if there is a marriage, as it will add a layer of trust that has been lost. Further, Endellion will expect the same, as he always has.”
Wesley stared at the viscount. He didn’t expect Lynwood to really believe the nonsense so easily. Marry to keep a mythical god happy? Wesley understood marriage to bring peace, though even that seemed a bit archaic, but to do so because of fear of a mythical creature was beyond comprehension.
Wesley glanced about. Maybe all of this was in his imagination. Perhaps he was the one who was bloody mad and was really sitting in a cell in Bedlam, imagining he was here, with these people discussing the unbelievable and illogical.
He blinked and shook his head. He only wished that was the answer, but everything was real and everyone in this room was as mad.
With those thoughts he strode across the room and poured himself a glass of brandy. While Wesley knew there was certainly no god of the sea or a merman king, he did believe that the residents of both villages were superstitious enough to believe that marriage was in order, a sacrifice for Endellion.
“Who shall be married?” Somerton asked.
Everyone looked to Miranda, then Epworth.
“I believe that is obvious,” Her Grace pronounced.
“No,” Wesley and Miranda said at the same time, shocking everyone in attendance.
Her Grace blinked. “Whyever not? The two of you have been near courting for nearly three years, though I’d begun to despair that anything would ever come of your association.”
“We do not suit,” Miranda insisted.
“I agree,” Wesley added. As much as he loved her, and wanted her, Miranda didn’t want him.
Chapter 13
Epworth’s quick answer to the question of Her Grace was all Miranda needed to know. She’d hoped that after the way he’d kissed her in the attic, that Epworth might think of her as a potential bride. Clearly he did not, and her behavior had probably only lessened any respect he may have had for her. Nobody wanted a wife who so quickly and easily fell into lust.
Miranda’s face heated. Lust was exactly what she felt for Epworth. Oh, she loved him as well, but desire and lust had taken over and she must be careful never to be alone with him again.
Ever.
In fact, after her sister’s wedding was complete, Miranda hoped never to see Epworth again. Wanting him and loving him, despite the fact that he was blind to anything and everything that he’d decided was illogical, and knowing she was good enough to be kissed, but not worthy of marriage was too painful.
As the others made their way back to the public portion of the house to be with the wedding guests, Miranda slipped away. There must be some place she could go where she wouldn’t be bothered. Usually that was the attic, but she didn’t want to be anywhere she was reminded of the passion she and Epworth had shared. Instead, she made her way through the gardens, nodding to friends and acquaintances, and down the stone path that led to the beach. Unfortunately, the tide was too high, and had been for a few days, and she was only able to descend the stone steps a short way before there was nothing but water. Normally, there would still be at least a strip of sand she could walk upon, but the water had risen after Laswell wrecked the Bocka Morrow ship, and it was unlikely to recede before Endellion was appeased.
Miranda sank down onto the steps and looked out, wishing she could be the one to bring peace. Wishing Epworth wanted her as more than a friend.
A fierce wave rushed in, crashing against the rocks and the stairs, spraying Miranda with sea water. She quickly scrambled up the steps to be out of harm’s way. “We’ll fix this,” she called out, not even certain the merfolk could hear her.
“Fix what and who are you talking to?”
Miranda glanced up to find Epworth near the edge.
“Fix the problems caused by Laswell,” she grumbled and stalked past him. “I hoped someone could take my message to Endellion.”
Epworth pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Never mind. I know you don’t believe. You’ll never believe. How can I expect you to when you don’t even see what is standing before you,” Miranda yelled, then pulled back when she realized what she’d said.
She hadn’t meant to admit anything. Certainly not what was in her heart, and hopefully Epworth wouldn’t understand, or think she was talking about rough sea and not her love