Page 6 of Truly, Madly, Daring

Matilda covered her mouth with her hand to stifle a sob as her husband released Kilbane, who sucked in a breath and doubled over, coughing.

Cat ran into her father’s arms and held on tight as Lucian embraced her. His eyes closed, emotions shutting down as they always did when he became overwrought, even now after so many years.

“Papa, I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Cat said, over and over. “I’m so, so sorry. I followed him. I made him talk to me. He was g-going away to France, and I wanted to stop him. He told me to go away, but I w-wouldn’t.”

Lucian said nothing, struggling to compose himself.

“It seems that Catherine tripped and Kilbane reached to steady her,” Harriet said, her voice calm. “They got into something of a tangle and fell. Innocent enough in reality, but they were discovered in what appeared to be a damning position on the floor of the stables. Among the half dozen spectators was Miss Hatchet.”

Harriet did not need to say anything more. Miss Hatchet was notorious for being a nasty minded gossipmonger. To have discovered the Marquess of Montagu’s daughter in a compromising situation with Kilbane was manna from heaven for someone of her ilk. The story would be halfway across the county before dawn.

“I’ll pay her off,” Lucian said savagely. “I’ll silence her… No matter how much it costs. She can live like a bloody duchess, I’ll—”

“It won’t work,” Gabriel replied, his voice sympathetic but firm. “I’m sorry, Lucian. The news is already spreading like wildfire. The only thing to be done is for him to marry her.”

“Damned if I will!” Kilbane exploded as everyone turned to stare at him.

Lucian released Cat and turned on Kilbane once more.

“You’ll do whatever the hell I tell you to,” he snarled, his eyes flashing dangerously. “You may rest assured I’ll make a deal with the Devil himself before I resort to such a vile solution, but if I say you’ll marry her, you will do as you’re damned well told.”

“Lucian,” Matilda said desperately. “What are we to do?”

“We’ll take her away,” Lucian said, raking an unsteady hand through his hair. “We’ll go abroad, an extended trip.”

“It won’t work, Papa,” Cat said quietly, strangely calm now.

Matilda hugged her tight, fighting not to break down as the beautiful future she had envisaged for her daughter fell apart.

“It might, love. I lived on the fringes for years and look how it worked out for me,” she said, striving to sound positive.

“It’s not the same, Mama,” Cat said, giving a weary smile. “I’m Montagu’s daughter. They’ll never let him forget it. Not ever.”

“She’s right.” Gabriel nodded. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to disillusion you but this needs dealing with swiftly, before the evening is over. It’s the only way.”

Helena was red eyed, a handkerchief pressed to her mouth, but she sent Matilda a look of such sympathy it was clear she agreed with her husband.

“Yes.” Harriet nodded, her expression grim. “Much as it pains me, Tilda, love. Gabe is quite correct.” She reached for Jasper’s hand. He took it and squeezed.

“It will be the scandal of the decade,” Jasper said to Lucian. “You’ve no option.”

Matilda watched as her husband stalked to the fire and stared down at it. His expression was devoid of emotion now, his voice cool.

“There’s always an option.”

Cat slipped from her embrace and went to her father. Matilda fumbled for her handkerchief as their daughter took his hand in hers.

“Papa. It will be all right. I know… I know how badly I’ve let you down, but… I will make it right.”

Lucian shook his head.

“We’ll go away. We’ll stay away if needs be. You wanted to travel, did you not? We’ll see it all. France, Italy, perhaps India. We—”

“Papa,” Cat said, a pleading note to her voice now. “You cannot. For one thing, you would hate it. Mama would too. Your life is here. Who would run Dern? Think of how many people depend on you. Think of Pip and Thorn. They need you here too, and I don’t want to go. I don’t want to run away in shame when I’ve done nothing to be ashamed of. I was foolish, yes, but not wicked.”

“I can’t….” Lucian said, his voice so raw and full of pain Matilda gave into the urge to weep, unable to keep the tears back any longer. “I can’t let you marry that… that… damned degenerate! I’ll kill him first.”

Cat could not remember ever being so tired in all her life. All she wanted to do was to go to bed, pull the covers over her head, and pretend this day had never happened.