Michele Chambers by Fairytale Bride

Author:Fairytale Bride
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2012-06-01T23:10:25+00:00

There was a tense silence between them as Lord Ruglen escorted her to an adjoining room where an elaborately decorated table held all manner of sumptuous dishes. French doors were pulled open, and they slipped out into the cool air away from the contemptuous eyes and disapproving tongues which greeted her at every turn.

The Prince Regent had no right, she concluded, to do what he did, but it pleased him to humiliate her in that way of waving about an edition heralding the engagement of the Earl of Ruglen-she looked askance at Lord Ruglen-and he’d not the good grace to forewarn her of such a contemptuous display.

The look on Sarah’s face had been priceless, not to mention the faces of eligible daughters, and the mothers of eligible daughters.

Lord Ruglen stood a little way from her, his back to her, his manner aloof. His coldness surprised her. Was it not she who was humiliated and disparaged? His voice was low, controlled, familiar, as he addressed her:

“I could not help but notice, Miss Elliott, the necklace you wear,” he said, pivoting to face her. “May I enquire as to how it came to be in your possession?”

Maddie trailed her fingers across the tiny crowned heart she wore. How could she explain what was to her an antique bought by her father in another time? She hesitated willing herself to create some kind of plausible story. “I—”

A raw laugh emanated from his throat. “I had thought you an innocent in all this, but what a fool I have been.”

“My lord?”

“My lord,” he mimicked. “This time I believe the Prince has chosen well.”

Maddie couldn’t help but draw back from the sudden anger blazing in his eyes. “The meeting in the woods? Your reaction to me? Bravo, Miss Elliott. You should not waste such talent in the country.”

“I am at a loss, my lord. Please. I do not understand. What have I done?”

“You have procured Harcles Hill Farm for your sister, and have made me the laughing stock of the Ton, Miss Elliott. That is what you have done. I hope the Prince has paid you well, for your performance has been an excellent one.”

“What? You cannot believe me guilty—”

He took a menacing step towards her. The light of the moon caught his face illuminating the scar across it, and Maddie ached to touch it—to touch his face and ease the pain she saw there.

“You wear the evidence of your treachery about your neck, Miss Elliott. At least have the grace to own it.”

“My father…” The look on Lord Ruglen’s face bade her stop.

“The novadamus will be rescinded, and I shall indeed bear the title of Marquess upon my father’s death. I will honour this wager, and in two days we will wed by special licence. I trust this is time enough. I would then be returning to Scotland.” His hand caressed her face, but his voice was without emotion when he spoke again: “You will wear my ring and will bear my name for three years, and three years only.

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