Harrowing Hall by Sky Purington

Author:Sky Purington [Purington, Sky]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, romance, Historical
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2023-10-13T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Desperate to be married to Maude yet eager to ensure Jane and Hugh’s happiness, Blake saw to it that the two of them were discreetly brought to his study. Where most would keep their woman out of such matters, Maude would, for the most part, only ever be by his side when it came to matchmaking.

“Is it true then?” he asked once everyone had sat. He looked from Jane to Hugh. “Are you in love? Do you wish to marry?”

It was clear Hugh was startled by Blake and Maude’s involvement in this, but that did not keep him from nodding and saying, “Verra much so,” at nearly the same time as Jane.

“Then here is what I propose.” Blake nodded once at Hugh. “While I know you are successful in your own right, I will provide the dowry Lady Jane’s father does not have, so you will be well set to care for her.”

“My lord, that is quite generous.” Hugh shook his head. “But I cannot take your money. If we are able to marry, I will see to Jane—”

“Yet you will take my money because Jane is my dear friend.” He smiled her way. “Consider it my wedding gift once the banns are read.”

“Thank you so much, my lord,” Jane gushed, her loving gaze on Hugh until she recalled they had a hurdle to get over first. She sighed and shook her head at Blake. “Banns that will be contested by my father, for he will never agree to me marrying beneath my station.”

“We shall see about that.” He looked at her with reassurance. “After all, I intend to make him an offer I doubt he will refuse.” Wanting to get down to business right away so he could enjoy the evening with Maude, he ushered them to the door. “Enjoy the ball but not each other just yet. I will let you know how things go soon.”

“Thank you,” they both said profusely, hope in their eyes as he closed the door behind them.

“Just when I think I could not love you any more, you do something like that.” Maude joined him. “That was exceptionally generous, Blake.” Her brows puckered. “Can you afford such, though?”

“Aye.” While tempted to reel her into his arms and kiss her, he knew if he did, he would not be able to stop himself. Between her wanting to bear his children and the way she had felt against him dancing, it would be easy to enjoy her now while they were alone. Especially with two plush sofas nearby. He could simply lay her back on one and show her how he could make her feel. How they could make each other feel.

“Now, as much as I detest saying it, I must see to something you cannot attend.” He squeezed her hand rather than touch her more intimately. “Lady Jane’s father is a miserable fellow and would not respond well to a lass being present during our discussion.”

“I understand.” She squeezed his hand back, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed his cheek before resting her hand on his chest.

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