Genevieve’s heart pounded against her ribs, and she took a sharp breath. Who was this man? But she did not dare to finish the thought.
“The Duke of Ravenshire.” Marianne stood up, dropping her hands to her sides.
The Duke stood before them, his jaw clenched as his gaze swept over the two women and landed on Genevieve with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.
“My Lady,” he began, his voice a low murmur. “I believe you have an appointment.”
Genevieve blinked, struggling to grasp the vision that had appeared before her. The Duke of Ravenshire stood tall in her parlor, exuding an air of authority that far surpassed Marianne’s description.
He is here to insist on carrying out his ridiculous proposal.
“I don’t,” she retorted, her voice laced with a defiance she did not quite feel. “And do try knocking before entering a lady’s parlor, Your Grace.”
Wilhelm’s lips curled into a humorless smirk. “Formalities seem rather trivial at this moment, would you not agree?” He stepped forward, his presence filling the room. “It is time for our wedding. Why are you not dressed?”
“Our wedding?” Genevieve scoffed, arching an eyebrow. “I assure you, Your Grace, I have no intention of marrying you or anyone else.”
“I am afraid that you have little choice in the matter, My Lady,” Wilhelm said wryly. “I have already obtained the license. The church is ready. Everything is ready. All that is missing is the bride, who,” he raised his index finger and traced her silhouette from where he stood, “does not seem quite ready for the event.”
Genevieve’s breath hitched.
This cannot be happening. Surely, he is not serious…
“You cannot force me into marriage,” she protested, her voice trembling just enough to betray her. “This is my house, and I refuse to be?—”
“Yourhouse?” Wilhelm interrupted, one eyebrow arched as he stroked his beard and shook his head. “I am afraid you have not heard the news yet. Your house,” he gestured around the room, “along with the rest of your late husband’s assets, now belongs to his heir. And I assure you, he is not inclined to be lenient with you. Quite the opposite, in fact. He insisted that you be removed from here with haste.”
Marianne gasped. “He is right, Genevieve. That must be what Lord Mirfield meant when we met him in Hyde Park.”
Genevieve’s heart sank. She had been so focused on the absurdity of the Duke’s proposal that she had overlooked the precariousness of her situation. She was about to be penniless, without prospects, and at the mercy of a man who clearly despised her.
Wilhelm watched her intently, his expression unreadable. “I am offering you the solution to your dilemma.” His voice softened slightly. “You will marry me. Today. I will provide you with a home, security, and an allowance that will ensure your comfort. I assure you that I intend to keep you… satisfied,” he promised as his twinkling eyes roamed over her lithe frame.
Genevieve’s cheeks flushed a deep red at his suggestive words, and she suddenly found it challenging to breathe.
“And what of you?” she snapped. “What do you gain from this arrangement?”
“An heir,” Wilhelm replied without hesitation.
Genevieve’s heart beat so fast that she could almost hear its frantic thump.
An heir? Does he genuinely believe I will agree to carry his children?
“What do you mean?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. “There are countless other women who would jump at the opportunity.”
Wilhelm’s eyes locked onto hers.
“You are not afraid of me, are you?” he asked.
Genevieve blinked hard, grappling with the inexplicable pull she felt towards this stranger. Though she hardly knew him, there was something remarkable about him that she could not quite put her finger on.
“Perhaps Ishouldbe afraid of you,” she countered.
Wilhelm’s lips curled into a subtle smile.
“Perhaps,” he agreed. “But I doubt you are one to cower before a simple, tortured man.” He rolled his eyes playfully before looking back at her, his expression once again serious.
Genevieve’s thoughts raced. He was right. She had faced far worse than a brooding duke with an odd reputation. She had survived the loss of her family, the whispers of the Ton, the cruelty of her uncle and her late husband’s cousin.
