sleeping soundly in his bed and now was in search of his mother. He found her in the dining room eating her breakfast. “Good morning, Monroe. I was not aware that you arose this early.” She frowned. “Imagine, two breakfasts together since I arrived in London. I was not even aware you ate breakfast.”
“On occasion.” He poured himself a cup of coffee and sat across from her. “Well, Mother, you shall finally get your wish.”
She chewed thoughtfully and then took a sip of her tea. “And which wish is that?”
“You have a wedding to plan.” When she said nothing but merely raised her eyebrows, he added, “My wedding.”
Her smile nearly blinded him. She clapped her hands together. “You finally asked Caroline? I am so very pleased.”
“Wait, how the devil did you know it was Caroline?”
She waved her hand dismissively. “Roe, you’ve had eyes for that girl for years. Hell, you even courted a girl who looked like Caroline.”
Penelope. Damn if she hadn’t haunted his life lately like an unwanted ghost. Had that been why he pursued her to begin with? Certainly he’d noticed the similarities between the women. They favored one another, he recognized that.
“I know she’s been sweet on you. About time you two realized how you felt. A better match I haven’t seen in years. This is just positively splendid.”
“Feelings have nothing to do with this. I’ve taken liberties with her.” He took a deep breath. “I’d really prefer not to discuss the specifics with my mother, but suffice it to say things have transpired that cannot be undone. A wedding is our only recourse.” And he wanted to make certain he could protect her, keeping her here with him was the only way to do so.
“Is that how you proposed to her?”
He sipped at his coffee. “I haven’t asked her yet.”
She frowned. “Oh for heaven’s sake, Monroe, I should think I raised you better than that. I will not plan one single thing until you talk to Caroline herself.”
“Talk to Caroline about what?” His would-be bride stood in the doorway looking fresh-faced and far more rested than he knew she was. She was beautiful. “Tell me what, Roe?” she repeated.
He scowled at his mother who blinked at him innocently. “We shall marry.”
Caroline’s eyes narrowed. “I suppose you think I should be thrilled that you’ve demanded I marry you.”
“I thought it was what you wanted. To be my duchess.”
She rolled her eyes, looking exasperated. “Apparently what I want means nothing to you.”
“We have no choice, Caroline, I have ruined you. It is what must be done.”
“That’s why my efforts last night,” she eyed Millie, then swallowed. “That’s why I succeeded last night. You’d already decided on this, hadn’t you?”
“Caroline, it matters not. It is done. Now, there is no time for a proper courtship and wooing. Besides certainly you realize that I would be dreadful at such things.”
“I’m not asking you to court me, Roe. And since when do you give a fig about the right thing to do?” She practically stomped her foot. “You revel in defiling your title and doing as little as possible. Seducing an innocent shouldn’t be too far out of the expectations of the ton.” Then she glanced at Millie who sat at the table looking thoroughly entertained. “My apologies, Millie.”
“Don’t mind me,” his mother said. “Carry on. I’m merely here eating my breakfast.”
“Caroline,” Roe said. “I made promises to Christopher to take care of you and though I don’t think he meant this particular scenario, I will not go back on that promise. We will marry and you and Mother can plan everything.” He looked at his mother again. “Spare no expense. Caroline deserves the very best wedding since she’s getting me as a husband.” He stepped out of the room.
Well, that had gone splendidly.
Chapter Fifteen
“That was most assuredly the worst proposal I’ve ever heard,” Millie said once Roe left the room.
“Indeed.” It was the only thing Caroline could muster. She had longed to hear those words come from Roe. She’d had one imagining after another about how he would propose, how he’d get down on one knee and tell her that he’d finally come to his senses, realized that he couldn’t live without her. She’d imagined plenty of romantic scenarios like that, but never once had it gone like that. There were no declarations of love, only talk of practicality and duty. And she knew that she was doomed. She would never forget about her feelings for Roe being his wife.