Page 8 of The Lady’s Great Escape

He stood straighter, an obvious attempt to intimidate her with his height, but he was not as tall as Gray or Kit and she was able to stand up to them quite well.

Narrowing her eyes, she stared at him steadily as she planned her retort, but it was Nettie who spoke.

“I’m sure a man such as you has not been with many women of virtue, but I can assure you, women of later years do not always provide such proof.”

Edward looked at the woman as if she were too vulgar to address so Celia patted her maid in thanks for trying before attempting to explain in a more polite manner.

“I’m certain that same maid has also reported that your grandfather and I shared a bed. And as a mature woman can also confirm that it is common for women who marry later in life not to leave any evidence?”

She had brought color to his cheeks, either from embarrassment or anger. She didn’t care which.

“They have the ability to confirm such things with a medical examination. Would you undergo such an examination to prove you were my grandfather’s true wife?”

She gasped. “I certainly would not. I can’t believe you would suggest such a thing.” It was not unheard of for these matters to be called into question. Especially when large sums of money were involved. “Certainly, you do not intend to call my reputation into question?”

“I do if you have not earned the settlement you’ve been given.”

“My husband, your grandfather, signed the agreement for the settlement himself. If you do not trust me, then perhaps you will trust that he would not have done so if our marriage was not legitimate.”

“My grandfather was quite aged. It would not be the first time a young woman has taken advantage of an older man to secure her wealth.”

“My settlement is nothing when compared to the gross fortune you have inherited. It’s been three years since he passed. What reason do you have for calling this into question now?”

His face went splotchy with color and he glanced away. “There were some investments that didn’t go the way they should have.”

“You’ve lost the money?” The situation must have been dire indeed for him to resort to this tactic. Celia remembered how dangerous her father could be when he’d run out of options. There was nothing more frightening than a desperate man.

“It’s none of your concern.” He straightened, looking offended, even though it was she who should be offended. Or would be if his claims were untrue.

“You are despicable,” she said because that was one thing that could not be debated. Whether or not she had slept with her husband or not, this man was an utter arse.

“You didn’t consummate the marriage and I shall prove it.” He smiled, a terrifying curve of his thin lips.

She looked around to see a number of bystanders staring at them, though not close enough to hear their conversation. Still, they were making a scene. Celia did not need other people questioning the validity of her marriage to Hamlin. Ignoring Edward was one thing, but if gossips of the ton got wind of this potential scandal, it would be too much.

“This conversation is over.” She and Nettie turned away and continued down the street.

“For now. But I will plead my case to the House of Lords and they will require an examination,” he threatened. “They do not take kindly to their peers being duped.”

“If you’ll excuse me. I have somewhere better to be.”

“Don’t worry about him,” Nettie said. “No one will listen to him.”

Celia wasn’t so sure. It had happened previously.

She was still shaking a few blocks later when she reached the bookstore. Hiding behind one of the shelves, she allowed a few deep breaths to steady herself.

Edward’s accusations were thin speculation at best. But if he could convince a few of the stodgy lords there was proof to his claim. An examination, if one was required, would prove she and Arthur had never consummated the marriage. She could be in danger of losing her independence.

Gray would never turn her out or force her into marriage. But she’d promised herself she’d never allow her choices to be taken from her ever again.

Her thoughts turned to one of those choices specifically. Her plan to take a lover had been an adventurous dream, but now it was like a necessity.