Page 24 of The Duke Who Claimed Her

He chose to leave out the fact that he had felt sorry for Miss Witherington, how he had seen a woman trapped by her father, one who needed saving when no one else could step in for her. As far as his friend was concerned, the marriage was for one reason only: Timothy.

“And there you have it,” Caspian finished. “That is the full extent of it. The funny thing is, I had just earlier realized that I needed to marry anyhow, for Timothy’s sake. So, when the opportunity came along…” He shrugged. “I realized I would be a fool to refuse it.”

George watched him with a look of curiosity, as well as amusement. His blue eyes sparkled with humor, and then a delighted chuckle escaped his lips.

“That is quite the tale,” he said. “Although I suspect it is not all of it.”

“What do you mean?” Caspian stiffened.

“I have no doubt that you married for Timothy’s sake,” George agreed. “Where I become stuck is another part of the story…” He bit his tongue. “The fact is, you could have anyone you desire, Caspian. You are a duke! Yes, your reputation might be a little rotten, but there is not a father who would deny you the hand of his daughter.”

“Your point?”

“Why this one?” George demanded. “Yes, yes, you mentioned her father, the blackmail, the circumstance. But let us be real here, Caspian. I know you. I know how you think. Just as I know that a threat like that is just as likely to see you dig in your heels and refuse to be manipulated.”

“I was doing the right thing,” Caspian said through gritted teeth.

“Which is not like you at all,” George countered. “Has your whole life not been an effort to do the opposite of what is expected? And now, the moment you see a woman in need…” He trailed off, and his eyes took on a look of mischief. “Oh, now I see. Oh yes,” he giggled. “Now it all makes sense.”

“What?” Caspian demanded. “What makes sense?”

“Caspian…” George giggled again. “Why did you not just say so? You like this woman. I can see it.”

“Do not be absurd!”

“You do.” George folded his hands on the table and nodded firmly, sure to drop the humor from his tone. “You will deny it, you will refuse it, but I see it clearly. And truly, it is the only thing that makes sense.”

Caspian was sure to glare a warning of dismissal at his friend. He was sure to do everything within his power to present a look that refuted the claim. He needed to, not just so his friend would realize how ridiculous he sounded, but so that Caspian might accept such a refutation himself.

If only a simple look, a simple denial, was enough to bury my feelings and remove those thoughts that have persisted nonstop since the moment I entered that chapel.

There were many reasons that Caspian was having second thoughts about this marriage, determined to keep his wife at arm’s length as he had done. Yes, his father and his fear of what he might become were a part of it. But it was a small part, and not nearly as worrying as the one that had haunted him daily.

Even as he tried to push such images away… Arabella still found her way into his thoughts.

Caspian could still remember the first time he had seen her. The flaming red of her hair. Those big blue eyes, glistening with tears, but somehow still holding within them a quiet strength. She was trapped in a life she did not want; she was a prisoner to her father, but that did not make her weak or helpless. In fact, it was the complete opposite.

She wanted to be free; she took her chance when she saw it, and Caspian doubted that a marriage to her would be easy.

That, as much as anything, was why this marriage was so dangerous. Caspian could have married someone else, a subservient wife to do as she was told and not cause trouble. But he had chosen one who he was certain would push him, would test him, and would not allow him to do as he pleased.

Why on earth did I make such a decision? Am I really that foolish?

He knew why. As did George. Yes, there was honor. Yes, there was duty. Yes, there was that desire to do something good for a change! But that told only half the picture, and the other half was what terrified Caspian to his core.

Not that he would admit such a thing. Not that he intended to pursue those feelings that stirred. His course was clear: to keep his distance, let Arabella know he wanted nothing more from her than help with Timothy, and pray she did not test the limits of his control.

“Are you done?” Caspian snarled at his friend. “Or do you have more jokes to make?”

“Who said I am joking?” George pouted. “While you might think that I am taking pleasure in your discomfort, the complete opposite is true. Caspian…” His expression softened, and his tone turned pitiful. “I do only ever want the best for you, and while you might not see it, I believe this marriage is just that.”

“It is nothing,” Caspian snapped. “Simply convenience for Timothy.”

“Tell yourself as much,” his friend sighed. “I just pray that you are not nearly as stubborn as….” He laughed and shook his head. “As stubborn as I know you to be. In this instance, I pray that I do not know you nearly half as well as I claim.”

Chapter Nine

Arabella lay awake, unable to find the sleep that she so desperately craved, when she heard it. It was the sound of the front door to the manor opening and slamming closed just as quickly. Then, heavy footsteps, uneven and chaotic.