“You?” I let out a light laugh. “Why bother putting too much effort into someone who, clearly, on several occasions, has stated they didn’t want you. Really, Lady Chitwood, are you that desperate?”
Sophia slammed her hand on the desk and stood. “I am a charitable woman, Lord Cranfield. You need ‘giving.’ A good woman who knows how to keep you happy; someone who also knows how to…make you happy. You don’t like me. Maybe it is because I am outspoken, and you are not used to that. I know Lady Barlow probably follows you like a lost puppy, holding onto every word dripping from your sexy lips. I am not a dog, but I will get on my knees to—”
“Enough!” I bellowed, pushing my chair back, almost knocking it over. “You are that blind that you don’t see or comprehend that I don’t want a manipulative whore as my wife! I wouldn’t pawn you off on my worst enemy! Cease your imaginings of us being tied together. It is not going to happen."
Sophia brought her hand back and slapped my face. My face stung, and I knew I had a red hand mark painted on my cheek. She started for the door and, with her hand on the doorknob, she turned back to look at me. “Insult my character all you want, my Lord, but I get whatever I want...no matter the consequence.”
Ava
Chapter 19
“Caroline Bennett? I heard she was conceited and impulsive."
George sat in a chair beside me, his feet propped up on the bed. I had woken yesterday in a daze, parched, and a little nauseous. George filled me in on the happenings and the maid who had told them the truth. I argued with him about putting her to death, saying that she was forced to protect her family. George wasn’t easy to sway, but I finally won the agreement.
Garrett briefly visited me yesterday, but with both Lucy and Miranda in the room. I wanted him to stay, but he told me he had some duties he had to attend to, and Hara was coming home.
“Who told you that? You’ve only been here three weeks, and in bed for four days.”
I pushed myself deeper into my feather pillows. “I have my sources.”
George smirked. “Their names don’t happen to be Lucy and Miranda, do they?”
“A woman never tells her secrets, and a best friend never lets her friend consider a woman like Caroline Bennett.”
“She was just someone to keep my father’s mind busy. She will be dismissed in a few weeks, probably.”
I laughed. “Can you last that long?”
“My God, I hope so.”
“I’m sure we can come up with something. We were always good at getting ourselves out of situations.”
George smiled at me and patted my hand. “How are you feeling?”
“Bored. I want to get out of this bed.”
“Weren’t much for sitting around, were you?”
“No. This room looks smaller by the day.” And the broth Lucy kept feeding me was God awful. “How are you?”
“I’m good.”
“Yeah?” I pressed lightly. “Do you need me to write to anyone?”
“No, no.” He shook his head. “That has already been taken care of.”
I left it. If I pushed him too far, he would start getting defensive and we’d fight. He didn’t need that from me; I needed to be sensitive right now. A soft knock sounded at the door, and George went to go open it.
“My darling, what are you doing here?” the voice behind the door asked. I cringed; I could recognize that voice in a crowded room.
“I could ask you the same question, Mother,” George replied. “Lady Bennett, I’m also surprised to see you. Did I miss a meeting?”
Cecilia chuckled. “Oh no, dear. We came to check in on my dear Ava.”
I rolled my eyes; she was here for another reason and I dreaded hearing it. I knew that I was going to be either annoyed, furious, or exhausted after the conversation. Perhaps all three.
Both the women walked into the room. Cecilia was regally dressed, as always, in a cream gown laced with silver, and Lady Bennett was close to match. She wore an expensive pink gown, but it didn’t hide the long, bent nose and small lips. Caroline was very thin and unseemly, I was surprised George thought his father would buy his phony courtship. She must be extremely rich; that’s the only way Edward would consider it being real.
“How are you feeling?” Cecilia asked, actually sounding concerned, and I smiled weakly.
“Much better, thank you, Your Majesty,” I answered. Cecilia patted my leg lightly.
“My dear, I don’t think you’ve met Lady Bennett.” She motioned for Caroline to come near.
I eyed Cecilia and then Caroline. Cecilia would love this match; she could easily summon the girl to her beck and call, and keep her power and influence.
“I haven’t. It is very nice to meet you, Lady Bennett. I wish I had been able to meet you more properly, and in a public place.” I looked at Cecilia. “But we are here now.”
“Oh, the pleasure is mine!” Caroline said with a curtsy. “I’ve heard so much about you. I was hoping that we’d be fast friends, for when I am Georgie’s wife, I would need all the help I can get. Plus, I would be able to help find—”
“That is enough, dear,” Cecilia interrupted. She turned around to look at her son. “I thought you and Caroline would like to spend some time in the garden. It’s a warm day, and you need some air.”
George looked at me. We had a secret signal when we were children; two long blinks to let the other know they were okay. I blinked twice. He smiled and nodded.
“Of course.” He held out his arm for Caroline to take. “I will be back later, A.”
I smiled at him before he left the room with the viper. Cecilia settled into her chair and sighed.
“That woman will never be Queen,” she suddenly said. “She drives me senseless with her never-ending chatter.” Cecilia moaned and rubbed her forehead, as though preventing a headache. “I don’t know what George was thinking. If he was trying to put me at my wits end, he succeeded.”
“Have you spoken to him about it?” I asked.
“George is too grown and prideful. He thinks he knows what is best for him.”
I shrugged. “Maybe he does.” Cecilia rolled her eyes and shook her head.
“When you have sons of your own, my dear, you’ll realize they are blinded by love or lust. Or both. George just needs a little push sometimes.” She leaned forward. “George wants to marry you.”
“I don’t believe so,” I countered. “We’ve spoken about it previously, and with all due respect—I don’t want the role.” Cecilia didn’t look surprised. She just stood to pour herself some wine and looked over her shoulder.
“It definitely has its challenges,” Cecilia admitted. “Do you want some?” I shook my head; my stomach wouldn’t appreciate it. “There are many advantages that outweigh those challenges. You can start orphanages for parentless children, feed the poor…your possibilities are endless.”
I would confess that it sounded enticing, but the answer was still no.
“I will have to think about it,” I replied in a neutral tone. Cecilia nodded and swirled her wine in her glass. There was no use arguing with her about it; I’d get nowhere.
“Good. I know it is much to think about. If you do decide to it, I would suggest a fall wedding. The leaves will be beautiful colors. The summer will be full, with Lord Cranfield getting married and, well...you already know how I feel about that.”
I stilled.
Garrett is getting married.
That was impossible. He would have told me. He wouldn’t marry someone—well, I had hoped he wouldn’t. Not after that night at the town’s party. He wouldn’t do this to me.
But you were possibly going to marry his brother.
“You look like as though I hit you with a shock, my darling.” Cecilia had walked over to my bedside and placed a cool hand on my arm. “Didn’t you know?” No words left my mouth. It went dry and tears threatened to wash over my eyes.
“I didn’t think he was the marrying type,” I finally ground out, and Cecilia sat down.
“Any man is the marrying type when there are things that could benefit him.”
I couldn’t help it. I had to know.