“If you hadn’t allowed Minto to see you sneaking off with the man, he wouldn’t have felt the need to press his suit. To force my hand—”
She leaned over her father’s desk, bracing herself on her hands. “To force your hand for what?”
Her father squared his shoulders and his face hardened. “I am your father, and I know what is best for you. You will do as I say and will see in time that you will be content.”
“You could give me three lifetimes and I would never find contentment with Minto. He has attempted to sneak inappropriate touches upon my person since I was five-and-ten when he thought you were not looking. Why do you think I refuse to go near the man? Do you truly believe this is a man worthy of marrying your daughter?”
Her father grimaced, and she saw a flicker of remorse in his eyesbefore he hardened. “You will have the next few weeks to accept it. I have ensured that the banns will be read and there will be no talk of a special license to give you time to adjust to what is expected of you.”
“Do you expect me to thank you, Papa? The fate is still the same. I’m trapped in a life of misery either way.”
Her father rose from his desk and clasped his hands behind his back. “Minto will be here any moment. You will be on your best behavior.”
She scoffed and said, “I make no such promise.”
“Marina, do not disobey me.” Her father narrowed his eyes, his expression pinched.
Before she could offer a retort, Minto was announced, and Marina’s entire body stiffened.
“Good day, Sidmouth. Lady Marina.” The way he said her name made her shudder.
“Good to see you, Minto,” her father replied, but she noted again that he didn’t appear to mean his word.
Marina said nothing, attempting to feign indifference to the odious man’s presence.
Minto laughed. “I wanted to get a good look at my betrothed.” He reached for her hand, and she pulled it out of reach. “Oh, come now, is that any way to greet your future husband?”
“You will never be my husband,” she ground out.
“We may not have signed the contracts yet, but I assure you that you will be my wife.” His gaze shifted to her breasts, and he licked his lips. “In every way.”
Her father cleared his throat. “We can discuss the marriage settlements next week. My solicitor is working on the paperwork.”
“Papa, you don’t really intend to marry me off to this—” she waved her hand “—man.”
“Marina,” her father hissed. “Do not disrespect your future husband.” His glare begged her to comply.
Minto waved him off. “It’s no matter. She will come to accept the situation. I have already put it around White’s that we are betrothed, so the wholetonwill know soon enough. There will be no backing out from you.”
Clenching her fists, Marina dug half-moon imprints into her palms. “Of course you did.”
A smirk played on Minto’s lips. “I like your spirit, Lady Marina. Our marriage is going to be quite enjoyable.”
That’s what he thinks.She would be long gone to the Americas before she married him, if that were what it took. Or even find herself in a scandalous situation with another man. She cared very little what society might think or what they would say about her. That was Minto and her father’s problem. Her father should have thought better than to sell his own daughter for whatever it was that Minto had over him.
But no good could come from continuing to antagonize Minto and her father. Best that the man not get an idea to wed sooner, so she’d have enough time to get herself out of this situation. She clasped her hands in front of her and hoped this conversation would be over soon so she might plan her escape.
Her father filled the silence. “I shall have my wife work on the ceremony details and plans for the wedding breakfast.”
“Very well. I wish for us to be married as soon as the banns are read.” His gaze fixed again on her breasts. Marina fought the urge to cover them.
“Consider it done,” her father said. “I will inform my wife and she will see to all the arrangements.”
Minto caught her hand before she could move away from him. He pulled her palm to his lips, pretending to kiss it, but ran his tongue along her skin, closing his eyes before staring her down. “I shall see you soon.”
She swallowed hard and pinched her lips shut. Once he released her hand, she wiped it on her skirts. Refusing him the satisfaction of aretort, she offered a curt nod.
“I shall take my leave. I’ll see you at our club soon, Sidmouth.” The disgusting man departed and once she heard the front door close, she started toward the stairs.