Forsaking the Prize (The Wild Randalls 2)

Blythe held out her hand to halt his approach. “Do not ever touch me again. I thought you a gentleman, but I see I was in error.”

A frown crossed Archibald’s face. “My lady, your reserve does you credit, but I am aware that ladies often speak differently to what’s in their hearts. My own family is proof of that.”

“What of Emma?”

“What about my cousin? She will step aside once we’ve wed and allow you to take control of the household. I have indulged her enough as it is.”

He didn’t

know Emma adored the ground he walked on. Blythe swallowed her sadness, but she still had to convince him they wouldn’t suit. Since kind honesty hadn’t worked to let him down gently, she’d have to be blunt. “You, sir, are more of a fool than I believed. You do not know the first thing about women and what would make them happy.”

A cocky grin crossed his face. “I know the important things very well. Come here. Enough of your games.”

A male throat cleared at the doorway. “Forgive me for interrupting, Lady Venables.”

Leopold Randall stood with his hand on the door. His scowl would have cracked the earth if he had that power within his reach.

Archibald scowled. “This is a private matter, sir, and none of your concern.”

Blythe ducked away from Lord Archibald and put space, and chairs for good measure, between them.

Leopold glanced at her briefly and then returned his attention to Lord Archibald, his free hand curling into a fist. “I’m making it my concern. Lady Venables has said no to your proposal, repeatedly, and that is an end to the matter. Please leave Romsey before I embarrass her and throw you out on your arse.”

“As if you would dare.” Archibald picked up his hat. “My lady, it pains me to share this confidence with you, but Venables mentioned last night that he’s leased Walden Hall to a friend for the summer. Marriage to me will save you the embarrassment of becoming a burden on your family. I will see you again tomorrow, and every day until you accept.”

Blythe lifted her chin. “I will not be at home to you when you call.”

“You’ll come around soon enough. Good day, my dear.” He slowly sauntered out, leaving Blythe alone with Leopold.

Leopold crossed the chamber until he stood before her. “Forgive my intrusion. Wilcox was concerned for your welfare.”

“Wilcox sent for you? Was he spying on me?”

Leopold laughed suddenly. “He said it was the first time you had raised your voice loud enough to be heard in another chamber. He feared you were not having much luck convincing Archibald that his affections were not returned and thought I might help convince him to go away. Are you all right?”

Blythe covered her face. “He wouldn’t listen.”

“So I gathered. Is it true what Archibald said about leasing Walden Hall?”

Blythe pressed her hand to her brow. “I don’t know. My stepson has not shared any such plans with me. If they exist, he is yet to inform me of his intentions for Walden Hall.”

Leopold patted her arm awkwardly. “Mercy has gone to fetch Edwin. She thought the boy would turn your mind from the unpleasantness.”

A tear fell down her cheek as she nodded. “Edwin is a balm on any blighted day.”

“It’s the dimples,” Leopold said without smiling as he handed over his handkerchief.

A laugh escaped her control. “Only a father would claim that.”

He grinned, displaying both deep dimples in his cheeks.

Blythe pressed the linen to her eyes. She needed more comfort than a square of linen and her sister’s future husband’s presence. She needed something better. Safer. A sob tore from her throat and Leopold drew her into his arms. “He’s gone now,” he said.

His embrace was light and she didn’t push him away immediately. She was keenly aware that Leopold wasn’t at all like Tobias and it was his embrace she wished for.

She eased away from Leopold and dabbed at her eyes. Tobias had never forced his attentions on her, except once, and she wasn’t sure if their first kiss had even been given because he desired her. She had never wanted anyone but Raphael until now.

When Tobias kissed her, she never considered asking him to stop, but he always drew away before things became too heated between them. It shocked her that Tobias’ improper pursuits these past weeks had been more gentlemanlike than her proper suitors. Tobias had completely turned her head around.