Page 22 of The Misfortune of Lady Lucianna

He was repulsed.

What father instructed his daughter’s suitor to use cruel methods for harnessing her wayward tendencies?

The mere thought was baffling.

And Camden was obviously entertaining offers from other gentlemen. At least Roderick knew he would never raise a hand—or a weapon—against any woman, no matter how irritating their actions or words.

Roderick sat a bit straighter in his chair. Had another perspective husband agreed with Camden: a firm hand and a whip here or there when necessary?

Bloody hell, the marquis sickened Roderick; however, if he withdrew his interest in Lady Lucianna, she might very well be left with a man far less honorable than he.

Roderick would not forsake any woman to that fate—even Lucianna who’d stolen his only opportunity to find his family fortune.

However, marrying Lady Lucianna also meant tying himself to Camden.

He shuddered to think whom Lucianna would find herself betrothed to if it weren’t Roderick. There were many cruel men living within London. Men who by no stretch of the imagination could ever be considered gentlemen. Men who spent their nights in scandalous brothels disguised as legitimate gaming hells. If a gaming hell could ever be legitimate in nature.

Lucianna was helpless to disobey her father’s decision on whom she would marry.

“Ah, well.” Camden emptied his tumbler in one swift gulp and slammed the glass on the desk between them. “I can see you are not the man for her. Which is a pity. I suspect Abercorn will have to do, even though he is as old as Corinthians.”

The Duke of Abercorn?

What would the old duke want with such a young bride?

Neither alternative was acceptable. Turn away from a betrothal to Lady Lucianna and leave her in her father’s clutches—and likely betrothed to Abercorn within a fortnight—or agree to Camden’s conditions and be tied to Lady Lucianna and beholden to her father.

Roderick would never give the impression he’d abuse a woman, no matter what she may do to incite his anger; however, leaving her in Abercorn’s clutches was the same, even if he were the one holding the whip.

“My pursuit of Lady Lucianna is very serious, my lord.” Roderick commanded his shoulders to relax, to look at ease and not alert the marquis to the danger he was in even speaking of injuring a woman. “I am prepared to have the documents prepared and signed whenever you wish it.”

“I will need to discuss it with my daughter. She is unaware of the nature of our business here.”

Roderick wanted to laugh. He suspected Lady Lucianna was never fully unaware of anything.

“I have one request, my lord.”

“Of course, Montrose.” Camden stood, signaling their meeting was nearing an end. Roderick followed suit.

“I wish to call on Lady Lucianna.” It had been many years since he’d attempted to court a woman. Even with Lady Daphne, it had all been arranged and handled behind closed doors. “I think it best she and I become acquainted more before we formally announce our betrothal.”

“If you are to be betrothed,” Camden corrected. “However, a stroll in the park or trip to Bond Street for ices would not be unacceptable.”

“Very well. I will call on her presently.” Hell, he would call on her this very evening, if it would not be seen as too eager. The last thing Roderick needed was for Camden to change his mind and give Lucianna to the Duke of Abercorn. “Shall we bring Lady Lucianna in and tell her about our agreement?”

Roderick wouldn’t mind a bit of time in Lucianna’s presence. Hell, maybe he would be so bold as to request a moment alone with her. They were to be wed, after all. Her father would be a fool not to accept Roderick’s offer and nor could Camden be against allowing the soon-to-be betrothed couple a moment together.

“That will not be necessary, Your Grace.” Camden shook his head and bowed. “I will inform her of my decision, and she will be prepared when you call on her. I will have my man draw up the paperwork for your signature.”

“Of course, my lord.”

There was nothing more Roderick could say or do as the marquis departed the room, soundly closing the door behind him. Truly, there was little Roderick suspected needed to be done at this time. Camden would handle informing Lady Lucianna, and when next they met, she would have no cause to deny him her company.

The sound of two sets of footsteps retracing their way back to the foyer was all Roderick heard as Camden led Lady Lucianna from the house.

For not the first time, Roderick wondered why the marquis had brought his daughter if only to instruct her to wait in the hall until they departed.

He refilled his drink and collapsed back into his chair.