Page 23 of Without Pride and Prejudice
“I will always be there for Monroe.”
“We’ll see,” Tony said arrogantly. “As far as I can tell, you’ve had plenty of time to make your move. The question is, why has it taken you so long?”
Bastard. Of course he was right, but it was a complicated situation and none of his damn business. At least I could claim that I’d been trying to protect her. “You only need to know that what’s best for you and for Monroe is for you to stay away from her.”
“What are you going to do to stop me?” Tony spat.
I’d been hoping he’d ask. “I already called my estate manager and tasked him with finding out exactly what you did to your family.” As soon as I’d departed from Monroe, the first thing I did was call Kingston. I didn’t care if I was breaking the rules. Tony showing up here spoke to something nefarious going on. Why would he show up for his honeymoon after rejecting the bride-to-be?
Tony faltered, clearing his throat. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Hmm. Interesting. I suppose that makes your mother a liar, then.”
“Don’t you talk about my mother.”
“Then leave Monroe alone. You don’t deserve her. You never did.”
“And you think you deserve her?” he seethed. “You think she wants your life? She won’t want to leave her family and her studio. She doesn’t fit into your world, and I think you know that.”
Yes, I knew that, but my world would never be complete without Monroe. I’d loved her like none other, and I couldn’t imagine my life without her. We had to try to make it work, if she was amenable. I had to believe our bond would make us the most passionate lovers, passionate enough to withstand the storms that would come our way.
When I didn’t answer, Tony added, “Look how your so-called friend and some of the staff treated her today. Is that what you want for her?”
Certainly, I didn’t want that. “Monroe will choose whom and what she wants. Here’s a clue: It’s not you.” I turned from the idiot to head for the scheduled lunch in character.
“I’m not done talking to you,” Tony called.
The other men in the room gaped wide eyed as I strode out, wondering what the hell I was doing. Then Monroe’s lyrical voice called from behind, echoing in the cavernous hall lined with priceless artwork and intricately carved statues.
“Mr. Darcy,” she seemed delighted to say.
I turned to see a vision in a soft-pink gown, smiling and walking my way. Her graceful movements only added to the allure of the sensually cut dress that enhanced her figure. Delicate white flowers wove through her silky dark hair. Behindher, unfortunately, was a group of the other players, including Winnifred. Mother would have to answer to me. I knew she was unhappy that I was spending the week with Monroe, but I hadn’t expected her to stoop so low as to send Winnifred here. As much as I admired Winnifred, I didn’t love her. I never had. She lacked a certain warmth I wished to have in a partner, which I knew was hypocritical of me, considering I am as cold as they come. But I wanted the comfort my childhood lacked, the warmth that Monroe showed me was possible.
As Monroe neared, I could see that something troubled her. No doubt Winnifred had gotten ahold of her. Our mothers had filled Winnifred’s head with fanciful ideas for the two of us. Perhaps I should have done a better job of quashing those ideas, but I’d hoped she would have realized by now that I had no interest in her romantically.
Monroe landed next to me, her eyes roving over my costume while her cheeks pinked.
“Do I look so ridiculous to you?”
“No,” she said, breathlessly. “It’s like an actual fantasy come to life.” She reached up tentatively and brushed her fingers delicately across my cravat. “Hello, Mr. Darcy,” she purred.
It took everything in me not to pull her flush against my body and show her I could be her fantasy and much more. Instead, I replied, “You’re stunning.”
She giggled.
“What?” I asked, confused by her response.
“I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that you realize I’m a girl.”
I took her hand and pulled her to me. “You’ve always been a woman to me.”
“Oh,” she squeaked.
I smiled at my ability to render her almost speechless. Unfortunately, the group of women trailing behind her caughtup to us, Winnifred at the forefront. Her eyes zeroed in on Monroe’s and my hands clasped together, and a look of horror washed over her face. Surely Winnifred knew my intentions toward Monroe, given my behavior in the marble hall. And she was smart enough to know that I wouldn’t come to a place like this in the name of friendship only. I knew I would have to address the matter at hand with Winnifred, but it would have to wait. First, I needed Monroe to know how I felt about her, and more importantly, I needed to know how she felt about me—about the thought of us.
“May I escort you to lunch, madam?” I offered my arm to Monroe, doing my best impression of Mr. Darcy, although I felt ridiculous. But I knew this was her dream, and I wished to be part of all her dreams.
When Monroe’s beautiful eyes lit up and she took my arm, it was worth feeling ludicrous. It gave me hope that despite all the obstacles in front of us, we could make it work.
