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So, Mr.Matthew Hardy was also a supplicant, kneeling before her as if she were his better.How ridiculous.She was the one pregnant, without a husband and minutes away from losing her title.
People would still use the title as a courtesy, but would losing it make her lose herself?If the ring proved anything, it was that Mr.Hardy could provide for her and the girls.But could a ring provide those things she was sure to lose?
“We cannot have a marriage if it is to be started on uneven footing.If I say yes, I will be a plain woman, a Mrs.Matthew Hardy.I will not be your better.Stand up.It is unseemly.”She wasn’t sure why she was suddenly angry.
That wasn’t fair.She’d been angry since the day she found out about the coming child.
“You will always be the duchess.Even a lowly man such as I can’t change that.”He stood in front of her again, the box still in his hand.
“Is this some grand joke?Did Cyril put you up to this?”Where did the joke end?A marriage proposal in a gaming hell?By a man proclaiming to be a bastard?He probably was; why would he say it, if he weren’t?
“It is all very real.I will tell you one thing—may I call you Rose?”She nodded.“Rose, I will be able to care for you and for your child and any other children in a manner that will far exceed what Sandhurst was able.What most dukes in England are able.You will want for nothing.”
“But how?You are a not a noble.Money doesn’t grow on trees,” she said.He took a sip of his drink and set it aside.When he reached for her hands, she didn’t resist him.
“Do you feel that?”he asked.“These hands work.These hands have worked since I was four.I won’t suddenly settle into a life of ease and take you to balls every evening or to Paris to purchase a pair of shoes.Oh, we will go to balls on occasion.You will never be embarrassed by the clothes you will wear or the places we will go.But, on occasion, you will be embarrassed that you have a husband who is less than acit.You might even feel squeamish when I touch you with rough hands or use improper language.My hands will never be soft because I will never be soft.”
“Are you determined to have me say no?”she asked.
“Are you so determined tonotmarry the man who impregnated you?”
“If there is one thing you will never know, it is who the father of this child is.Don’t ever ask me.”
“Why should I?I plan to be the father of any children in my household.As much as I am able.”
Tears burst from her eyes.She covered her mouth.“Don’t say things you don’t mean.”Her voice trembled.Now wasn’t the time for weakness.
She blinked a few times, but the tears continued to flow.He reached into his pocket and handed over a linen handkerchief, perfectly pressed and with his initials embroidered in the corner.She dabbed at her face.Given the opportunity, she thought she could lie on the floor and cry loudly until morning.Maybe that’s what she needed—a proper fit, hours to scream at the world.
He held the ring in front of her again.“If there is anything you need to know about me, it is that I know how to correct things, not fix them.Fixing them implies that I’ve applied glue and string to make something whole.That is not what I do.I apply resources, money, pressure and information to that thing which needs correcting.Then one day, it is as if that thing were never broken to begin with.”
“Who are you?”she asked, still sniffling.
He reached for her hand and placed the extraordinary bauble on her finger.Holding her hand still, he bowed over it.“Matthew Hardy, at your service.”
* * * * *
“Marvelous.You’ve cometo an agreement.When will the banns be posted?”Alice asked, all smiles.“Maybe we should have a toast before we discuss the wedding.”
“There will be no banns,” Matthew said blandly.This part was going to bore him to tears.Another reason to be happy he could walk into a brothel and, not purchase exactly, but secure the woman he was going to love until death parted them rather than endure the weeks and months of a fake courtship.
For twenty pounds, the Archbishop of Canterbury would sign a special license—for normal nobles who were in trouble.Matthew paid fifty pounds because he didn’t want the archbishop to ask any more questions than the name of the parties to be chained in the bonds of holy matrimony.
And much like the archbishop, Rose had said yes without prying into the whys or the reasons Mr.Matthew Hardy was available for marriage at just the moment he was needed.That, as much as anything, shouted her desperation.
And her desperation clouded her reasoning.Rose hadn’t made any connections between Matthew’s wealth and a supposed gaming loss.Because the connection wasn’t there.He was just the willingly trussed turkey presented on Madame DuPuis’ platter.
“But we must have the banns read!”Alice said.
That sentiment did not come from pregnant Rose Elliston who knew there wasn’t a moment to waste.So, Rose hadn’t told Alice the real reason she was in trouble.Matthew wouldn’t enlighten her either.
“No, I’m perfectly happy to complete the transaction this week,” Rose said.
“I’m not.We will marry tonight.I have the special license and I brought the minister.Madame DuPuis, if you would be so kind as to fetch him and a couple witnesses, we can proceed.”
Alice hustled from the room and Matthew faced Rose, alone, as his soon to be bride.She was more beautiful than he’d originally thought.The few times he had sought her out, she’d been in the park—once riding and once in an open carriage.Twice was enough to recognize a troubled woman.Twice was enough to desire her.“You didn’t tell her the real reason?”
“I’ve told no one except you.”
