Page 105 of Lyon of Least Resistance

“All women are sluts,” he replied, “and this one’s ruined now. So, if you don’t want her ruination to be spoken of in every drawing room in England, then you and that milksop of a husband of yours must agree to my terms.”

“My husband is not a milksop!” Cordelia said. “Unless your definition of a milksop is a man who doesn’t need to abduct a woman to gratify his need for cash or force himself on her to gratify his baser urges.”

Georgiana’s sobs increased.

“Miss Bedford is mine,” Sir Iain said. “She was mine from the moment I wanted her.”

“Whether she wants you or not?”

“She does want me. She begged for my hand last night, and this morning in the carriage she begged for my cock. What do you say to that?”

Sobbing, Georgiana tried to climb out of the carriage, but Sir Iain pushed her back.

“I say you’re speaking falsehoods, Sir Iain,” Cordelia said.

“And whom do you think the world will believe? The baronet, or the whore? Can you imagine what Society will say if they know that Lord Bedford married a slut and his sister spread her legs in a carriage? But I’m not an unreasonable man. I can maintain my silence, though I’d need one or two items of expenditure to be covered first, I trust you understand.”

“How much?”

“Sixteen thousand, and this little slut here will become Lady Leaney. Or, if you prefer, eight thousand and I’ll say no more on the matter, leaving her to marry whom she chooses. I’m ambivalent, though I am of a mind to prefer the second option, given that it’ll free me from a mewling harpy. Miss Georgiana—you really are the most tedious creature, but given how colorless your brother’s character is, one can hardly expect anything different, can one, m’dear?”

Georgiana burst into tears again, and Cordelia fisted her hands. Then she stepped forward and nodded.

“Very well, Sir Iain,” she said. “How might you propose we seal our bargain?”

“Cordelia, no!” Georgiana cried. “I don’t want to marry Sir Iain!”

“Last night you said you did,” Cordelia said, her heart aching at the distress in the young woman’s eyes. “And Sir Iain spoke the truth—your reputation is now ruined, and given the precedence that must be afforded to propriety and reputation, there is but one course of action that must be taken. Do you not agree, Sir Iain?”

He curled his lip into a sneer, his eyes glittering with triumph.

Heavens! How was it that men ruled the world when their arrogance fostered complacency?

“Then kiss me, Sir Iain,” Cordelia said, opening her arms. “To seal our agreement.”

The foolish lecher stumbled toward her, grasped her shoulders, and pulled her close. Cordelia took his wrists, then rammed her knee into his groin. He rolled his eyes and parted his lips, his mouth forming a wide, gaping hole, through which air hissed. Then he doubled over and collapsed on the ground. Unable to resist, Cordelia aimed a kick at his behind and he whimpered, curling his body into a ball.

“N-no more, please!”

“Is that what Georgiana said when you forced your attentions onto her?” Cordelia sneered, drawing back her foot to deliver another blow.

“No!” Georgiana yelled, climbing out of the carriage. “Let me.”

She approached, and Sir Iain let out a grunt as she kicked his backside.

Then she burst into tears and Cordelia pulled her into her arms.

“I-I’m s-sorry!” she sobbed. “I thought it was romantic, eloping to Scotland. But Sir Iain said he’d have to petition James for my dowry, as soon as he…”

She broke off, and Cordelia’s stomach churned with nausea.

“Did he touch you, Georgiana?” Cordelia said.

“N-no. He tried to kiss me, and when I said he must save the kiss for the wedding, he laughed and said that he might as well take the mare for a ride before deciding whether to purchase her. I-I didn’t know what he meant, but then he put his hand on my—” She broke off, sobbing as she gestured to her neckline where the lace was torn.

“We must get you home,” Cordelia said, glancing about. Sir Iain was still prostrate on the ground, gasping for air, and the coachmen stood beside the broken wheel, eyes wide. “Did you have good morning’s entertainment?” Cordelia said. “I suppose you’ll be demanding cash for your silence, like your master?”

The tallest of the three stepped forward, and Cordelia retreated toward her horse.