Chapter 6 #2
Edward’s eyes narrowed, still fixed on Duncan as if he could will him out of existence.
“You came here with him without any respectable escort at all,” he went on with barely concealed anger, “You’ve walked into this house and announced to every servant with ears that you’ve spent nights on the road with a man who is not your husband. You’ve made yourself…. a harlot…”
Charity’s face went still. For half a second, Duncan thought she might actually slap Edward, too. Instead, she drew in a slow breath.
“If you are going to call me names, at least have the decency to choose names that fit what actually happened.”
“Oh, then enlighten me,” Edward snapped. “Tell me the story of how you and His Grace became such close companions without anything improper occurring?”
Duncan took one step forward, and immediately, Charity lifted a hand slightly, signaling him to wait.
Edward saw the motion and got riled up even further.
“Ah. You’re managing him now as well, are you? Does he respond to a snap of your fingers, Charity, or have you found other ways to keep him obedient?”
“Mind your tongue,” Duncan said sternly.
“I will speak as I please in my own house,” Edward turned his head, “if you can forgive that, Your Grace.”
“Besides, you are detracting from the topic at hand,” Charity said, irked. “I find it rather suspicious that I was suddenly found miles away from home, and that when I returned, your son was shocked to see me. I feel that something is not right, and perhaps you have an answer to it.”
“Now, you blame my son for your own scandalous behavior?” Edward challenged. “That is quite bold of you. First you commit the wrongdoing, and then you shift the blame to someone who was kind enough to take you in when you’re without any guardian or male kin.”
Disgust piled up inside of Duncan, and he hoped that Charity would not fall for this ridiculous bait that was being peddled by Edward.
“You are twisting my words,” Charity fought back. “And not once have you told me what has been taking place in my absence. Where are my sisters? You are keeping them from me, and I do not know if they are safe or not.”
“They are under my protection,” Edward replied, though the slight pause in his words indicated some lingering guilt.
“And who decided that?” Charity went on. “Did you go and decide on your own that you are the guardian now?”
“Legally, it is my right,” he replied. “And instead of challenging me, you should be grateful that I have not left you an orphan on the streets.”
“Grateful,” Charity said, and there was open disbelief in it now. “You want me grateful that you tried to marry me to my cousin and then take over whatever is left of our inheritance?”
“He is your lawful match,” Edward’s expression tightened.
“I do not know about lawful, but he is rather convenient,” Charity corrected. “By pretending you did it for my benefit, you’re insulting my intelligence as well as my dignity.”
Edward leaned forward, barely able to control his anger any longer.
“Do you think I want to spend my time cleaning up after you. It does not delight me to manage a house full of hysterical girls. I have done what I must to keep this family intact, and you repay me by vanishing like a fool and returning like….”
“An inconvenience.”
“Enough,” Edward’s hand slammed down on the nearest table.
Charity didn’t move, and for that, Duncan was proud of her.
“You’ve been waiting for six months to trap me,” she said. “Don’t pretend this outrage is moral, as you’re furious because you no longer have full control.”
“Let us be practical, then,” Edward said through gritted teeth, Word will get out as it always does. When the story spreads that you returned from wherever you were with a duke at your side… your sisters will be ruined alongside you.”
Ah. So the Viscount had now moved to the second stage of manipulation by bringing her sisters into it. Though he did not know this woman well, he knew enough that her sisters seemed to matter a great deal to her.
“I suggest that we fix it quickly. You are to marry Robert immediately before anyone can twist this beyond repair.”
“No,” Charity said, voice shaking with anger rather than fear. “I will not marry him. I would rather….”
“Rather what,” Edward cut in, “be cast out? Live as a disgraced woman on your own? Those are heavy consequences to bear, and you will be dragging your sisters along with you. You may not understand it, but I do. A woman’s reputation is not a thing she can argue her way out of.”
“You are not worried about my reputation, you’re worried about losing access to my money.”
“Watch your mouth,” Edward’s eyes narrowed to slits. “I am doing you a favor.”
It had all gotten a bit too much.
Duncan’s patience snapped, and his voice cut through the room with controlled certainty.
“She won’t marry your son,” he said.
“This does not concern you,” Edward tried to dismiss.
“It does,” Duncan replied, and then stole one final glance at Charity. “Because she’ll marry me.”
Edward stared at him as if he’d misheard.
“You…” he began, eyes widening with panic. “You are not serious.”
“I do not know you, Viscount,” Duncan replied, “do not assume there is any possibility of jest between us.”
“Is this true?” Edward’s gaze shot to Charity.
Charity’s throat tightened, but she forced the words out cleanly. “Yes.”