The Bachelor Earl - Darcy Burke Page 0,33
he followed, slowly sinking to the settee. She’d rehearsed what to say, but the words flew from her mind. “Mr. Sterling—Peter. I’m afraid I must refuse your wonderful proposal.”
His frown returned and deepened. “If it’s wonderful, why would you refuse it?”
Oh dear, was he going to be difficult? No, she would give him the benefit of the doubt. He would be disappointed, of course. “Because I love another.” It was the truth, and she saw no reason to lie. “It is no fault of yours, I assure you. If not for…this other person, I believe I would have accepted your proposal.”
Yes, she would have. Cecilia was right—she didn’t like being alone.
He pressed his lips together, his eyes darkening as he averted his gaze toward the window. At length, he said, “I see. I am disappointed.”
“For that, I am sorry.”
“Your letters were rather encouraging,” he said with a hint of accusation.
Damn, apparently he was going to be difficult. She wanted to be on her way!
“I thought we might suit, but I realized yesterday that I have deep feelings for someone else. I would have communicated that to you in my next letter—instead of inviting you to visit, which you did anyway.” She let her own accusation float in the air between them.
“Yes, and it was quite a journey.”
“I’m sorry you regret coming.”
“It isn’t that.” He took a breath and exhaled. Then he seemed to…pout. “I regret that you do not return my affection.”
Affection? Still no mention of love. Genie was incredibly relieved she hadn’t accepted his proposal. She acknowledged it was foolish to think she could marry twice for love, but she didn’t think she could wed for any other reason. She thought of what Lady Clinton had said about her two different marriages—one for love and one for convenience—and knew she couldn’t do that.
“You deserve someone who does.” Genie rose, eager to end the visit. She didn’t see any reason to prolong things.
He slowly got to his feet. “Well, I am shocked by your answer.” He narrowed one eye at her. “Are you certain?”
“I am.”
“What if this fellow doesn’t love you in return? My offer would still remain.”
Oh, he was really being difficult! “That is most kind of you, but I won’t change my mind,” she said firmly. “I do appreciate you coming all this way, and I’m sorry things aren’t different.” She cringed inwardly because she wasn’t. She had been earlier, but now, she was quite ready to see Mr. Sterling’s back as he left.
He hesitated a moment, then finally said, “Good day, Your Grace.”
“Have a safe journey, Mr. Sterling.” Genie watched as he turned and departed the sitting room.
Not wanting to waste a moment, Genie dashed from the room. She would leave as soon as possible. Now that she knew what she wanted, she was anxious to pursue her heart’s desire.
Hopefully, Edmund felt the same, but she resolved to understand if the obstacles between them were too great. She prayed they were not—and that she hadn’t completely botched things at Blickton. It was entirely possible she had. For that, she had no one to blame but herself.
A groom ran to meet Edmund as he rode to the front of the Duke of Kendal’s magnificent manor house on his estate, Lakemoor. The afternoon sun streaming through the clouds bathed the brown stone in mottled but warm light. He’d been grateful for the fair weather, which had made for a speedy trip, particularly since he’d cut across fields the last several miles.
“Please take good care of him,” Edmund said to the groom. “We’ve ridden hard.” He stroked his horse’s nose and murmured words of appreciation and affection.
The lad nodded. “I will, sir.”
Edmund turned and strode to the door, which the butler held open. “The Earl of Satterfield to see the Duke,” Edmund said as he removed his hat and gloves.
The butler took his accessories. “I don’t believe he is expecting you, my lord.”
“He was not. Nevertheless, I am here.”
“Of course. Come with me.” The butler led Edmund to a large, well-appointed room. “If you’ll just wait here, I’ll inform His Grace you have arrived.”
Anticipation curled through Edmund. Anxiety had driven him to ride hard and fast, and now that he was here, he was keen to see Genie, but also apprehensive. She might still refuse him.
He prowled the room, and his gaze fell on the painting above the mantel. His breath halted, as did his feet. Captured in her youth, Genie stared back at him, a warm smile curving her