The Libertine's Wife

The Libertine’s Wife

By Karolyn Cairns

Smashwords Edition

Copyright by Karolyn Cairns 2012

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Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the staff at Smashwords for their tireless efforts to promote authors. I would also like to thank my fellow authors for raising the bar so high. You’re an inspiration to us all.

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Dedications

This book is dedicated to my biggest fans, my family, who without their support, I wouldn’t even hit the power button. Thanks for all your understanding and encouragement every day.

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Chapter One

Midnight England 1813

The night was bathed in inky darkness; fine mists shrouding the shadowed grounds. An owl hooted eerily in the distance, marking the quiet passage. The cloud-obscured moon overhead shared the progress of the figure that shimmied up the tall, gnarled oak.

He dangled precariously from the highest limb, fumbling before righting his purchase. The man looked down and chuckled. The things one does for love, he thought with elation and adrenaline soaring.

Thwack! Thwack! Soft curses flowed from outside the second story window. A scraping of branches, another muffled expletive, and a continuous thumping ensued against the side of the house. A tentative knock at the glass pane followed.

The young woman pulled up the window and leaned outside. She stared down at the man hanging there in amusement. She glanced over the ledge to look down beyond his dizzying position. He scaled the twenty-foot tree without falling, breaking his neck, or waking the sleeping household.

Dark eyes glowed up at her in triumph as he continued his climb. With her help, he swung his long legs over the window’s ledge. She helped pull him inside the bedchamber. He bowed to her with an amused chuckle before he shut the window behind him.

He was handsome, her late-night visitor. Even with his ill-fitting, threadbare clothing and over-long dark hair, he appeared a prince to her. His features seemed too perfect by far, as if sculpted by the adoring hands of the Gods.

Lady Arianne Dunne never grew tired of looking at him, having sketched his face a thousand times by the pond behind Vale House, his neighboring estate. If only she had left it at merely looking—but no—that was never enough for them. All that touching led to more, which led to—she sighed sadly as she prepared the speech she composed that afternoon in her mind. It was a good speech, she thought, worrying her lower lip to think of his reaction to it.

Her humble prince came forward with the intention of embracing her. She held him off with a trembling hand up, making him frown at her odd behavior. Low firelight lit the small, elegantly shabby bedchamber within. The muted glow played upon the tense expression on the young woman’s taut features. It wasn’t a lover’s tryst she intended at all, he realized at once.

They must talk, her brief note read, delivered to him by one of the few servants they had left at Dunne Manor. The matter was grave, it implied, in undertones he could read between the lines of her fine script. He could see by the tight set of her lovely features that he would not like what she had to say.

Julian St. Ives stared at the object of his heart’s desire with confusion growing within his dark eyes. They took much for granted these last few weeks; one of those being their intent to marry. They became lovers recently; sure they would be together forever.

The new Earl of Vale found sad circumstances when he took on his brother’s title. Julian’s brother, Edmund St. Ives, committed suicide six months prior. He was soon besieged with creditors demanding payment from his brother’s excesses.

On the eve of them to announce their intentions to wed, the dowager Countess of Vale demanded an audience with her only living child. An heiress was found. The textile heiress’s fortune was considerable; enough to shoulder the burdens of St. Ives debts. Julian refused immediately and wouldn’t relent. The woman in front of him held his heart. He would have no other, he told his mother in anger. That was three weeks before.

Lady Arianne’s older brother, Sir Eustace Dunne, took her away to London for a fortnight to separate the lovers until they saw sense in their determination to marry. They had been home only a day when she sent word to him. He believed she missed him while she was gone. He saw her pale features composed in dread and tensed.

I came as soon as I got your note, Julian whispered huskily, his full lips curving into a soft smile that normally undermined her wits in its appeal. Her wits held fast, reminding her of all that was at stake. What is it that has you so upset, my love?

We must talk, Julian, Arianne whispered, her face at last composed. Eustace received an offer for me while we were in London.

Julian took a step back, his hands clenching at his sides. His face grew tight with anger. Received or accepted? Which is it?

What is the difference? Arianne trembled from the anger she sensed in him. She hugged herself about the middle as she paced before the small fireplace. You knew his mind in this when he took me to London. He sought to find me a husband, and he has.

And did you tell him your thoughts, Arianne? Mine have not changed.

Pain and disillusionment filled his handsome features. She looked away, unable to bear the helplessness reflected there. It only mirrored hers. Her heart ached to know they couldn’t be together as they planned. Much changed these last few weeks they were apart, and none of it for the good.

Julian, he’s refused your suit this whole last year. Arianne faced him with little courage. He will not relent and allow us to marry. You must see that now.

Julian looked enraged, pacing before her, dark eyes growing narrow. We will elope then! We leave tonight. He will have nothing to say of it then. Julian glared defiantly at her as if daring her to refuse. We go to Scotland. The scandal will force him to allow the marriage.

No, he will just bring me back and force me to do as he wishes. Don’t you see that? Arianne shook her head, tears brightening her azure blue gaze. He will have his way in this, Julian. We can’t fight it anymore.

So I’m to stand back and allow you to marry another? Julian raked a trembling hand through his dark hair in frustrated rage. How can you expect me to do that, Arianne? I love you! The thought of you with another will surely kill me.

She slid onto the padded, upholstered chair at her dressing table. She clasped her shaking hands in her lap. Dear God, this was torment! Neither of us has a choice in this anymore, Julian. Your brother's foolishness has made your situation dire. I just learned Eustace is indebted to money lenders. We must both marry for wealth, it appears. Don’t you see that?

Leave my situation out of this! Julian’s eyes filled with renewed urgency. I don’t care about any of that, Arianne. I told you we will make due. I will not lose you! He grabbed her hand in his. She snatched it back, staring at him with sad resignation.

Make due, will we? Your estate goes up for auction, Julian. What of your mother? Have you thought of her? You can do nothing but accept Penworthy’s offer, as I must agree to wed Lord Ravensford. There is no choice for us anymore. Don’t you see that?

Julian’s lips twisted bitterly to learn the name of her intended. Lord Ravensford, no less? Since when has that damned libertine ever shown the slightest interest in marrying anyone? This is most interesting. Eustace seeks very high for you, doesn’t he? Not happy to gain an impoverished earl for you? Oh no, he finds you a well-moneyed marquis instead!

I have no say in it, Julian.

Julian came forward, a bitter gleam in his dark eyes. He reached out and took her hand. He placed the ring on her third finger. She looked down at the large emerald and diamond ring glittering up at her. It was the last of his worldly wealth. The only reason it wasn’t sold along with everything else was that he intended to give it to her. She withdrew it. She offered it back to him with a trembling hand.

She’d been gone a fortnight. Her resolve to wed no other but him buckled under her brother’s constant browbeating. She would accept Lord Ravensford as her husband. She had no choice in it now. Pain seared her insides to see the anguish in his face. Tears scored the backs of her eyelids. Another matter came to mind. She was encouraged to stay resolute for that reason. That sad fact reminded her she needed to see this done. Her resolve struggled in the face of the man she adored.

Your fight of this travesty is admirable to witness, Arianne. Julian held his mother’s ring clenched in his palm before he put it back in his pocket. What happened to your determination to be with me always, my love? How did a fortnight change what’s in your heart so easily?

Stop it! Don’t do this to me, Julian. It is done, Arianne replied in a stronger voice, tears glistening in her eyes. I wish it weren’t so, but this is what must happen.

He sells you outright, Arianne, and you allow it!

The money lenders need to be paid somehow, Julian. There is no other way, she confided, worrying her lower lip. The desire to tell him everything at that moment burned within her. Her inner voices warned her. Don’t tell him! Don’t do it! There’s no point to it now. It’s too late for all that. She sighed, looking up at him with fear etched in her expression. They came here not long before we left for London. They made threats to him if he doesn’t pay his debts. The threats are very real.

A good thrashing would do the man some good! It only serves him right for gambling away his fortune as he has. He thought nothing of you on his way to ruin, ‘tis obvious. You would sacrifice all to save his miserable hide?

They will kill him this time, Arianne added in her own defense, her chin going up at his chiding tone. He is my only brother! What would you have me do? I can no more ignore his plight, than yours, my love!

He shrugged his broad shoulders dismissively, unconcerned for her brother’s welfare. It was obvious he bore Sir Eustace Dunne little affection, despite having grown up with him. They were of the same age. That was where the similarities ended.

At twenty and three, Julian took his newfound responsibilities very serious as the Earl of Vale. He had no love for Eustace, who was older by five years, and ran his modest holdings into the dust this last year.

Arianne’s brother had been a close friend of his older brother, Edmund. One could argue it was Edmund who led the once-responsible young baronet astray. He lured him to London and started his downward spiral at the gaming establishments. Julian never cared for Eustace, finding him arrogant and weak-minded.

One constant Julian believed he’d never see falter was the man’s devotion to his younger sister. Eustace adored Arianne since her birth, spoiling her shamelessly after their parents died. That too, went to the wayside, as Eustace gambled away his modest fortune, even his sister’s modest dowry. Now he would sell his sister to continue with his reckless pursuits.

They won’t kill him! He exaggerates! Where would they get their money then? No, he lies to get you to agree with this. You stand fast and he will have no recourse.

I was here when they came for him. I listened outside the door, Arianne told him and shivered from the memory of the uncouth men who’d threatened him that day. I have no choice but to marry Lord Ravensford. He has agreed to Eustace’s terms.

How much did Ravensford buy you for, Arianne? I would know your price. The pain on his handsome face was more than she could bear.

He agreed to pay off Eustace’s debts and give him a large sum to keep him solvent, she admitted, eyes firmly glued to his ragged boot tips.

Don’t do this to us, Arianne. Julian came to her, taking both her small hands into his larger ones. His features appeared earnest in the flickering firelight. We will make due, my love. I don’t want to marry anyone else. I wish only to marry you. If I have to take any sort of employment; I will do what I must.

Arianne looked up at him. Her eyes blurred with unshed tears. It’s done, Julian. The wedding is a week hence. Ravensford arrives next Saturday.

Julian looked as if he’d been slapped. He dropped her hands. He gazed down at her in stunned anger. You won’t even try to fight this? Eustace will listen to reason if we both go to him.

I won’t sit back and watch you lose Vale House, Arianne answered him in a choked voice, thick with emotion. You’re not thinking straight to make such a rash decision.

It’s not your right to make both our decisions in this! Julian raged in turn, his arms swinging outward in frustration. I have some say in this, Arianne!

One of us must be practical and decide! You would give all up with no thought of your future! For love, you say? She jumped up from the chair, blue eyes flashing in anger. You would run away and elope tonight? What of tomorrow, my love? We would be without a home and destitute. Have you no thought of your mother in your selfishness? You’re responsible for more than just yourself now.

Selfishness? He snorted in derision, flinging her a look of disgust as he paced before her. Forgive me if I thought you would wish to marry the man you claim to love.

I do love you, with all of my heart, Julian, but I can’t marry you, Arianne repeated quietly and stiffened as shards of pain speared through her heart. Lord Ravensford will be my husband.

Julian saw her look away and avoided his eyes. In that moment, he knew something was amiss. He already questioned a man like Ravensford rushing to the altar. What he knew of the unrepentantly immoral nobleman led him to believe the man wouldn’t be led anywhere unless forced.

He also knew her well enough to question the nervousness he observed. She was never good at hiding deceit. He saw through her efforts to sidestep whatever means Eustace used to leg-shackle Ravensford.

The Marquis of Ravensford embraced his free-living. He shocked society with his penchant for doing as he pleased, with whomever he pleased. He disdained marriage and all it stood for. He wouldn’t just up and offer for a meager baronet’s daughter, one with no dowry, and in such a hasty manner.

No, the man certainly didn’t want or need a wife to interfere with his sordid lifestyle. The thought of Arianne going to the notorious nobleman tormented him in those moments, mindful of the lurid gossip surrounding him. The rumors of illicit orgies came to mind, making him cringe to think of her going to such a reprehensible man.

No, a man like the Marquis of Ravensford didn’t just toss aside years of decadence to marry a young woman like Arianne, with no fortune, title, or background. The marquis was almost twice her age. The man avoided girls like Arianne as one would the plague.

Ladies ran in the opposite direction of the disreputable nobleman. Wealthy though he was, most thought it not worth their reputations to go anywhere near the man. He was not above ruining any female who crossed his path, and did, with a frequency that earned him countless challenges to duels over the years.

No, Ravensford wasn’t at all the marrying kind.

Julian smelled a rat in this. He could be sure Eustace was up to his foul tricks once more. The man was not above using his own sister to line his pockets. He could be assured money was at the source of the offer the marquis made for Arianne.

What have you done, Arianne? Julian demanded angrily. Don’t lie of it! I’m no fool! We both know a man like Ravensford is well out of your league!

I did what needed to be done. A raw sob of agony escaped her clenched lips. She closed her eyes, trembling under his fierce stare. The voices mocked her desire to collapse into his arms and confess everything. Don’t tell him! Don’t do it!

Julian stared at her, taking an unsteady step backward. Comprehension dawned as his dark eyes widened. He paled in livid outrage. You went to the man’s bed, didn’t you? How… could… you… do… such a thing?

It was the only way, Arianne confessed in a devastated whisper, looking away, unable to see how her words affected him. I’m so sorry, Julian. Eustace wanted an agreement from the marquis before we left London. You know he always gets his way in things.

So he tossed you into Ravensford’s bed to get it? Julian looked at her in fury, a sneer about his lips. That handles matters rather nicely. It’s very direct and to the point; cutting through anything close to a respectable courtship. I went about mine the wrong way, I see.

It wasn’t like that at all, Julian, Arianne whispered in a tortured voice. Please, don’t look at me like that. Eustace got Lord Ravensford into his cups. He drugged his wine. He didn’t touch me; I swear it. He only thinks he’s compromised me.

How do you expect me to feel about this, Arianne? Julian regarded her with incredulity. You would go along with forcing the man? And all to extort him for funds? What were you thinking? Are you completely mad?

How do you propose to support a wife, Julian? Lady Vale makes her gowns from the old draperies in the salon. You steal food at every ball you attend to feed you both. Do you wish to see us die of starvation before you see the truth of things?

Julian glared down at her, his pride rearing up. Don’t seek to justify what you’re doing! We talk about you here, not I! It’s wrong what you’re doing!

I’m marrying Lord Ravensford. She stepped away, sensing his growing rage. When you calm down and see reason; you will see it’s for the best.

It’s best only for your brother, Arianne! Julian looked ready to go find Eustace at that moment, and drag him from his bed. Don’t do this thing!

Lord Ravensford thinks he’s compromised me, Arianne repeated softly, her nails digging into her palms. Threats of being sued made him agree to Eustace’s terms. He insisted the marriage take place at once.

You deceived the man! He had no bloody choice in this from what I can see!

I’m the one with no choice! Tears escaped her eyes in a torrent, streaming down her cheeks in hot rivulets. I won’t see my brother dead when there is a means to solve everything. I won’t see you lose your estate. Don’t make me feel worse than I already do.

What you do here is more than wrong, Arianne! It’s truly despicable! It’s unlike you at all. Whatever the problems, we will deal with them. Don’t do this or you will live to regret all, Julian told her urgently. I have a mind to go to the blasted man and tell him the truth!

You cannot! Please, Julian! Think of both our families? If you care for me at all, you will say nothing. Why should they be punished for our mistake?

A mistake, you say? His indrawn gasp made her chest clench. You see our being together as a mistake? You gave yourself to me! You pledged to love me forever! Do you deny that now? Did it mean nothing to you?

Arianne could see she hurt him. She had to. He must marry the wealthy merchant’s daughter, and soon. She raised her chin and met his gaze, determined he would accept her decision.

Those hated voices pushed at her, prodding her now. Don’t tell him! Send him away before it’s too late! There was no other way. If he would hate her, so be it. Pain clenched at her heart to see his devastated expression.

It was a mistake for us to become lovers with no real promises between us, Julian. We had no right to act upon our feelings as we did, thinking all would end as we wished. It will be rectified when I marry Lord Ravensford.

And you’re determined to do this? Julian’s voice was deceptive in its calmness. She could feel the fury emanating from him. You will marry this man despite your feelings for me?

I would encourage you to accept Penworthy’s offer before he finds another suitor for his daughter, Julian. You run out of time.

I see you have thought of everything, Arianne. He gave her a bitter look. Have you any idea how I will feel knowing you marry another man?

Don’t make this harder than it has to be! She turned away from his condemning stare. I won’t allow us both to be ruined.

You love me! Julian stared at her rigid back, wanting to shake her to make her see reason. I won’t do it!

Julian, you have to marry Miss Penworthy. You won’t get another offer.

No, I will get no better offer, such as it is, Julian fumed in resentment. I’m to be sold as a titled stud to his fat, absurd daughter. Don’t remind me of it.

Arianne wanted to cry at his look of despair as she turned back to face him. I do this for us, my love.

Julian snorted rudely. You do this for yourself, Arianne. When have you ever stood up to Eustace? Not once. You allow him to sell you, and go further to entrap Ravensford in such a disgraceful way. Be warned, Ravensford hasn’t earned his blackened reputation for nothing. What will you do when the man realizes he’s been duped?

Arianne bristled with unease. Lord Ravensford was quite ruthless by all accounts. One of the wealthiest and most eligible peers in society; he was determined to remain a bachelor. That was, until Eustace came to visit, bringing his sister in tow.

The manner in which the jaded nobleman stared at her that morning when they were discovered abed haunted her. His handsome features were tight with rage. Those piercing green eyes glowed with the fires of hell to be undermined by a young woman. The disturbing gleam within them promised she would pay for her part in the deception. He might have no choice but to marry her, but his demeanor was far from pleased.

When Penworthy pays off the debts levied against the estate, you will realize this is what must happen for all of us. Arianne clasped her shaking hands, disturbed by the recent memory of the man she deceived.

When Ravensford realizes what you’ve done, and he will, you’ll wish you had never agreed to this farce. Julian’s dark eyes snapped in outrage, undermining her courage.

He doesn’t know what we’ve done, she whispered in a hollow tone. Even if he suspects it, he can do nothing.

Not a good way to start a life together, you would agree? Julian regarded her with distaste. I will ask you one last time to not do this thing, Arianne.

Arianne gazed at him, tears brightening her gaze, seeing his determination to marry her despite what it would cost them all. He loved her, she knew, with a feeling of elation and despair. Even as bad as his circumstances were, he didn’t care.

His shirts were sewn from whatever linen his mother could find; bed sheets, no doubt. The frock coat and breeches he wore were once his father’s, worn and almost tattered, and attested to his family’s reduced status. The servants couldn’t be paid. They ran off months before. He and his mother scratched out a meager existence these days. Even so, he would turn down Penworthy out of his love for her.

Silas Penworthy was a wealthy textiles merchant, considered one of the richest men in Europe. He wanted a title for his only child and daughter. He and the dowager Countess of Vale were determined Julian wed Drusilla Penworthy. Julian immediately balked. For her, she knew, and no other reason.

The girl was rumored to be quite homely, dubbed ‘the eyesore’ by all, as soon as she entered the marriage mart. Even with the vast fortune the man dangled over his daughter’s head, it took Penworthy latching onto the St. Ives’ financial woes to find a willing suitor for her.

I’ve made up my mind. She took a deep breath and ignored her aching heart. I won’t allow you to give up everything for me when the solution is available to us both.

Julian’s dark eyes filled with anguish. You destroy both our lives.

I save both our lives. Arianne refused to meet his gaze, determined he not break down her determination.

When Ravensford punishes you for the rest of your life, tell me then it was worth it. The man will destroy you, Arianne.

The rumors of him are much exaggerated, Arianne countered with very little confidence. Just thinking about her intended terrified her. Garret Spencer, the Marquis of Ravensford, was just as intimidating as he was rumored to be, maybe even more so.

Julian raised an incredulous eyebrow. Arianne, the rumors of the man are far kinder. His reputation is the worst of them all! Now you’ve set yourself up to earn the man’s spite. And for what, I ask? Some misplaced loyalty to a brother who cares nothing for you?

I won’t allow you to give up all for me, Julian. I do this for you as well. Arianne quaked inside to be reminded of the scandalous stories swirling about the marquis. Lord Ravensford was completely immoral. His illicit exploits dotted the gossip pages weekly, outlining his tendency to live his life as he saw fit. Determined not to marry, he flaunted different mistresses for every season. He was a decadent womanizer of the worst sort; the very last choice on any list for a husband. His misadventures with the fairer sex became his moniker; his lack of propriety and flaunting of convention, his creed.

Don’t use me as the excuse you need. Julian flung her a contemptuous frown. You will pay for what you do here, Arianne, mark my words.

Arianne stiffened at his angry, bitter predictions. He headed for the window. Her heart ached to see him swing himself back out on the tree limb without a backward glance at her. Before she shut the window, she met his wounded look with one of her own.

You will never have cause to regret this, Julian, she assured him tearfully, I do this because I love you, please believe it.

No, the regret will be all yours, Arianne. You speak of love and would marry another? You have already ruined us both. Julian gave her one last look of despair before inching down the tree without another word.

Chapter Two

Arianne leaned heavily against the wall after Julian left. She squeezed her eyes shut. The sting of his words made her recoil from what she was doing. Fear filled her to know he was right. Lord Ravensford was no fool. The notorious nobleman would see right through her guise.

At thirty and two, Garret Spencer was no simpleton. Eustace said the man was thought to be brilliant by many of his peers, a true genius with investments and estate management. He lived his life as he would from the time he inherited his title. The man travelled extensively. She’d been fascinated to hear the recollections of his recent visits to the Orient and India. His musings had her enthralled.

The dissolute nobleman had little use for a wife. He was rumored to have several illegitimate children from former paramours. He fought many well-publicized duels over the years, all over women, though none could claim he’d issued any of the challenges. He had a short fuse; known to be mercurial in temperament. It was said he engaged in brawls with the slightest provocation.

The marquis was legendary among men Julian’s age. They all applauded his daring, admiring Ravensford’s iconic status within society. As wealthy as he was elusive, he met Eustace by chance at the gaming tables one night. The marquis invited Eustace to his home for a weekend visit after the pair talked for a time.

Arianne recalled how the nobleman dismissed her when they arrived at his manor on Grosvenor Square. She remembered how stunned she was by the wealth and beauty of his residence. He greeted them in the elaborate foyer soon after they arrived.

Arianne gaped at him when she first saw him, feeling like a ninny to have stared. He was as handsome as sin with his dark auburn hair and finely-chiseled features. His gentleman’s attire was perfectly suited to his powerful build, tailored and dark, adding to his sinister image. He bent over her hand, his lips barely touching her skin. His hot breath seemed to scorch the back of her hand.

She was repelled by him at once, snatching back her hand unconsciously. He seemed to know he unnerved her. His long-lashed green eyes mocked her immediate reaction to him. Then he appeared to not know she existed, entertaining her brother while she was left to her own devices.

The man seemed oblivious to the gossip surrounding him. He reveled in his own skin. He was admirably self-possessed, seething with an alluring appeal that drew her gaze time and again that night at dinner. She pinched herself under the table several times to quit gawking at him. She found his heady aura of raw animal magnetism revolting, yet fascinating, at the same time.

He was charming and charismatic at dinner as he and Eustace spoke of matters over her head. The marquis paid her no attention at all beyond being their gracious host. He was polite and civil to her, obviously looking upon her as a mere child. Eustace planned it well. The man hadn’t seen it coming. And neither had she.

Eustace took her aside in the hallway after dinner when she meant to retire, grabbing her arm forcefully. Tears filled her eyes to recall his desperate words.

"You will do this for me, Arianne! There is no other way! Eustace insisted, pushing her to her room. We haven’t any choice in it now. Quick! We haven’t a moment to waste!"

"What do you mean to do?" she’d cried, pulling away, gazing at him in fear.

"The only thing we have left to us, little sister. Eustace looked desperate at that moment. If we don’t get an offer for you from Ravensford; I shan’t survive the week. My lenders know I’m in London. Why do you think we came? They’ll not find me here."

"Bu-t-t…how-w-w…do…you mean to go about it?" she’d stammered, shuddering to think of marrying a man like the marquis.

Eustace gazed at her with a look of pleading in his blue gaze. You must be compromised by him, little sister. It’s the only way. Ravensford would never offer for you otherwise. Without his wealth, we are done.

"No! No! You cannot mean to do this, Eustace!" She shook her head in denial, eyes widened with alarm. The startling means he would use became glaringly obvious to her. Revulsion swept over her to be used in such a way.

Her brother pushed her towards the stairs then, unrelenting. Get to your room and await me. Get into your bed unclothed. Do it now! We haven’t a moment to lose before his servants take note. You will do this for me, Arianne, or I will surely die. What becomes of you then? Think, will you? The men I owe money to would only come after you. You have no choice in this as I don’t.

Arianne did as he asked, feeling soiled already as she made ready for bed. She slid under the sheets naked and shaking in outrage to know how wrong it was what they were doing, believing she did it to save her brother’s life.

Then, the other reasons came to mind. Those matters mocked her hesitation, reminding her she had little choice in going along with Eustace. It was for that alone she lay there, compromising more than just the marquis. In those moments, she gave up every bit of her conscience, telling herself she had no choice.

The two men retired to the marquis’s study to engage in cards and drinks after dinner. Before long, Ravensford succumbed to the effects of the drug Eustace administered to his wine. With the help of two brawny servants they brought along with them, Eustace placed a disrobed Ravensford in her bed.

Arianne remembered how she lay in mortified shame in her bed that night. She lay nude and trembling next to the inert marquis, her eyes filled with self-loathing, wishing there was some other way. Eustace cut his palm and smeared blood upon the sheets before he left. He’d winked down at her as though it was some grand prank they played.

"In the morning all of our problems will be over, little sister," he said with a gleam in his eye.

He left her alone with the drugged man who snored at her side. Sleep eluded her for some time. She was uncomfortable to lie next to a strange man. She imagined his shock and anger on the morrow.

Morning came, and with it, the savage curses from Ravensford. He woke at her side, startling her from sleep. He stared at her in stunned anger. Eustace arrived at her room on cue, glaring down at the man, demanding he do his duty to his sister. In those moments, Arianne kept silent. The desire to expose their duplicity nearly choked her.

The marquis jumped out of her bed and yanked on his clothes. She cowered in mortification under the sheets, recalling a glimpse of his well-turned backside before he jerked up his breeches. He accompanied her brother down to his study. Before he left, his furious glare pinned her under the sheet she clutched to her throat.

While she dressed to join them below, Ravensford agreed to Eustace’s demands for money. Her brother threatened him with charges. Threats of legal action must have wore down the man’s denials he never touched her. It was handled much too quickly for her to believe the marquis resigned himself to his fate.

Eustace handled all the financial particulars. While the men argued within the study, she shivered on a bench outside the door, wishing for it to be over. But it wasn’t over. She had to give her accounting of the night before.

Garret Spencer seemed bored during her tale of his lecherous behavior the night before, almost amused to hear her describe how he’d entered her room and forced himself on her. He laughed outright during the telling. She ignored him and repeated what her brother demanded she say, hating herself for such blatant lies.

After Eustace’s indignant rant, the marquis eyed her with an intense scrutiny she found disconcerting. He appeared to be waiting for her to let him off the hook; admit he hadn’t forced himself on her. She maintained her lies and said nothing, avoiding his eyes, shrinking under the fury that emanated from him.

She shuddered to recall the way he looked at her. For the first time since meeting, he gazed at her with real interest. In that moment, she knew Eustace erred in choosing this man for his schemes. Arianne felt like she traded every bit of her soul, staring into those heartless green orbs, knowing she deserved whatever punishment he met out.

Arianne thought of Garret Spencer’s piercing eyes as they followed her while their bags were being loaded onto the coach later that day to leave. His look promised she would pay for trapping him.

In one week’s time, she would be married to the man she deceived. She covered her mouth to think of how her lies condemned him. It was likely no worse a crime than the man had been accused of before. But just this once, for the first time in his self-indulged life, the man was innocent.

~ ~ ~

A week later, Dunne Manor was in an uproar, with servants running about in an effort to make all ready. They’d been up since the wee hours preparing for a wedding. The modest interior of the manor was dusted and polished in readiness.

The wedding proved to be a somber affair, despite the festive decorations strewn about. It was only attended only by Sir Eustace Dunne and the preacher’s wife, Anna Wilkes. The small salon was arranged for the hasty nuptials. The furnishings were pushed aside within. A special license was sought by Ravensford the week before.

The Marquis of Ravensford arrived in his gleaming, crested coach early that morning, furious and tight-lipped. He stepped down in the small, circular courtyard looking about in contempt. The man was resplendent and impeccable in his stylish gentlemen’s attire. His powerful form moved with the grace of a mountain cat as he stalked into the house.

He seemed to overpower the shabby interior with his commanding presence. The black looks he sent the servants had them scurrying to get out of his way. His disparaging glance around the modest house concluded the reasons he was set upon in an instant, noting the interior’s disrepair.

Arianne fought her unease during the brief ceremony. The imposing form of the marquis stood next to her. He was hardly touching her, but caused her to tremble throughout. His anger seemed to permeate from him. He stared down at her without expression during Reverend Wilkes’ short sermon. His long, capable fingers slid the gold band upon her finger. He dropped her hand in distaste after the vows were said. He further abstained from the kiss at the end, walking away from her, making her breathe a sigh of relief.

Eustace beamed in pleasure when all was done. He rushed forward to embrace his sister in a ridiculous display of joy. The congratulations died on his lips. Lord Ravensford glared him into silence. His furious gaze wiped the smile from her brother’s face.

Eustace wasted little time in hightailing it out of the salon to his rooms. The preacher and his wife took their leave after simple refreshments were served.

Arianne felt awkward once alone with the man. Her new husband stood at the window with his rigid back to her, staring out over the small, overgrown gardens beyond. Eustace wasted little time in abandoning her to face the man’s wrath. Her brother was fairly rubbing his hands together to know he succeeded in his clever ploy to extort the man.

She wore her mother’s wedding dress for the occasion, heartsick while dressing to think she intended to wear it to marry Julian. It was an ivory satin confection that was hastily pressed for the sudden nuptials. The drooping nosegay of flowers Anna Wilkes pressed into her hand before the ceremony seemed to match her dismal mood.

Arianne knew real fear at that moment. Bound to this man through trickery; she could only pray he treated her kindly. Her moist hands trembled. She discarded the small bouquet on the scarred bureau top. His unrelenting back stiffened, as though sensing her presence.

Do you think me a fool? Ravensford asked coldly with his back to her, making her jump from the sound of his velvety soft voice. We both know I never touched you that night.

The precise, well-modulated voice didn’t shout. The effect was the same. Arianne was startled as he turned. A trembling hand went to her throat, feeling speared by his accusing gaze. Sickening dread fluttered in the pit of her stomach. Eustace assured her the man would have little memory of that night. Ravensford was supposed to believe he forced himself on her. It was obvious he saw through their duplicity.

Perhaps you have no memory of it, my lord? She panicked to see his