Marquess of Menace (Lords of Scandal 10)

All three of them stopped too and she was met with three blank stares.

“You’re upset because he proposed?” Emily asked.

“Yes,” she fired back then turned and began walking again. “It wasn’t a real proposal and even if it was, I don’t want to marry.”

“There was so much in that sentence, I hardly know where to begin.” Isabella lifted her skirts and took a few running steps to reach Eliza’s side. “Oh wait. I do know. Why wasn’t it a real proposal?”

“He asked me for a sham marriage. One where I kept my independence and he kept his hands to himself. Well, except for my money. That he’d touch in spades,” she said, unable to keep the bitterness from her voice.

Emily gasped behind her. “Oh, dear.”

Eliza had a moment to wonder if she were just offended that he’d rebuffed her but then she held her head higher. That wasn’t it. She had a plan. And it didn’t involve a delinquent marquess.

Of course, it also hadn’t involved a ring of thieves.

Isabella reached for her shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. “For heaven’s sake, Eliza. Stop.”

Eliza did. But she spun about again. “Why?”

“Because,” Isabella gave her sister a long look. “There’s a lot of parts to this and we need to work them all out.”

She twisted her hands into her skirts. “Must we?”

“I’m afraid so,” Abigail answered.

“Fine.” She pointed down the hall. “Let’s have a seat in the library.”

With a nod, the group made their way to the vast room, settling in a cluster of chairs. Eliza didn’t wait for them to ask any more questions. With a deep breath, she detailed his proposal.

When she was done, Emily slid her fingers into Eliza’s. “Now tell us why you don’t wish to marry.”

Eliza shook her head. That was…harder. “I know you loved mother and father. And I know their relationship was miles better than either of our aunts’ but…” She drew in a deep breath.

Isabella leaned forward. “It’s all right. You can say it.”

Eliza touched her chest, willing the fear away. “Father was gone so much. And mother needed help. And I…”

“You took on the burden,” Abigail answered.

She nodded. A burden she’d have to pass on to potential children. “It’s not that. I love all of you. And I love our relationship. But I don’t want to be left behind by a husband to wait and to worry. I…” Drat. She wanted a real partnership. One where they did things together. Made choices together. Adventured, or stayed home, or had children…together.

With startling clarity, she realized what her actual goals in life involved. It wasn’t that she needed her independence as much as equality. She wanted a partner.

Which, he’d offered.

But she also wanted…her hands flew to her mouth. A wave of heat spread across her. She wanted him.

A soft groan escaped her lips. “I turned him down.”

“We know that part,” Isabella replied as she scooted closer. “But explain why.”

“I want a man who wants me too, but also respects that I am capable and not meant to just be a pretty bauble on his arm. I—”

“Forgive me for saying so.” Emily squeezed her hand tighter. “But he outlined a whole plan with you. One where he tried to give you what you wanted. Perhaps rather than denying his wishes, you should have opened negotiations. Unless you just don’t like him?”

No. She liked him. Far more than she should. “Deep down I think I might be afraid he doesn’t want me. Not nearly as much as I want him.”

“Eliza.” Isabella smiled softly. “Men always want you. And once you are intimate…I have a feeling he’ll be completely entranced.”