Marquess of Menace (Lords of Scandal 10)

He grimaced. A woman as smart and savvy as Eliza would hate the way he drained her to finance his needs. She’d hate him at the end of it. Hell, his own parents didn’t even like him. When they’d been alive. “And what

about what Eliza wants? You heard her. She doesn’t want to be tied down by marriage.”

“All the more reason to marry you.”

“How do you figure?” He took another large drink. The long night made the alcohol go straight to his head and he rubbed the heel of his hand along his forehead.

“You’ll give her protection now and freedom later. Together, we’ll insulate her sisters. Quietly find them matches that can be trusted with the business as we help Dishonor identify this ring. And by the way…” Bash leaned forward. “Carrington Shipping isn’t like a dowry that brings in a one-time payment. You’ll make money, year over year. It’s better than any other potential bride price.”

A wave of understanding made him sit back in his chair. Bloody hell, Bash was right.

He pushed his fingers into his eyes. “I need to talk with Eliza. She should know…everything.”

“Smart choice.” Bash reached over and clasped him on the back. “See? You’re perfect for her.”

He shook his head.

He’d seen disdain in his mother’s eyes until the day she’d died whenever she looked at him. It would kill him to see the same emotion reflected in Eliza’s.

He was the furthest thing from perfect he could be.

Chapter Seven

Eliza slipped into her room, too tired to even undress.

“Here. Let me help you,” Isabella said as she rose from Eliza’s bed.

“What are you doing here?” Eliza asked, grateful to see her sister.

Isabella winked. “You taught me this trick, remember? I knew you’d be tired so I warmed your bed for you.”

Eliza sighed with relief. “Thank goodness.”

Isabella worked off Eliza’s clothing one piece at a time. “Did you learn anything?”

“More than I wanted to know,” Eliza whispered. How did she tell her sister that her father was dead?

Isabella stopped and wrapped her arms about Eliza. “Father’s gone forever, isn’t he?”

“I think so,” Eliza answered, her voice trembling.

“Do you know how?” Isabella whispered, squeezing Eliza tight.

“I forgot to ask, but I know his secretary witnessed the event.” Eliza shivered.

“He wasn’t the most present father. I know you loved him but…”

“I did. But now, I realize just how much he left us alone and how much was foisted on you. We almost gave up our very lives for the sake of the business.”

Eliza thought she’d cried all the tears but her eyes misted again. Because her sister actually understood. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Isabella gave a heartfelt sigh. “At least it’s over and we know the truth.”

* * *

“Isabella,” Eliza said, the warning ringing in her voice. “It’s so far from over that it isn’t—” She couldn’t continue, not now. Sitting down, she pulled off her boots and slid into the bed. She was only half undressed, but she didn’t even care. “I’ll explain everything after I’ve had some sleep. I’m so tired.”

Isabella slid into the bed next to her sister, wrapping her arms about her. “I understand. Get some rest. You can tell me everything when you wake.”