The Missing Marquess of Althorn by Chasity Bowlin

Author:Chasity Bowlin
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: 0
Published: 2018-04-03T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

MARCUS TOOK IN her hang-dog expression curiously. Jane appeared utterly morose and he had no idea as to why. Unless it was the article, he thought bitterly. What woman would wish to attach herself to a duke who might not actually be a duke? To go through with their marriage and navigate society with their rank questioned at every turn would be difficult to say the least.

“About this article, Jane, rest assured that I will find the person who wrote it and see that every word is retracted and a full rebuttal printed. I’ve no doubt whatsoever that these are more of Charles’ machinations,” he said, striving for a tone that was both confident and reassuring.

It infuriated him beyond end as the article not only indicated that he was not who he claimed to be, but painted him as a fortune hunter, a confidence man and little better than a criminal completely lacking in honor. It was heavy handed even for Charles.

She looked up at him, her lips parted in surprise. “You mean you don’t know who wrote it?”

He glanced back at the paper. “There are only initials—J.E.… I will find him though. That is a promise. And when I get my hands on Charles—”

Taking a deep breath, Marcus attempted to reel in his temper. “I apologize, Miss Barrett. But this is piece of drivel is more than I can tolerate. I suppose I shall have to challenge him to a duel. It is the most expedient way to satisfy my honor and also to end whatever plot he has afoot!”

She blinked up at him in surprise, her expression blank as the enormity of what he said slowly sank in on her. “You can’t do that! You must not challenge him!” She protested after a long and very silent pause.

“He’s left me with little choice. This is an insult that cannot be easily forgiven… certainly not when considering the other crimes he has committed against me. If you are concerned, I assure you that I am an excellent marksman and am quite skilled with a sword, regardless of which weapon he might choose.”

“I’m not worried about the type of weapon or even how skilled you might be with it! Do you honestly presume that if Charles were to accept such a challenge that he would fight fairly?” she demanded. “And while I harbor no great affection for him, you are grasping at straws. There is no proof at all that Charles is responsible for this!”

“I do not need proof,” he stated firmly. “This is precisely the type of underhanded thing he’d do. Do you not see that he wants my title along with your fortune and will stop at nothing to get it?”

“I do see that! That is precisely why I refused his proposal! Think of the scandal, Marcus!”

Marcus had been thinking of the scandal. He’d also been thinking of the peace of mind that would be had when he no longer had to wonder from one moment to the next what sort of scheme Charles might be hatching to gain control of everything that was his.

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