Scandal of Love (7 page)

She waited in her receiving room, having already alerted the servants to the earl’s visit. At precisely eleven, she heard the unmistakable sound of knocking at her front door.

Well, at least he’s prompt. That’s something in his favor.

And it was. A prompt person was usually a responsible one, and it was an attribute she could admire in a spouse.

“Lord Devericks, the Earl of Surrant for you,” her butler bowed with the announcement.

“Thank you. Please show him in.”

A moment later, her fiancé strolled into the room, looking clean and fresh and exceedingly handsome in his buff colored breeches and morning coat. His black hair glistened, still damp from his bath, and she could smell the spicy scent of his soap.

She had acknowledged the large breadth of his shoulders last night, but he seemed to be built equally as well everywhere else. The material clung to his thighs; the muscles flexed and bulged underneath the tight cloth.

His arms were also large, more suited to a footman than to an English lord, but they matched the rest of his large frame.

Trailing up to his face, she saw humor in his emerald eyes, clearly amused by her perusal of him.

She had been taken by his face last night, but in the light of day, without the pressures of performing in front of the rest of the ton, she was able to truly enjoy how handsome her fiancé was. His nose was straight, but not pointy like so many other members of the aristocracy. His chin was hard, square with a slight cleft in the middle.

He was strong, powerful looking, and different from other members of their class. He had worked hard to acquire those muscles.

“See something you like?” he teased as he took a seat across from her.

“Yes,” she replied candidly, enjoying the surprise that shot across his face. “You are a very handsome man. Does this surprise you?”

“No, your honesty does though. I had expected you to blush or stammer out an excuse like so many other inexperienced girls.”

She shook her head with a soft laugh. “I should apologize now if that is what you are expecting of me. I fear I can’t pull off that certain attribute. I am usually much more forthcoming with people I am well acquainted with.”

“I am pleased to hear it, a sensible wife is always a desirable thing,” he said, nodding to the maid who brought in a tea service and biscuits.

“Shall I pour you a cup?” Sera offered.

“Yes, please. Just milk, no sugar.”

With a nod, she began readying their tea. Performing this small task helped her get her mind back on track. True, he was handsome. But she hadn’t asked him here so that she could stare at him or make idle chit-chat. She needed answers for her own peace of mind.

After handing him his cup, she quickly prepared her own.

“I asked you here to speak of our marriage,” she began, hesitating by taking a sip of her drink before continuing. “We don’t know each other, and the thought of marrying under such circumstances disturbs me. I had hoped we could spend a bit of time getting to know one another.”

“Seems reasonable to me. What would you like to know?”

“Why type of man you are,” she said bluntly.

He arched an eyebrow. “I’m not sure I know what you mean.”

She set her teacup down. “I would like to know if you are honorable, how you would act in particular instances, if I can trust you, if you will be faithful to me during our marriage. All of these pieces of information will fit together to let me know how our life will be together.”

Mirroring her, he set down his teacup and leaned forward, steepling his hands as he stared at her. She appreciated bluntness and honesty but his sole focus on her was a bit unnerving. She didn’t think anyone had ever stared at her so intently.

“I am more than happy to answer any of your questions, but may I ask one first? Where is this coming from?”

“I would like to know about the man I am marrying.”

He shook his head. “I know you are curious about me, but there is something else going on here, I can feel it. What I can’t figure out is why you won’t tell me.”

How could he know there was an additional reason for her questions? She had been speaking to him like she had last night. How would he react if she told him she suspected he was behind the gossip? Well, she was curious about what kind of man he is, wouldn’t his reaction tell her much about his character?

“Obviously, I’ve been unable to think of anything besides our engagement and the gossip that led to it.” She took a deep breath. “Considering that you never compromised me, the gossip isn’t true. I have been curious why our names are linked together. What was the purpose of it?”

“I have no idea. I’ve wondered the same myself.”

“Really?” she asked, skepticism tingeing her voice.

His eyebrow arched again, but he remained silent.

“I’ve been wondering why someone would start the rumor. Who would gain something by it?” She looked at him pointedly.

He laughed out loud. “You can’t possibly believe I would start it. I didn’t even know you, or have you already forgotten that? Why would I force a marriage between us when you could have been old, fat, or ugly? No, you need not look in my direction. I had nothing to do with this.”

“So, there was no possible motive for you to start this? Am I mistaken that you need a wealthy bride?” she asked, sarcasm dripping from her voice. She didn’t like to be laughed at, and she felt she was justified in her suspicions.

Holding out his hands, he looked as if he had nothing to hide. “I’ve never made a secret that I needed to marry for money. My father’s debts were well known, and therefore everyone else in the ton knew of them and my situation once I took the title. I do need a wealthy bride, but I could have had my pick of other women. There are many other debutants with respectable dowries.”

“But none have connections with a duke. I can see many men manipulating someone to get that kind of money and connection.”

He nodded. “I can as well, but I assure you, I would never do such as thing,” he said calmly, rationally. “I would have much preferred to have the choice of my own bride. While I am in bad financial straits, I could have survived several more months without making a choice. On top of all that, I would never be so desperate as to ruin someone else’s chances in life.”

“If not you, then who? I know of no other person who would benefit from something like this.” Frustration colored her voice.

There had to be something she was missing. Was he lying? Glancing up, she studied his face, his body language. He seemed sincere, but she knew she would never know for certain. He could be a very gifted liar.

“You may not trust me now but you will in time,” he said, effectively reading her thoughts. “Whether you believe this or not, I will never lie to you. I will always be honest with you, even if it might hurt your feelings. You’ve suffered enough from lies and manipulation, I will not add to it.”

His words comforted her, but not enough to open her heart to him. In time, she might be able to trust him, but she didn’t think she could ever believe him in this instance. It was so easy to spread one small lie, and then never lie again once you got what you wanted.

No, this might always be between them.

She thought of the ball last night and frowned. “Why did you make such a scene last night? Even you must know that three dances isn’t acceptable.”

His lips flattened into a tight line. “Yes, I am aware of that rule. However, if you insist on making a spectacle of us, then I will do what is necessary.”

“What?” she said, almost shrieking. “I did no such thing.”

“You certainly did. What were you thinking dancing with an old suitor when we are supposed to be coming out as a newly engaged couple, happily in love? You should have been gazing at me most of the night, paying little attention to other men.”

She gritted her teeth. “Well if you haven’t noticed, we aren’t a couple that is happily in love. I care very much for Lord Bromley, and he for me. I intend to remain friends with him long after we are married.”

His body seemed to turn to stone. “No wife of mine will run behind my back, creating scandals and having affairs with other men. I will not tolerate such a thing.”

Her mouth hung open, unable to produce sound. He thought she intended to have an affair with Lord Bromley?

He was quiet for a moment. “You need to let him go. We may not be married yet, but you belong with me.”

Looking up at him, her eyes rounded. “I’m not holding on. I know any future I may have had with him is long gone.”

“Do you? It didn’t seem so last night when you were in his arms,” he said, something dark coloring his voice.

“That’s not true. He is my friend and he will be remaining as such regardless of our marriage.”

His head inclined. “Is that so?”

“Yes, it’s so. I have no intention of being involved in an affair with him, or with anyone else for that matter. I will take my marriage vows seriously.”

He considered her for a moment, finally nodding. “I believe you.”

She shook her head, not sure she had heard him correctly. “You do? Why?”

“Why not? As I said before, I will trust you until you give me reason not to.”

It was said so simply, like it was the easiest thing to do. Why couldn’t she feel the same way? Why couldn’t she give him the trust he so freely offered her?

He finished the rest of his tea before placing his cup back down. “Is there anything else you would like to discuss?” He pulled out his watch to check the time. “I have to leave for a meeting, but I could come back later this evening.”

She shook her head. “No. There isn’t anything left to talk about.” She still had many questions about his character, but she knew she would only find those answers by watching him, seeing his reactions. She wasn’t certain she would believe anything that he told her.

With a nod, he stood, bending low at his waist in a deep bow. “I’ll see you soon.”

She watched him walk out the door, more confused about his character than before.

A letter arrived a few hours later, addressed to Lady Sera.

Retiring to her sitting room, Sera opened the note and was a bit surprised to see an invitation from Lord Devericks.

Dear Sera,

I hope that we are at a point where we can drop our titles and call each other by our given names. I prefer you call me Quinton instead of Devericks or Surrant, but I’ll leave that up to you. I am writing to see if you would accompany me to the opera tomorrow night. I can’t guarantee that it will be any good, but I can guarantee you a good time. I have extended the invitation to Lady Aubrey and your father as well. I thought we could go as a group.

Quinton

Quinton. His name rang in her mind. “Quinton,” she said aloud, trying his name on her lips. It seemed so intimate, using his given name.

No one outside of her family and closest friends called her Sera. The thought of him using her name gave her shivers, but in a good way. It seemed friendly, almost as if they truly cared for one another.

But that wasn’t the case. This was a forced union.

She liked him though. He had a soothing personality, and he didn’t seem to have an uncontrollable temper. She had learned that from their conversation earlier.

Seeming a bit jealous at the thought of her and Lord Bromley together, he still hadn’t yelled or made threats.