Page 14 of The Wedding-Crashing Duchess

“I do not wish to rearrange the wedding,” she said.

“Phillipa, you are upset,” Lord Hewes turned toward her. “That is understandable, but there is no need to make another decision today.”

“You no longer wish to marry me?” Ronan studied her.

“When Augusta stood, I was horrified. I believed she had humiliated both of us and thrown away her own reputation for a suspicion she could not prove,” Phillipa met his eyes

Augusta winced, but Phillipa continued.

“Then the ceremony stopped,” she said, “and before I understood what had happened, I felt relieved. I was with His Grace for most of the night, so I knew that the accusation was not correct but it came at a time that benefited me. That much I cannot deny.”

The room became still, and everyone seemed to be in shock trying to absorb what was being said.

Surely, no one had expected Phillipa to say such a thing. It was usual for a bride to be to be so direct.

Phillipa turned to Ronan.

“You have treated me honorably. I will not pretend otherwise, nor will I allow anyone to say that you pressured me into this match. You were direct about what you wanted, and I accepted because I believed the marriage was too advantageous to refuse. However, now I realize that I accepted for every reason except the one that matters to me.”

He regarded her without visible offence. “Which reason is that?” he asked after a moment.

There seemed to be no anger in his voice either. Which was a rare thing. Usually, men did not take very kindly to being turned down.

“I want to love the man I marry,” Phillipa said. “I tried to convince myself that respect would be enough and that affection might follow in time. But when the wedding stopped, I was not afraid of losing you; rather, I was grateful for the chance to reconsider.”

Lord Hewes’s face tightened. “Phillipa, this match would protect your future and your brothers’ inheritance. You would be foolish to think otherwise, and now is not the time to make careless statements such as this.”

Phillipa was quiet again for a moment. It was clear that she had given a lot of thought to whatever it was that she was saying here, and that it would be difficult to change her mind.

“I know what it would do for the family,” she replied. “That is why I came so close to marrying a man I scarcely know. But if I continue now, I shall spend the rest of my life wondering whether I was too afraid to wait for something more.”

Ravenhill remained silent for several moments. Everyone seemed to expect him to object. Augusta watched his hand upon the cane, wondering whether anger would finally break through his restraint.

But he surprised everyone with his next words.

“I understand,” he said simply.

“I…” Phillipa tried to explain further.

“Enough of it,” he said and then turned to Augusta. “But I don’t forgive you for this.”

Augusta looked back at him, suddenly fearing him.

“You accused me publicly of the most serious crime a man can commit. By evening, there will not be a drawing room in London where my name is not joined to the word murderer.”

“I will tell everyone I was mistaken,” she said.

“You cannot recall words now,” his tone was serious. “It is irresponsible of you to think that you can make a claim so serious, and then simply walk back on it.”

Duncan stepped forward, offering a protective role.

“Ravenhill, my family owes you an apology. Augusta acted rashly, and I accept responsibility for whatever damage follows. If there is a way to make amends, name it.”

Ravenhill considered him for a moment. His anger was still visible, and Augusta wondered what it would take for it to calm down. There was something menacing about him. He seemed like a perfect gentleman, but at the same time, he appeared someone who could do considerable harm if he wished.

“I do not yet know what amends will satisfy me,” he said. “But I will think of something. You will have to wait until I arrive at a conclusion.”

Duncan inclined his head. “You have my word that I will repay the injury.”