Free The Accidental Princess by Michelle Willingham Page A

cheek and the bandage across his nose. No doubt the wounds were from his brawl with Lieutenant Thorpe.
    Only years of training made her dip into a curtsy. She’d changed her gown three times in an effort to delay the inevitable. Only when her mother had arrived to escort her in person did she finally enter the drawing room.
    Lady Rothburne sent the baron a blinding smile, gripping Hannah’s wrist so hard that the skin turned white. ‘Lord Belgrave, it was kind of you to pay a call under these…circumstances.’
    ‘It was my pleasure, Lady Rothburne.’
    Another jerk of the wrist, and Hannah understood her mother’s silent rebuke. All right. If she had to endure this charade, so be it.
    ‘Lord Belgrave.’ She didn’t care how icy her tone was; the sooner she could get rid of him, the better.
    ‘Lady Hannah, I believe you know why I have come.’ He patted the seat beside him in an obvious invitation.
    ‘And I believe you know what my answer is.’ Hannah remained standing, her arms crossed. ‘Your visit was a waste of time, I am afraid.’
    ‘Hannah—’ Lady Rothburne implored. ‘Do be kind enough to at least listen to Lord Belgrave.’
    Though she wanted to fight back, to lash out at her mother, Hannah found herself sinking into a chair. Out of habit, she fell silent, as if a shroud had fallen over her. Choking off any hint of defiance, she listened to Belgrave speak.
    ‘I offer my apologies for what happened the other evening,’ the baron began. ‘But, Lady Hannah, I believe it would be in your best interest to consider my offer.’ He went on to describe his different estates, both in London and Yorkshire. And of course, how much of an honour it would be to join their families together.
    Hannah didn’t listen to a word of it. Did Belgrave honestly believe that she would consider him, after the abduction? Andwere her parents so swept up in his money and family name that they would ignore what he’d done?
    ‘We are pleased that you would still consider our daughter,’ Lady Rothburne said. ‘I am sure Hannah understands the necessity of protecting her reputation.’ Brightening her smile, the Marchioness offered, ‘I have ordered a picnic basket from Cook, and you both may wish to discuss wedding plans outside in the garden. It is a lovely day, and it would allow you to become better acquainted.’
    ‘I would welcome the opportunity,’ Belgrave answered.
    ‘But, Mother, I—’
    ‘Would next Tuesday morning suit, for the wedding?’ the Marchioness interrupted.
    ‘I am certain I can procure a special licence in time,’ Belgrave reassured her mother. ‘The archbishop will understand the need for haste.’
    Say it. Tell them you’ll never marry a man like him.
    Hannah gripped the edge of her chair, and finally broke in. ‘No.’
    Her word came out too softly, and neither her mother, nor Lord Belgrave, seemed to notice.
    ‘A quiet wedding would be best,’ Belgrave suggested. ‘Don’t you think?’
    ‘No,’ Hannah tried again, this time louder and filled with all of her frustration. ‘I don’t think so.’
    Lord Belgrave rose from his seat and came to stand beside her chair. His large fingers reached out to rest upon her shoulder. The weight of his palm was a firm reminder, not an act of comfort.
    And suddenly, her mother’s discussions of how a husband would have full dominion over her body made Hannah jerk away. She couldn’t lie on her back and let a man like Belgrave do what he wished. Good wives were supposed to submit to their husbands, but, God help her, she could never let him touch her.
    She didn’t know where the words came from, only that she couldn’t bear it any longer. ‘There will not be a wedding.’ Her voice shook with nerves, sounding more uncertain than she’d intended. ‘I won’t agree to it. And if you will excuse me, I intend to retire to my room.’
    Her mother scurried forward to try to stop her, but Belgrave lifted his hand. ‘Forgive me, Lady Rothburne,