Page 11 of Marriage Most Scandalous
His eyes were suddenly all over her. She blushed but said curtly, “None of that, now. I know what a ladies’ man you were, before the tragedy.”
His manner stiffened again now that he’d recovered from the surprise, and he was scowling at her. Because she’d mentioned the tragedy?
“You’re here with your husband?” he asked.
“I don’t have one yet.”
“Your father, then?”
“He died six years ago. And before you come up with any more relatives you think should be accompanying me, let me clarify my situation for you. I currently live alone, since I am quite old enough to do so.”
“What about your sister? Did she marry?”
“Oh, yes—and died. But I’ll get to that.”
She blamed Sebastian for Eleanor’s death. She’d been hoping she could deal with him without that getting in the way, but she wasn’t so sure now. He was definitely not the charming young man from her memories.
She continued, “I had a guardian. He suggested I have a comeout. I laughed at him. I suggested he should marry me. He laughed at me. We get on very well. I’ve come to consider him my friend rather than my guardian. And I’m twenty-three now, so he’s no longer officially my guardian. But I lived in his home for four years after my father died. I still visit him from time to time, and occasionally act as his hostess when he finds it necessary to entertain. His daughter-in-law is useless in that regard.”
“Is there a reason you’re telling me about your guardian, or do you just like to hear yourself talk?”
“Not such a charmer anymore, eh?” she said dryly.
He just stared at her, waiting for his answer. She gave it to him. “My guardian was your father.”
“Bloody hell,” he swore. “Not another word about my family, d’you hear? Not one!”
She tsked, ignoring the ominous look that had come over him. “You’ll be hearing more’n one, Sebastian. It’s why I’m here. I’m quite fond of your father, you see, and I fear for his life. I suspect that your brother and his wife have gotten tired of waiting for their titles.”
He reached across the corner of the table separating them, grasped the front of her jacket, and yanked her forward so her face was mere inches from his. “What part of ‘not another word’ didn’t you understand?”
Margaret was actually intimidated. There wasn’t much that could dent her dauntless nature, but he looked positively frightening with his golden eyes aglow. Still, she took a deep breath, reminding herself who he was and who she was. Calmly, at least she hoped she appeared calm, she pried his fingers off of her jacket.
“Don’t do that again,” she said simply.
“It’s time for you to leave, Lady Margaret.”
“No, it’s time for you to listen. Good God, man, lives are at stake! Show some semblance of your former noblesse and—”
Margaret stopped, incredulous. He was walking away from her! Intimidating her hadn’t worked, so without a by your leave he was simply exiting the room. She supposed that was better than him tossing her out, but really, this was intolerable.
“Coward.”
He stopped, his back to her, stiff as thick metal. She immediately regretted using that particular word. She amended, “That is to say—”
She didn’t finish again. He turned, burning her with his eyes. She found herself holding her breath.
“The problem here,” he said in a tone that was deceptively conversational, “is you’ve made the assumption that I give a damn about a family that disowned me, when I don’t.”
“Rubbish. Blood is blood, and you were very close to your father before—”
“That was then. It sure as hell has nothing to do with now.”
“He overreacted. Did you ever consider that?” “Did he tell you that?”
Margaret stifled a groan, forced to admit, “Well, no, he never mentioned you a’tall during my stay there.”
He turned to leave again. His total lack of concern appalled her. Of course, she hadn’t gotten to the heart of the problem yet.
