Page 72 of Without Pride and Prejudice
“Oh, honey, he doesn’t believe that.”
I opened my mouth to disagree, but Dad beat me to the punch.
“I know what he said. He told me. Of course, as your dad, I gave him a stern talking-to.”
“Sure you did. I don’t think you know how to be stern.”
Dad smiled. “Guilty, but in my defense, I did try to let him have it. However, I didn’t need to. He’s sick about what he said. And, I think, more so about what he hasn’t said over the years.”
“And what’s that?”
“That he loves you and you’re the only woman for him. That’s been apparent since you were in school together.”
“He evaded a romantic relationship with me because I embarrass him.”
“I don’t believe that. I think he was raised in a cold environment where everyone, from his parents to society, taught him to behave in a certain way. And you, my love, taught him a different way. I think he wants that way of life more than anything—he just went about it poorly.” Dad chuckled.
“I don’t know, Dad,” I whined. “Did you see his face in the photo?”
“All I saw was a man not willing to leave you, even though he was uncomfortable.” Dad tapped my nose. “Now, what does that say about him?”
“Are you taking his side?” I teased.
“I’m always on your side. The thing is, I can’t imagine Alastair not by your side, and I don’t think you want that either. I know you have some things to work out, but my advice to you is not to let one foolish moment define the lifetime of love you two have already shared.”
Whoa. Those words hit hard. But ... “Dad, I’ll make him a social outcast. I don’t know if I have what it takes to hold a title.”
“I don’t think Alastair wishes to keep company with anyone who doesn’t want to be around you. And as far as you not being worthy of a title, that’s ridiculous. Aren’t duchesses involved in charitable causes? I can’t think of anyone who likes to help people more than you.”
“You mean who causes more disasters than me?”
“Honey, look what you just found out about Tony,” he growled his name. “What you thought was a disaster not only saved a family business, it saved you from marrying that louse. And the fact that you try to help counts more than you realize. Most people just need to know someone sees them and cares about them. That is your gift.”
I rested my head on Dad’s shoulder. “You know how to make a girl feel good and give her hope.” Hope that maybe Fitz and I didn’t have to say goodbye, and that just being Monroe wasn’t such a bad gig at all.
“You make it easy, kid.” Dad kissed my head. “Now get some rest. I love you.”
“Love you too, Dad.” I snuggled back into my pillow and closed my eyes, hoping I didn’t fall back into some strangedreamworld. It was weird how exhausted I was after having slept for so long. Not that it was a peaceful sleep. I had been trying to save one of the greatest stories of all time.
I didn’t get a lot of rest between being poked and prodded throughout the afternoon and having several tests run, including a CAT scan. Apparently, I was a medical miracle, as they couldn’t find anything wrong with me. But they were going to run more tests to make sure.
Dad, Anna, and Kingston stayed with me. Once I got the all clear and the nurses removed all the medical equipment, Anna helped me into some pink silk pj’s and fixed my hair. We discovered some nasty bruises on my body from the fall and a big knot on the back of my head. Only time would heal the bumps and bruises—and my heart—but I had hope for both, even though Fitz still hadn’t returned and Kingston was staying tight lipped about where he was.
It wasn’t until that evening while we were eating Thai takeout that Fitz strolled in, looking satisfied with himself. He came straight to me and sat on the bed, kissing my lips like he’d just come home from work and this was old hat for us.
“Uh. Hi.” I admit his brief peck of a kiss made the butterflies in my stomach not only dance, but twerk. It was way better than Mr. Darcy—not to say Mr. Darcy didn’t know how to kiss.
“Hello, darling.”
“I don’t know if you deserve to call me that yet.” Okay, yes, I loved it. It was cute that he called medarling, but we had some things to work out—big things.
“Oh really?” His freaking sexy left brow quirked debonairly. “Kingston, will you please turn on the telly?”
“Yes, sir.” He hopped to it.
Meanwhile, Fitz took my plate of food and placed it on the bedside table before taking my hand.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “You’re behaving oddly. What are you up to?”
