

Torn by conflicting emotions, she bit her fist to keep quiet.

“What activities?” Ian’s voice took on a hard edge that Ellie rarely heard.

“I cannot specifically say. I promised her that I would not. But you must take my word. Your sister is risking her safety.”

“You cannot seriously stand before me and tell me that my sibling is putting herself at risk, but not specify how she is doing so,” Ian said, his voice strained.

“That’s precisely what I am saying.”

“I don’t know whether to challenge you to a fight in the club’s ring or admire you.”

“Neither. Just be sure you and Lady Castleton do not choose Ellie as the winner of the competition,” Hugh said. “There is more… I asked your sister to marry me.”

“Indeed? You did not seek to ask for my permission first?”

“Circumstances were unexpected. But you should know she has failed to give her consent, and I fear she will refuse. That’s why I’m here.”

“I see.”

Ellie sagged against the wall as she felt the nauseating sinking of despair. Not only had she not learned from the past, she’d let down her guard and had fallen in love with the marquess. She’d believed him, had trusted him to not tell Ian about her activities regarding Lady Willoughby. She should have known. Deep down, Hugh Vere had not changed at all from the youth she’d known long ago. Terrible regrets assailed her.

Lies. All lies.

He wanted the Raven Club, and in his backward way of thinking, he wanted to protect her. He would use any means to accomplish his goals. When she hadn’t immediately accepted his offer of marriage, he’d gone to her brother.

Just like the past, by controlling her, he thought he could decide what was best for her.

She felt a sickening sorrow along with a sharp pang of anger.

She wouldn’t stand for it. She wouldn’t act the victim, like she had five years ago. No man would dictate her future—especially not Hugh.

Pushing away from the wall, she threw open the door.