Page 8 of Duchess Needed
“Ah, you must be Lord Hartmoor,” Edward grinned, looking far too pleased to Phoebe, who could not imagine the reason for his excitement. “Forgive my sudden arrival, although I believe that you were expecting me. I am here for my wife. Miss Danvers?”
Phoebe was about to ask Constance to fetch Anna, when the duke shifted his gaze to her and asked,
“Are you ready, Miss Phoebe Danvers?”
And suddenly, the room seemed to tilt on its axis. She blinked, glancing at Rowland to make sure that she was not the only one who had caught that slip up, shivers running down her spine when she faced the duke and found him staring right at her.
“Y-Your Grace, I am not –”
“What is the meaning of this, Phoebe? What does he mean he is here for his wife? And why is he addressing you?” Rowland inquired, his brows drawn together in confusion.
Phoebe forced herself to breathe as she held up a hand in an effort to calm her brother, stepping back slightly so she could address the two men.
“I-I think there has been some sort of misunderstanding, Your Grace. When we met, I clearly expressed that my sister would make a wonderful wife for you. She is a suitable match, and I – I swear, Rowland, I spoke to him on Anna’s behalf. Not for myself.” She explained, breathing heavily.
Edward tilted his head slightly, seemingly amused by her words and when she faced him again, he said,
“There is no misunderstanding, Miss Danvers. As... reverting as it was to listen to you list all the wonderful qualities of your sister, while I am sure that she is a splendid young lady, I am not interest in her. It is you, I want.”
Phoebe stared at him in shock, wondering if perhaps this was all some sort of display of entertainment. There was no possible way this man – a man who had everything and could get whatever more his heart desired, would look at her and want her.
“Why?” she heard herself mumble, loud enough for him to hear. “Why me?”
“It is simple, really – I need a practical match. Hence why I went through all the trouble of having my desire for a wife advertised in the local newspaper. I was never interested in debutants – which is why I did not resort to attending social events or attempt to court anyone before settling down with her, if she met my standards. I prefer a woman who is more mature.” He paused, glancing between them. “I did some research on your family, and I am aware that the sister you would have me marry is on the verge of a social extermination, due to her recent involvement in a scandal. So here is my proposal; I will save her from that nasty fate, as long as Miss Danvers here agrees to be my wife.”
“No,” Rowland stated firmly. “We appreciate your offer, Your Grace, but –”
“Wait, Rowland,” Phoebe held his hand and tugged him to her side as she addressed the duke. “What is it you really want? What do you hope to gain from this and how do you intend to save Anna?”
“Listen to me, Phoebe – you cannot do this. I do not feel comfortable handing you over to him, just like that. We do not know what his intentions are, and things could be much worse than they are now if we blindly agree to his demands,” Rowland hissed quietly, so only she could hear.
“I know, I know, brother. I understand, but with our situation as bad as it is right now, we do not have much of a viable choice. But he is being forthcoming with his intentions. Perhaps we ought to listen to him, at least. Please,” she replied softly.
Rowland was reluctant, even more so after he glanced up at the duke and was met with an open, bemused expression. But when Phoebe squeezed his hand gently, he relented, allowing her to face the duke who had been watching the interaction with an interesting expression on his face.
“Your Grace, how do you intend to help us?” she asked him again.
“Well, the matter of the scandal is quite simple. We’ll get rid of the scandal sheets in circulation – right down to the source. Once we silence those spreading the rumors, we’ll give the people something else to talk about and before long, people will have forgotten all about it. If you’d like, I will ensure Lord Brightwood is punished for his transgressions as well.” Edward informed cordially.
Phoebe frowned, feeling as though his words were too good to be true. “Do you... really believe that will work? Your idea seems logically sound, but will it be so simple?”
“It will be for me. I have the resources and abilities to do so. You needn’t worry – all you need to do is marry me and all your worries shall be taken care of.” He assured easily.
“That sounds too good to be true,” Rowland remarked as he narrowed his gaze at the duke.
“To you, perhaps, and understandably so. Trust me – it will be in my best interest to ensure the well-being of my wife’s familyis taken care of. You have my word that this will be resolved smoothly.” The duke said with a smirk.
Rowland seemed irritated still, but his eyes looked thoughtful as he turned to Phoebe. After a moment, he asked her sincerely,
“Do you wish to do this? Marry him? We can find another way – no matter how long it might take.”
Phoebe glanced at the duke and nodded as she faced her brother once more.
“I am certain I want to do this. This is the only way we have at this moment. It might be worth a shot.” She stated, standing straighter.
Rowland appeared dissatisfied with her reply, but he seemed to disregard whatever reservations he still had in favor of addressing the duke again.
“Phoebe has agreed, and as such, I will respect her decision. Regardless, I hope I do not need to include a request for her well-being to be prioritized as a part of the deal.”
