“You’re trying to do the honorable thing, but I release you from any obligation my father placed upon you.”
“That’s not your choice.”
“You’re the most cold, unyielding, domineering, frustrating man in the world.”
“The cold, domineering man you’re going to marry. I made a promise and I never go back on my promises.”
“Stop saying that!” She massaged her temples. “Let me think.”
“There’s nothing to think about. I understand that you don’t wish to marry me, but what’s done is done. Your reputation was harmed. It’s the honorable thing.”
“And you’re so honorable that you’ll marry me even though you don’t care for me at all? My father didn’t mean for you to wed me.”
“He wouldn’t approve of this union but he would understand it because he was a military man and he understood codes of honor.”
Her shoulders sagged. “Is this really happening?”
“I know you would rather have found someone else to marry,” he said stiffly. “I know you believe in finding your true love. I’m sorry, but our actions have consequences.”
“It was only one kiss.”
“Your life will be your own. You will have all the money, prestige, and diversions you could want. You will live at Drakefell Castle. I’ll make sure you have the writing desk of your dreams with a magnificent view.”
“I must stay in London to find news of my father. I was going to begin interviewing the surviving members of his... of your company.”
Dex winced. “There are only two.”
“I was also going to place an advertisement in the paper, as soon as I have the funds, offering a reward for any news of his whereabouts.”
“I will help with that.”
“What if we announced our engagement and then broke it off after a month?”
“You already suggested that and I shot it down. A swift and binding marriage is the only way to save your reputation and ensure your book contract.”
“It sounds like you’re trying to help me but you’re forcing me to marry you. I’ll run away.”
“I’ll track you down.”
She knew what he was saying made sense, but it was still infuriating. “It’s war, then.”
“It’s marriage.”
“Much the same thing, in our case, Your Grace,” she huffed, spinning on her heel and forcing Dex to run after her.
He saw her safely into the carriage with a very grim and silent Aunt Glynis and then turned his steps to the Thunderbolt Club. He needed a drink in the worst way.
“Why such haste to marry?” Dalton asked Dex after he arrived at the club and told the startling news to his old friend.
“We were caught kissing in the library at Lady Chetwynd-Ellerton’s ball. And now she’s marrying a ruin of a man.” He swiped a hand in the direction of his scars.
“Don’t be so dramatic. You’re still a handsome devil, and you know it.”
“Half a handsome devil.”
“Sounds as though she was eager enough to kiss you.”
“For research purposes.”