It may have been a poor choice, but it was mine. 'I wasn't your wife then, and he didn't take advantage. You're the Monster of Mayfair, not the Murderer.' A pistol would be the most efficient method perhaps, but will it be too quick to be satisfying? And I'm wondering if I'll have time to off both of them in one night, or if I'll be forced to stop over in some miserable inn.' 'Primarily, I'm debating how best to kill both this squire's son and your father. 'A great many.' He rolled onto his back and folded his hands behind his head. Perhaps her father was right, and he'd believe he'd been sold a bill of damaged goods. If he was angry with her, she couldn't blame him. Not every man would condemn her for such an indiscretion, perhaps-but a titled gentleman would have genuine, understandable concern. But you're right, I should have told you anyway.' Guilt moved through her like a cold wind. 'Emma, you should have told me this.'Įmma's heartbeat faltered. He was silent for several moments, and when he spoke his voice was low and stern. She swallowed back the bitter lump in her throat. She would never allow another young woman to face that sort of rejection and abandonment. This was why she had to help Davina Palmer. ? Giles had disappointed and misused her, but Father was the man who'd broken her heart. She'd known society would judge her harshly for her mistake, but her own father. He told me no decent man would ever want me, and that I was to leave his house at once and not bother coming back.'Įven six years later, the pain felt as fresh as if it were yesterday. He called me a strumpet, a jezebel, said he didn't blame the young man for refusing. What treatment did I expect, he asked, going about in a harlot-red dress. My father didn't even attempt to force his hand. I hadn't any brothers to defend my honor, and my father. Someone should have brought the knave up to scratch.' Apparently there'd been some family understanding that he would wed a distant cousin.' Then he refused to marry me-which was devastating.

'We were caught together, which was humiliating enough. She skipped over the details of the encounter.

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