A Lord of Many Masks (Wycliffe Family Book 2) by Scarlett Jessica

Author:Scarlett, Jessica [Scarlett, Jessica]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Redwing Publishing
Published: 2020-08-19T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

I froze—not just my feet, expression, and posture—but my insides, my mouth, my heart. Gaze wide and unfocused, I tried to make sense of what was happening. The duke must be confused—or addled. He had accidentally proposed to the wrong woman.

“W-What?” I managed at last.

“As I said, I know your feelings for Bentley—but from all I see, he remains unaffected. It pains me to see you ignored in such a way, and I have come to offer myself.”

“But I do not love you, sir.”

“I know that.” His Adam’s apple bobbed. “However I am convinced that given time, you could. Were it not for the intensity of my passion, I would have remained silent and waited for you to realize it on your own. Yet I cannot restrain myself. So I stand before you, completely helpless in the knowledge that you will refuse me anyway.”

My gut twisted, taking in the grim line of his lips, the bleakness in his eyes. I inhaled, and I was sure my lungs shrunk, squeezing the air back out.

In this moment, one word from me had the power to dash this man’s hopes and desires. No, not just his—Mama’s as well. One word, and an entire future would come crumbling down and beaten into dust.

Let William go. Walk your own path.

What was my path?

Allerton’s face was growing more desperate by the second, and I knew I had to give him an answer. My mind screamed at me to say yes, to find security in a husband who could give me my fortune and give Mama peace. Yet, my heart clung to William with viciousness, guarding him and refusing to let go.

“Your Grace—”

“John.”

I rolled my lips together, exhaling a shaky breath. “John. Your proposal has taken me off guard, and I fear I am not in a state of mind to give you an answer. You have undone me, sir, and I . . .”

Instant relief showed on his face. “But of course.” He stepped forward, and I nearly stumbled back. He gathered my hands in his and gave them a squeeze. Only minutes before, William had held my hands in the exact same way. I didn’t know at all how to feel.

“Take all the time you need.” After letting go, he retrieved his hat and gloves from the chair. He strode to the exit and stopped, turning back. “I look forward to your answer.” Then he was gone, leaving me with breaths that would not deepen and nerves that would not calm.

I sunk into the sofa. I still had to give him an answer—and soon. To delay would be atrocious manners, and yet I hadn’t a clue as to what I would say. What was I to do?

Oh, what was I to do?

“Well,” Matthew said as he appeared around the corner and leaned against the doorframe, “I applaud you for not accepting the man.”

“What on earth?” My hands dropped out of my lap. “Have you been eavesdropping?”

Matthew scoffed, folding his arms. “As if you believe me capable of stooping to such levels.

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