Page 73 of A Lady's Tantalising Portrait
“Rachel?” Her father came in and spotted her mother. “There you are. Get your bags. We are going home to put his madness behind us.”
Rachel stared at him. “I am not going anywhere with you two so you can use me as a pawn. I am married to William, and nothing you say will change that.”
Her father came closer. “I do not think you understand. We are taking you home from this reckless jaunt of yours.”
“I—”
“Rachel?” William’s voice came from the stairwell behind them. “What is taking—oh.”
“You!” Her father advanced against William. “You are the lawless riff-raff who seduced my daughter to use her. I will have you arrested.”
“Use me how?” Rachel shot back. “Is he here asking you for your precious money? Is he holding me hostage for it?”
“One day when we are gone, our fortune falls to you,” Lady Mary said. “It is clear to see that he is a fortune-hunter and sees you as a path to it.”
Rachel was astounded and bristled. “Lord Strathmore is more of a fortune hunter than William is, and I take umbrage to your insinuation.”
“Then why is he with you?” her mother sneered.
“Because I love her,” William said staunchly while wrapping an arm around her waist. “I know you do not believe in true romantic love, but that is how I feel about Rachel.”
“I am not convinced,” her mother snapped. “You, a homeless man- how will you give my daughter the care she deserves?”
“Not true,” William said. “I just inherited a home in Waltham Cross and two thousand pounds a year.”
“Two thousand,” her mother laughed. “One of Rachel’s dresses cost five hundred pounds.”
“It does not matter,” Rachel spoke up as she realized that nothing she could do or say would convince her parents otherwise. “I’m sorry, I tried to obey you, but I had to obey my heart first. William and I got to Gretna Green within three days by Mail Coach. The truth is I could not marry Lord Strathmore. I am happy with William. He might not be rich, but he makes me happy, and that is all I care about, even if you do not. Do not hate me for something you do not have.”
Lady Mary was furious, “That is the last straw. You’re disowned, Rachel. You have made your bed, so lie in it. Do not come to us for anything!”
The sting did not hit as hard as Rachel knew her mother wanted. “I understand.”
“You are insolent,” Lady Mary snapped.
“I am happy,” Rachel recounted.
“You will live with these choices,” her mother added.
“I will, and I’ll be happy with them,” Rachel said while leaning into William’s comforting hold. “You cannot change my mind. Goodbye Mother.”
After a shared look, her mother stalked out first, leaving her father to look at William with a few parting words. “Treat her right.”
“I promise.”
The Duke left with a curt nod, leaving Rachel to sag into William’s arms in relief. “I had not expected that.”
“Neither did I.” He kissed her temple. “Do you think Miss Colton told them?”
“Most likely, and if she did, she will be joining us at your home soon,” Rachel rubbed her eyes. “May we forget them for a while?”
“Come back to bed,” William brushed her cheek. “I will take care of you.”
She knew he meant more than that day or that night. He meant for the rest of their lives. Smiling, Rachel said, “I know you will.”
THE END
