AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A flush rose up from Dunhaven’s neck. “I, ah…I’m afraid I must apologize. She led me to believe she had informed you. She has gone to visit her sister.”
“She failed to mention that when we spoke last night. Has she already left London?”
Dunhaven frowned. “You saw her last night?”
“Yes. And it is imperative that I speak with her again at once.”
“I’m afraid that isn’t possible. But I will be happy to send a message to her in the morning.”
There was no point in prevaricating. “Lord Dunhaven, Harriett cannot marry Lord Russell.”
The other man’s eyes widened. “W—why not?”
“Because I love her, and I wish to marry her.” He watched with dread as Dunhaven’s face purpled.
“I am sorry,” said the other man, “but she has already accepted another man’s offer.”
“You misunderstand me, sir. Harriett cannot marry Russell.” Roland could feel himself turning the same color as the man in front of him. “She came to the Hospital yesterday evening, and I’m afraid I was not in control of myself. I behaved dishonorably.”
For a moment, Dunhaven’s mouth worked soundlessly. “Do you mean to say that—”
“Yes.” Thoroughly.
“Good God,” gasped Dunhaven, blanching. “If this gets out, we’re ruined. Winchilsea will make his nephew break his engagement to Catherine.”
Roland could not afford for his future father-in-law to panic, at least not right now. “Has Harriett’s engagement been announced yet?”
The other man shook his head. “No. She said Russell wished to delay the announcement. Something about not wanting to compete with Catherine and Hammond. I thought it rather odd that he did not come to me first before asking her, but it sometimes happens that way. I quite expect him to approach me tonight, actually. Though I suppose it’s pointless now, given the circumstances.”
Everything inside Roland stilled. “How many people know about their engagement?”
“Other than Russell’s family? As far as I am aware just Catherine and myself.”
The pieces were beginning to fall into place. “Lord Dunhaven, I believe Harriett may have misled you concerning her engagement.”
Dunhaven’s bushy brows collided. “Why would she do such a thing?”
“During Lady Catherine’s birthday celebration, I witnessed what appeared to be an unpleasant conversation between Harriett and Russell. When I inquired of her, however, Harriett told me he had just proposed and she had accepted. If that was true, then it was certainly not a happy occasion. I then offered myself in his stead.”
“What?” exclaimed the other man. “She mentioned nothing of this!”
“That is probably because she did not take me seriously.” Roland took a deep breath. “You may recall I did not make a very good impression on your daughter when first we met.”
Dunhaven cleared his throat. “You are referring to that business at your brother’s funeral.”
Mortification filled him. “Yes. In addition, our more recent interactions at the Hospital did not start out amicably. In the process of working out our differences, however, I grew very fond of your daughter.”
“Obviously,” growled the other man, shooting him a black look.
Again, Roland flushed hot. “Despite what you think, I have the utmost regard for Harriett. I love her honestly and want nothing more than to marry her as soon as possible. I shall be happy to procure a special license this very night if you will but give me your blessing and tell me where she has gone.”
“Considering the circumstances, I see very little other choice,” grumbled Dunhaven. “Very well, she is in—”
A small sound at the door beside them claimed their attention. Roland held a finger to his lips, grasped the handle, and jerked it open to find a woman crouched there, listening.
“I knew it! I knew she’d betray him again,” said Nanette Finchly, rising with a nasty, triumphant smile. Before either them could speak, she fled.
“I’m afraid it’s all up now,” groaned Dunhaven. “She’ll go straight to Russell. If he and Harriet are in fact engaged, there will be a terrible scandal.”
