The Art of Taming a Rake (Legendary Lovers 4)

“I understand,” Traherne grumbled before gruffly thanking his friend with genuine appreciation.

He was able to walk under his own power, so Venetia gathered the writing implements and remained at his side as he retraced his steps through the house and returned to his study.

As he sank slowly onto a leather sofa, a low oath escaped his lips. “How can a simple gunshot be so bloody painful?”

The question only added to Venetia’s guilt, but she inhaled a calming breath. “Before we begin writing messages, my lord, I hoped we could discuss this situation like reasonable adults and perhaps find a way out.”

He shot her a sharp glance. “Oh, no, I won’t let you withdraw from your promise, sweetheart.”

“It was not a promise,” Venetia objected. “It was a capitulation made under duress.”

Traherne sighed. “You cannot back out now without again being seen as a jilt. Not after my announcement to Biddowes.”

Her anxiety returned full strength. “Is that why you claimed we were betrothed? So you could force my hand?”

“In part. You should be gratified. You wished to stop me from pursuing your sister. Our marriage will accomplish your goal in spades.”

“But I never envisioned anything like this.”

“Nor did I,” he said with heavy irony. “You realize that if you refuse, you will undo all my noble efforts toward your sister.”

Unconsciously Venetia resumed her pacing. “You should have told me of your plans to improve Ophelia’s marital prospects from the first. Had I known, I never would have kept hounding you, and we would not be in this disastrous predicament.”

“I started to tell you before you threatened me with your pistol and I was shot.”

She bit her lip in contrition. “I have said several times how sorry I am.”

“So you have. Just as I am sorry for what happened to you two years ago. I mean to make amends. I owe you that much.”

“In other words, you feel pity for me. I do not want your pity, Lord Traherne.”

“Don’t get your back up, darling.”

She took another deep breath. “I applaud your chivalry, truly. I am even grateful for it. But you know we would never suit. We could never love each other, and that is not even taking into account your…our differing values.”

His eyes reflected a gleam of self-mockery. “And that is your chief objection to me? That you could never love me?”

“Among other things. I want love and loyalty and fidelity in marriage. I broke off with Ackland because our goals were vastly incompatible. Marrying you would be leaping from the frying pan into the fire.”

“But you would have the protection of my name and title and my fortune at your command.”

“Title and fortune are not good enough reasons to marry. If they had been, I would have wed Ackland two years ago.”

“You are forgetting that the connection to me would be extremely advantageous for your family, especially your sister. As my countess, you could insure her own superior marriage.”

Venetia started to retort, but fell silent. That was the rub. She couldn’t forever condemn Ophelia to spinsterhood. She had to save her sister at all costs.

Traherne was correct. Marriage would solve both her immediate problems. She would prevent him from causing her sister untold heartache and avoid another massive scandal at the same time. Best of all, Ophelia might someday be able to wed for love rather than social necessity.

“Sit down, sweeting. You are giving my neck a crick with your prowling the floor.”

At his wry command, Venetia sent Traherne a resentful look. “I cannot believe you are so unfazed by this debacle.”

“I am hardly that. But there is a simple answer to your objections. We can have a modern marriage of convenience. Once the scandal is over and the danger from my unknown assailant has passed, we can go our separate ways.”

That brought her up short. Venetia stared at him. “What do you mean?”

“Ours needn’t be a real marriage.”