“Then let me go. Let me ride back to London, and we need never mention it again.” Her words carried an element of urgency, rang of desperateness.
Sutherby gave a pitying smile, the sort given to sick children and injured animals. “You know I cannot do that. But when we are married—”
“While there’s still breath in my body, that’s never going to happen.”
“You will change your mind when you see what I have planned for the evening.”
The evening?
Evelyn glanced out of the carriage window, at the sun making its morning ascent. She had a whole day to find a way to escape from this lunatic. Stony Cross was but a few miles away. She would find her way there and wait for Alexander to come to her.
With the knife in his hand, he threw the rope into her lap. “Thread you hand through the loop.”
Evelyn shook her head. “Why?”
“I thought we could go for a stroll around the grounds. Talk of our plans. But it would only spoil the moment if you were to run away.”
“Do you think this is any way to treat the woman you wish to marry?”
Sutherby snorted. “I have done everything you’ve ever asked of me … been polite, cordial. I have looked upon you like a delicate flower … rare and precious. Yet you snub me in preference for your rude and arrogant friend, the Earl of Hale.”
At the mere mention of his name her heart blossomed. “That is love, sir. It cannot be manipulated. It is not blind to one’s faults. Love sees the truth in everything and accepts it for what it is.” She took a deep breath and found the courage to continue. “Your protestations are feigned. Your charity is born of selfishness and as such you do not have the capability to love.”
Unperturbed by her words, he said. “But you will teach me. You will show me what I need to do to be a good husband. I am tired of wandering this world aimlessly. I need to settle with someone kind and good-natured.”
“But I will never love you.”
Sutherby shrugged. “What is love but folly?” He grabbed her wrist and pushed her hand through the loop, pulling it hard until the braided strands dug into her skin. “Come, there is nothing finer than a morning stroll to enliven the spirit.”
They strolled around the garden, him pulling on the rope as though she was a disobedient dog that refused to keep up. He’d have to release her at some point, and she would bide her time until presented with an opportunity to escape.
“This would make a marvellous place to raise a family,” Sutherby said looking out across the vast expanse of patchwork fields.
Evelyn preferred the view to the south, the thick blanket of trees, so dark and welcoming. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, imagining the scent of damp earth and pine, the sort of smell that cleanses the soul. She recalled the night she trailed through the forest after Alexander, his lantern lighting the way. He’d been cold and distant, nothing like the man she’d given herself to under the cherry tree.
Mr. Sutherby tugged the rope forcing her to open her eyes and follow. “I believe children should be raised in the countryside, not amongst the filth and grime of the city,” he said leading her back towards the house.
“I don’t want children.” Her words were blunt to drive home the point that she was not a willing partner in this ridiculous charade.
“You will change your mind.”
The coachman was engaged in tending to the horses. Luckily, there was hay in the stables, and he’d managed to pump clean water. Making their way in through the kitchen, Sutherby rooted around in cupboards and baskets but found nothing.
“That blasted housekeeper has cleaned the place out. There’s not even a jar of preserves. I bet her family’s supping like lords.”
On the journey, the coachman had procured a meat pie and ale, but that had been hours ago. Her stomach rumbled at the prospect of a whole day and night without food.
“I’ll send the coachman out,” he continued, “the man will surely be able to find us something to eat.” He sighed and pushed his hand through the mop of golden hair. “Come, there are things I must attend to, letters to write, plans for our departure.”
“Departure? But I thought we were staying here.”
Sutherby jerked his head back. “Only for this evening. If Hale comes looking for you, he’ll follow the road north. We’ll wait until tomorrow before setting out for Scotland.”
Evelyn gulped. The man truly was insane.
He lifted his bare hand to stroke her cheek, and she turned her head in disgust.
“I’ve decided this will be our family home,” he said, grabbing her chin and forcing her to look at him. “We will consummate our alliance here this evening. You will have no option but to marry me then.” He lowered his hand and placed his palm over her stomach. “Surely you would not wish our child to be born out of wedlock?”