A Lord of Her Own by Christina Mcknight

Author:Christina Mcknight [McKnight, Christina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: La Loma Elite Publishing

Chapter 10

Marcus could do nothing but watch Godiva walk out of the room. He listened as the bell over the front door of the shop chimed when she fled. He wouldn’t chase her. The situation had spiraled out of control quicker than he could handle.

The worst of it was that every accusation she’d made was correct—or at least it had been before he’d actually made her acquaintance.

Yes, he’d expected her to be smitten with him.

Yes, he’d anticipated a girl with no prospects.

Yes, he’d planned for them to be wed before she caught on to his devious intentions.

And most importantly, yes, he’d hoped to settle his father’s debts with the collectors before Godiva, or her father, became aware of his dire circumstances.

He hadn’t counted on Godiva being…well, anything more than a means to attaining his much-desired ends. It was her right to lash out at him, question his integrity; at the moment, he questioned it too.

He’d made a mess of the whole situation.

Standing, he departed the shop under the watchful eye of the modiste, returned to the inn, and slumped into his seat at the table with Daniel and Lady Delilah, who’d already finished their meal and were talking quietly, their heads tilted together.

His plate sat untouched, forgotten and certainly cold before him.

“How did you fair?” Daniel asked. “She did not look pleased to see you.”

“Ah…” He paused. “It is clear that she has no interest in seeing me again.”

“Oh, my dear Godiva,” Delilah wailed. “I should go to her. You men do know how to injure a woman.”

Before either man could challenge her statement, she’d fled her seat, her reticule in hand.

Marcus had little ground to correct Lady Delilah or her opinion of him.

“Why did you ever convince me this scheme would work?” Marcus asked his friend.

“Me? I only stated marrying her would solve your problems quicker than any other solution.” Daniel paused, popping the last piece of cheese into his mouth before continuing, “Besides, I cannot be held responsible for you mucking up the situation, now can I?”

“Why Godiva?” Marcus eyed the man across the table. He’d never truly thought about what his friend gained from his potential union with the lady. “Especially with your sordid past with her?”

For the first time—ever—Daniel looked sheepish, and Marcus wondered if he’d get his answer.

“It’s simple. I was not looking to wed when Lady Godiva and I became acquainted. Her demeanor was likable, and I thought us gaining a friendship, of sorts.”

“Go on,” Marcus prodded.

As Marcus sat forward in his seat, Daniel leaned back. “She is a sweet girl. Had I not spied Delilah and instantly become smitten with her, I would have likely pursued Godiva, in time.”

Marcus couldn’t believe it.

“I wanted to make some kind of amends—even if she didn’t know it was me—by pushing you two together.”

“Then why not just tell me that?” Marcus pushed his chair back, preparing to leave. “Why the ruse with her father’s shipping endeavors?”

“Because that would benefit you,” Daniel said quickly. “I hadn’t thought you in the market for a bride—wealthy or not.

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