Page 49 of Only a Mistress Will Do

“The devil there won’t.” Tristan’s eyes flashed indigo blue and narrowed as he turned that piercing gaze on Lord Manning. “You wish to withdraw from the betrothal with Miss Carlton? Then name your seconds, my lord.”

“I forbid it, Tris.”

“I will not brook this insult, Violet.” The blood had drained from Tris’s face.

“I’ll not have either of you killed in a stupid duel.” If she had to bash him over the head with a brick, she would not allow him to jeopardize his life in such a manner.

“He offered to marry you and you accepted that offer.” Tris paced briskly toward the window and back. “You have a legitimate and legal claim on him. He cannot make a proposal one day and renege on it the next. It’s simply not done.”

“But is has been done. By me.” Manning’s raised voice overpowered them both. “Despite any other feelings I may have, I cannot marry Miss Carlton.”

“Then you will meet me, Lord Manning.” Tris squeezed his hands into fists. “I will have satisfaction for this smirch on her honor.”

“Tris, there is no dishonor in this.” Violet pressed her hands to her cheeks. Would the stubborn man get himself killed just to prove a point to her? “Can you tell us why you want to break the engagement, my lord?”

With a heavy sigh, Manning ran a hand over his face. Dark smudges beneath his eyes gave him a haunted look. He appeared to have slept even worse than she had.

“I am not at liberty to divulge that information, Miss Carlton. Suffice it to say the situation is dire enough I must take this deplorable action as the lesser of two evils. Would to God I did not have to make such a choice, but it cannot be helped.”

“And what of the injury to Miss Carlton’s reputation?” Tris stalked over to her, towering above her like an oak shielding an acorn.

Manning shrugged. “At the moment there is none.”

“Of course there is.” Tris’s voice boomed in her ear. “You are jilting her. The whole ton will know. She will never be able to marry.”

“They won’t know unless you tell them.”

“Here you are, miss.” The conversation stopped as Susan bustled in with the tea tray. “I’ve made it just the way you like. Nice and strong.” She cut her eyes toward Violet with a subtle nod of her head and a raising of the eyebrows.

Bless Susan.

Tension thrummed through Tris so strongly she could feel the vibrations. She needed to dismiss the maid quickly or he might combust right before their eyes.

“Thank you, Susan. That will be all.” Violet raised her chin. The girl would expect all the details as soon as the guests left and she would absolutely have them.

She gave a hurried curtsey and left.

No sooner had she closed the door than Tris erupted. “No one knows about the betrothal?”

The earl shook his head. “Who would know? I’ve told no one. Have you?”

“No.”

“And if I release you from your obligation, there will be no stain on either of us.” Violet took Manning’s hand, startling him and drawing his attention away from the still bristling Tristan. “Much as I am grateful for your gallant offer, my lord, I believe it would be a mistake to press the issue if you have a responsibility elsewhere.” The relief in his eyes confirmed this was the right decision. He was an honorable man who would not have made nor retracted the offer capriciously. Something unexpected had forced him to this decision. She would let him go and be grateful. “I wish you nothing but well.”

“Violet, do you know what you’re doing?” Tris suddenly loomed over her.

He wanted to intimidate her, which made her angry. Still, she hastily dropped the earl’s hand. Best not antagonize him when she suspected she would get her way in this.

Grasping her arm, he drew her behind the sofa. “Your circumstances have not changed,” he whispered fiercely. “Unless you have employment of which I am unaware, or another offer of marriage.” He peered into her face, his bright eyes blistering her soul.

“No, I have neither of those things,” she said, willing him to understand. “However, I know I cannot in good conscience hold Lord Manning if he has a prior claim on his name. Especially, as I suspect, if the reputation of another lady lies in the balance. Perhaps she will fare even worse than I if he doesn’t come to her rescue.” She squeezed his arm and murmured, “Please, I truly do not wish to marry the earl.”

A long moment of silence before he laid his hand over hers then nodded and in a normal voice said, “Then against my better judgment, I will agree to break the betrothal.”

Violet smiled until he pulled her chin up to meet his gaze, a stern cast to his face.

“On certain conditions, Miss Carlton, which I believe Lord Manning will insist upon as well.” He glanced to the earl.