Scandalous Intentions (12 page)

A flutter took up residence in her heart. Sarah closed her eyes and willed her body to behave. If only Grace’s words were true, she would accept his proposal and gladly become his wife. Alas, they were not. Lord Luvington saw her as nothing more than a means to an end. It had nothing to do with love.

“He does seem to be rather fond of my darling daughter. It would be superb if they made a match.” Mother reached over and patted Sarah’s hand.

Sarah sighed. “It is a lost cause, Mother. I am not interested in Lord Luvington.”

“We shall see.” Mother smirked before looking out the window.

The carriage turned into a long drive lined with sycamore trees. Sarah gazed out the window in anticipation. A grand manor house came into view, all pillars and stone. It stood at least three stories high and sported elegant embellishments.

The carriage came to a stop in front of a sprawling stone porch with a solid carved wood door at its top. She swallowed down the lump forming in her throat. They had arrived.

* * * *

Sarah sat across from Lord Luvington clutching her silver-rimmed teacup. Tension hung thick in the air around her. The Duke and Duchess of Tisdale sat at each end of a sprawling mahogany table trading furtive glances. Mother and Grace were on either side of her, and Papa sat next to Lord Luvington. The tea had just arrived, and already, she wished to escape.

“Julian must marry before month’s end. He wishes to wed Lady Sarah, and I see no reason to wait.” The Duke grinned at Sarah’s father.

Lord Luvington stood up, his chair grinding against the floor. “The lady has not accepted my suit. For heaven sakes, I have not even proposed.” His voice rumbled through the room.

Sarah jerked her gaze to him. Her cheeks warmed. How could a loving father corner his son in such a way. Twice in as many days. She looked at the Duke her heart breaking for Julian.

“There would have to be a proposal before there could be a marriage.” Papa set down his teacup and glanced at Sarah.

“Of course Sarah would be happy to entertain the offer, should it be made.” Mother tipped her chin at Sarah then beamed at the Duchess of Tisdale.

Lord Luvington cleared his throat. “Lady Sarah has made it clear she is not interested in my proposal.” He turned then strolled from the room without pause.

Sarah’s heart plummeted. She glanced at Grace, who nodded, then stood and followed Lord Luvington’s path.

“Shall we arrange the suit?” The Duke’s voice filled her head, followed by the others, though she could no longer make out what anyone said. She did not care a whit anyway.

Sarah grabbed her organdy skirts and lifted them slightly to keep from tripping as she went after Lord Luvington. She darted out of the house and ran across the lush grass toward him. Her heart hammered harder with every step.

“Lord Luvington, wait. Please wait for me.”

He continued to move into the distance.

“I have something to tell you. Please, stop.”

He froze in place, turned and stared at her with his hands on his narrow hips.

Sarah pushed herself to move faster. She needed to state her mind before she lost her nerve.

He dropped his hands to his sides and began walking toward her with purposeful strides. She wished she could make out the expression on his face.

As the gap between them closed, Sarah slowed her pace and released her skirts. He stopped mere inches from her. The warmth of his body radiated between them, sending a tingle through her. “I have changed my mind.”

“Pray tell, about what?” His gaze heated, holding hers.

“I wish to make a deal. An arrangement of sorts.” She fought the urge to glance away.

He leaned in so close his breath fanned her ear. “I do not want your pity, Lady Sarah.” Before she could reply, he turned away from her.

Sarah reached out, grabbing his shoulder. “It is not pity. Quite the opposite.” She wet her lips. “I want something from you, and you need something from me. We can help each other.”

His roguish smirk made her stomach flutter. “Go on, state your terms.”

“I must have freedom, the right to come and go as I please, as well as to continue my studies.”

“And if I agree to your terms, you will marry me?” His eyes held a challenge she did not understand.

“That is but part of the bargain. I wish to remain in control of my dowry as well.” She looked out at the landscaped lawn, nibbling at her bottom lip. “And I require you to give up any mistresses you may have.”

He placed one large hand on her shoulder. “I agree to your terms but have a demand of my own.”

She released her lip and met his gaze.

Again, he leaned in close. His breath caressed her earlobe and neck. “You will grace my bed every night.”

Her cheeks flamed. How she wished to be snug in his bed, wrapped in his strong arms with his lips upon hers. Would he find her to his liking? What if he did not? She swallowed and lowered her eyes.

“What if we are not compatible in such a way?”

He reached out with both hands, grabbing her by the hips and pulling her close to him. His mouth came down on hers, firm and demanding.

Sarah arched against him as his heat seeped into her. Her head spun, and an ache formed in her core. When he ran his tongue across her lips, she opened for him on instinct, allowing him to deepen the kiss.

She wound her arms around his neck, twining her fingers in the hair at his nape. Her legs shook, and her heart threatened to escape her chest as it pounded against her ribs.

He pulled his lips from hers to blaze a trail across her cheek to her ear. A small moan escaped her when he drew her earlobe into his mouth. Would it always be like this?

“It seems compatibility shall not be an issue for us, my pet.” He released her and stepped away.

Legs like plum pudding, Sarah stared at him, breathless. Already, she missed the warmth and strength of his embrace. “I dare say I agree with your interpretation. Now, we have only one thing left in our way.” She wrapped her arms around her waist. “You must propose.”

He chuckled, his deep baritone seeping into her. “Do you desire me to do so now, or would you prefer to return to the house first?”

It would be nice to solidify their arrangement before returning to the others. She did not want to share this moment with the Duke though her parents would wish to see it.

Grace would be rather pleased with the outcome of today’s tea. Sarah knew her friend hoped for a match. If only it were the love match she herself had always wished for. Perhaps in time, he would come to love her as she had him.

“Very well, let us return to the lion’s den.” Lord Luvington held out his arm.

She gazed at him for a moment but made no attempt to take it. “I would prefer for you to ask for my hand first.”

“As you wish.” He dropped onto one knee. “My dearest Lady Sarah, I cannot imagine going forward through my life without you by my side. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife? I want you in my home and in my bed from now until the day death parts us.” He grinned rakishly.

His words were eloquent but sent a pain straight to her heart. He did not love her. Theirs would be a union of convenience, nothing more. She swallowed back the pain and forced a grin in spite of it. “I shall be honored to wed you, Lord Luvington.”

SCANDALOUS INTENTIONS

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Julian led Lady
Sarah back into the dayroom. She clutched his arm so hard he could feel her fingernails through the cloth of his day coat. He patted her gloved hand before meeting Father’s gaze. “We have an announcement.”

Father nodded. “Do not keep us waiting. Out with it.”

Julian smirked. “Lady Sarah has accepted my proposal.”

Well wishes and questions spilled forth as everyone in the room began speaking at once and rising from their seats. All except for Father who simply stared back at him. How baffling that the man who pushed so hard for the union showed no outward signs of pleasure.

Mother approached, resting her hand on Lady Sarah’s. “I will be honored to call you daughter.”

Sarah grinned. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

Julian’s chest swelled with a new emotion that took him aback. Perhaps it was the simple merriment one experienced at having garnered their desired outcome, but it seemed like something more. He gazed at Lady Sarah, taking in the light blush on her cheeks and curve of her pink lips. She would be his, all his, for the rest of their days.

“How splendid.” The Duchess of Abernathy’s voice rang out. “I knew the two of you would work it out.”

Lady Sarah nodded. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

Julian glanced at Father. “Have you no words of congratulations for us?” His blood surged through his veins.
Dammit old man, you got what you wanted, say something.

Father scowled. “Of course I am pleased with your news.” He glanced around the room. “Come take your seats. We have much to plan.”

Lord Havenshire stepped up, his mouth a straight tight line. “I have not consented to this engagement.” He turned back to the Duke. “I require a private conversation with Lord Luvington.”

The words sent a jolt straight through Julian’s chest. He had not counted on Lady Sarah’s father objecting to their arrangement. How had it escaped him to ask her father for her hand? He glanced at his own father.

Father bobbed his gray head. “Of course, you may use the office.”

Lord Havenshire nodded then looked to Julian.

Julian motioned toward the door. Would Lord Havenshire give them his blessing? If not, would Lady Sarah marry him without her father’s consent?

She released his arm, and he glanced at her. A small smile graced her pink lips, but anxiety raged in her violet eyes. He offered what he hoped to be a reassuring look before turning his attention back to the others. “If you will excuse us.”

* * * *

Julian cleared his throat as he meet Lord Havenshire’s gaze. He sat across from Julian on an ottoman, his fingers steepled in front of his chin. The man had yet to utter a single word. He simply studied Julian with his hard, golden gaze in a most uncomfortable fashion.

Julian swallowed back the lump in his throat. “Sir. You have my attention.”

“But I have not yet ascertained your motivation. I would know how genuine your interest in my Sarah is.”

Sweat slickened Julian’s palms. He rested his elbows on his knees and leaned forward. “Would you not gauge that better by asking me outright?”

“On the contrary, there is much to learn from studying a man’s reactions, body language and such.” Lord Havenshire lowered his hands to rest upon his thighs. “You appear to be a bit nervous, Lord Luvington, but I cannot decide if it is due to genuine feelings for my girl, or simply a desire to wed her.”

Julian’s pulse sped up, and he let out a slow breath. He could be honest. Lord Havenshire already knew of his father’s ultimatum. Did any of it matter now that he had developed real emotions where Lady Sarah was concerned?

He would not call it love, but certainly affection; desire not only to have her in his bed but also to protect her and make her happy. He inhaled allowing the breath to fill his lungs completely before blowing it out. He glanced at the door, then back to Lord Havenshire.