An Unconventional Bride by Miers Fiona

An Unconventional Bride by Miers Fiona

Author:Miers, Fiona
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fiona Miers
Published: 2020-06-12T16:00:00+00:00


Chapter Twelve

This was not the first time in his life William was forced to face rejection from a woman.

He had been previously, on more occasions than he would like to admit. But being rebuffed by Emma had been the worst and single most humiliating moment of his life.

When he had thought of asking Emma for her hand in marriage, he had been convinced she would reluctantly agree. He had not expected her to reject him without even a moment’s thought.

Embarrassingly, he had even pleaded with her to reconsider, but it had only made matters worse, shattering any confidence that Emma reciprocated his feelings. Despite her saying the words that he meant much to her, she still could not bring herself to accept his offer.

William’s jaw clenched.

Injustice.

Perhaps his intentions to marry her were somewhat forced but he did not mind. In the short time since he had met Emma, as well during their moments of intimacy, he’d come to care more for her than he had for any other woman he’d met.

Despite their apparent differences of opinion, the young lady had left an imprint on his heart. If he was honest with himself, he was in love with Emma, but it appeared that she did not feel the same way about him.

Or perhaps she did and was expressing it by declining his offer?

Perhaps she had taken it upon herself to protect him, rather than accept his help? She had, in fact, made it perfectly clear that she did not require a man’s assistance to save her. She was more than able to rescue herself, and he had no doubt in his mind that she could.

The only problem was that William did not wish her to.

“Are you well, my lord?” a voice from across the room called.

William was sitting in a crowded gentlemen’s club, with his brother, James.

It had been a tradition for William and James to spend an evening once weekly at the club as a means to converse with the other lords and dukes in complete privacy while they enjoyed dark whiskey, bourbon and the finest cigars in the country.

William glanced up at Lord Steeple, the marquess from whom he usually kept his distance ever since the detestable jackanape nearly ruined him a few years ago.

Lord Steeple was the kind of man with whom no female should ever be alone. He had a manner with words, and his overflowing charm made him an infamous smooth-talker. Of course, most women considered him charming and decadent, but after knowing him for only a short while, it was said they quickly discovered Lord Steeple’s true manner, which was rather deplorable.

William cleared his throat and brought his whiskey tumbler closer to his lips. “I am perfectly fine,” he answered before sipping the contents of his glass.

The whiskey burned as it slid down his throat, but he showed no sign of weakness.

Lord Steeple nodded nonchalantly and turned to James. “And how are you finding marriage, Your Grace?? Does the duchess already annoy you enough to run retreat from your home?

Will clenched his teeth together at hearing the arrogant words.



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