Page 32 of A Rogue to Ensnare

Every part of him rebelled at her assertion. Well…almost every part of him. But his heart rebelled at his rebellion. Inconceivable. He was suffering from attraction, and nothing more. “I am not infatuated and will not be forced into marriage by gossips.”

His mother’s eyebrows rose. “You struggled to drag your eyes from her.”

“She is a beauty, I will admit. And I can’t deny that seeing her in my bed was fetching.”

“Miles!” His mother exclaimed, then giggled. “I do not want to know what you were thinking.”

He drank from the glass and studied it; he didn’t want to dwell on his thoughts—or his mother’s—at this moment either. Finally, however, he was able to look at her. “I believe her family’s absence is a part of her mother’s way to ensure a marriage contract. First, she tried to get me to marry Siobhan’s sister with a failed attempt in the garden. Now this.”

“Do you think she arranged the kidnapping?” His mother’s eyes rounded. “Oh my.”

Miles waved her concerns away. “No, I do not think she would go so far, but she is definitely taking advantage of this situation. The rumors began because of her. No one else besides her—and the servants—knew Siobhan was here. My servants, however, are loyal to me and besides, who would listen to what news they share?”

His mother gestured excitedly. “You must speak to your father immediately. The lass is delightful, and in spite of my original misgivings, I do, in fact, believe she will be a good match. Some say she has too much spirit, and it’s true that I originally believed that to be true. But now that I’ve had an opportunity to speak with her and see the two of you together, it is clear to me that you need a wife like her, one who is somewhat…” she paused, considering, before she finished, “Lively. There is no doubt she is from a respectable family, although, I would wish for a better suited mother-in-law for you.”

Miles opened his mouth to disagree, but then she interrupted him. Clearly she’d made up her mind and would brook no argument from him. “Go home now, and send Gilda back to come stay with the lass. Your sister and I will remain here for a bit.”

She dismissed him then and he had no choice but to do her bidding, unless he wanted to get into an argument with her that he knew beyond a doubt he would not win. Besides, by the time Miles climbed into the carriage, his temples had begun to pound, and lights were starting to swim before his eyes. He had neglected his self-care and allowed himself to become overwhelmed with stress. One of his headaches was coming on. “Oh no.” He leaned sideways, closing his eyes, dreading what was to come and knowing there was no way to stop it.

Chapter Nine

Siobhan had to admit she’d never thought to be so comfortable around the Duchess of Spencer and Miles’ younger sister.

A small table had been relocated from the corner of Miles’ bedchamber so that two chairs could be added. The duchess insisted that she and Penelope would join Siobhan for dinner.

“Have they discovered who attacked you?” Penelope asked, her hazel eyes so much like her brother’s.

Siobhan shook her head. “I do not believe so. A constable came to get a description from Mi—I mean, his lordship. I do not remember anything past leaving the building in search of the coachman.”

“I am sure they will find the horrible man,” Penelope said with a firm nod.

The duchess met her gaze. “Are you aware that you are the talk of society? By now, everyone is aware that you’ve spent two nights here without a chaperone.”

Siobhan knew her face was red by the heat that crept up from her neck. “I am so very sorry. Mother was supposed to send someone. I begged to be taken home as soon as I awoke, to avoid any talk.”

“There is no need for you to apologize,” the duchess insisted. “Your mother should have known better than to leave you here this way, unchaperoned.”

It was best to be completely honest, so Siobhan forged ahead. “Mother is trying to trap Mi—his lordship—into marriage. Rest assured, Your Grace, I will not allow it.”

“Your reputation will be ruined,” Penelope protested. “Your prospects for a good marriage gone.”

Siobhan was glad when Firtha entered with tea, making it unnecessary for her to reply. And, it was true, she was especially glad the housekeeper had included a tincture as her pain had returned and was getting stronger as the day had passed. Taking the cup, she drank down the contents. “Thank you so much.”

“You are in pain, and here we are, worrying you.” The duchess looked at her daughter. “We should go and allow you to rest.”

“Before you go, Your Grace,” Siobhan interrupted, “Please realize how sincere I am in stating that I will not force his lordship to marry me. As I have informed your son, if I never marry, I will be content to spend my days helping my father with his historical research.”

The duchess chuckled. “I am sure things will be worked out, and I doubt seriously that you will remain unmarried.”

*

After the duchess and Penelope left, Siobhan could barely keep her eyes open. Before she fell asleep, a woman named Gilda arrived, though she wasn’t sure if she’d been sent by her mother or procured by orders of the duchess. Either way, she had plans to remain until it was time for Siobhan to go home.

“Who sent you?” she asked.

“Her grace,” Gilda replied. Siobhan could not believe her mother had not sent someone as yet. This was most embarrassing. Yet her mother would not see it that way, and it became more and more obvious that her current plan was to spread rumors to ensure one of her daughters married a title.

She woke up later in the day. Gilda assured her that Miles had not returned to see about her, so she assumed he’d gone out. Strange that she’d become accustomed to seeing him regularly. Disappointment filled her when he did not appear the following morning or afternoon.