The Last Duke (Thornton 1)

“He sounds like a remarkable man. But I’m a bit confused, Snowdrop. If your Pierce has now ascertained he’s a member of the peerage, your father’s objections should be silenced.”

“Not in this case. Do you recall my mentioning my belief that Pierce has s

ome kind of hold over Father?” She waited for the vicar’s nod, cautioning herself not to reveal too much. She’d promised Pierce not to divulge the far-reaching history he had with her father, and she would honor that pledge. “Well, apparently, Pierce’s exalted position has increased Father’s fear, and thereby his enmity, immeasurably. I saw the hatred and dread on his face when he heard Pierce’s announcement.”

“Daphne,” the vicar said with a frown, “if what you suspect is true, is it possible the duke’s interest in you is somehow linked to the cause of your Father’s hostility?”

“No,” she returned with an adamant shake of her head. “Although I must admit I asked Pierce that question directly. But I needn’t have. I already knew my answer. What’s between us is very real, an entity unto itself.”

Gently, the vicar lifted Daphne’s chin. “Are you falling in love with him, child?”

Daphne’s answer struck her in a joyous flash of insight. “I don’t think Pierce would have it any other way.” She smiled, dazed and jubilant all at once. “Yes, Vicar, I’m falling in love with him.”

“And he?”

“He’s asked me to marry him.”

“Marriage!” Chambers came to his feet in a rush. “Isn’t that a rather drastic step? After all, you’ve known this man a very short time.”

“I know he cares for me, and he wants to take me away from Tragmore—from Father,” Daphne explained carefully, wishing she could blurt out everything, equally determined not to. She would protect Pierce as she had vowed, to him, and to herself. “That’s what I meant when I said your concern was unnecessary. If Pierce has his way, I’ll be safe—with him.”

“I see.” The vicar gazed thoughtfully down at her. “Is your decision made then?”

Silence.

“Snowdrop.” He drew her to her feet. “If you’re certain of your feelings, and the duke’s, then what is distressing you? Are you worried about Harwick’s censure?”

Tears filled Daphne’s eyes. “No. God forgive me, but I don’t care what Father thinks of Pierce. I don’t even care if he condemns the marriage and me. Lord knows it wouldn’t be the first time. No, Vicar, it’s something else, something that’s rather difficult to explain.”

“Try.”

She nodded, dashing the tears from her cheeks. “Pierce’s life is a complex lock that has been secured for thirty years. My heart tells me I must be patient, for Pierce alone possesses the lock’s key, a key he will hand me when he’s ready, and not before. I understand that, and I accept it. You would, too, if you knew him. He has the most astonishing degree of discipline and self-control I’ve ever seen. I feel it every time we’re together. It’s as if he gives himself up in small, measured doses, while at the same time rendering me completely helpless and emotionally exposed.”

“To me, it sounds as if he’s erected walls to avoid being hurt. Given his painful childhood, that’s not surprising.”

“No. It isn’t. But tell me, Vicar, what am I to think when, out of nowhere, this rigidly disciplined and controlled man blurts out something as significant as a marriage proposal?” Daphne shook her head. “The contradiction is staggering. Too staggering.”

“I understand your bafflement,” Chambers concurred. “My next question is, did you express your concern to the duke?”

Again, Daphne nodded. “He insists the proposal was not impulsive, but long thought out.”

“And you don’t believe him?”

“No. Yes. Somewhat.” Daphne made a choked sound. “I do believe he wishes to wed me. I just have the nagging feeling there’s more to his reasoning than he’s admitted.” Pleadingly, she searched the vicar’s face. “Help me. You always do.”

Her friend’s smile was tinged with regret. “Your belief in me far exceeds my abilities, Snowdrop. There are some answers we must seek within ourselves.”

“But I can’t.”

“Can’t you? Look inside your heart, Daphne. Haven’t you already found what you’re seeking?”

Her lips trembled as she absorbed the clergyman’s words. “Yes,” she whispered at last.

“Good.” He removed his spectacles, rubbing his eyes to dislodge whatever unseen particles were causing them to tear. “It appears your future has been chosen by the one whose rightful job it is to do so. You.” He shoved the spectacles back into place. “However, I do request the opportunity to meet this lucky gentleman on whom you’ve bestowed your heart.”

“Oh, would you?” Daphne’s whole face lit up. “Your blessing would mean so much to me.” Impulsively, she hugged him. “Thank you, Vicar. Pierce will be returning to Tragmore tomorrow for my answer. I’ll arrange a meeting then.”

“Does the duke realize how badly Harwick is going to take the news of your betrothal? How violent your father can get?”