Free One Whisper Away by Emma Wildes Page B

hard-to-define emotion. In Lord Drury’s case, he comes from a very highly regarded bloodline, has a solid fortune, and is considered to be respectable and even-tempered. What else could you ask for, pray tell?”
    The resulting silence was uncomfortable as she weighed her answer. How can silence be loud? Cecily wondered, yet somehow the quiet rang in her ears. The ducal study was a little overpowering as well, with towering bookcases and dark, heavy furniture and paintings of her father’s favorite horses lining the paneled walls.
    To a certain extent her father was right. She knew that in his mind he believed he was right. He hadn’t even mentioned that the viscount was also quite handsome—if you liked fair coloring and a pleasant smile, but she preferred men with long, dark hair and a dangerous reputation . . .
    Goodness, this was not the time to think about the controversial Jonathan Bourne. She shouldn’t think about the man at all.
    Eventually, she said, “I find his lordship agreeable enough, I suppose, but—”
    “Good, because I am very much in favor of this marriage. I wish for you to accept his proposal. Eleanor was remarkably stubborn her first season, and she is still unmarried as a result of it. I had several perfectly respectable offers for her hand, but she refused. I worry I’ll be too lenient with you.” He cleared his throat. “Especially considering the circumstances.”
    Oh, dear .
    “What circumstances?”
    “I’m told there are people talking about you, and not only do I not like it, but I will not sit by and let it affect your future. Drury is a good choice. I suggest you make it.”
    Damn, this was about the controversial Augustine.
    Speechless, Cecily went very still in her chair. This was not like her father—or at least not the man she remembered as a little girl. Only, she acknowledged with wooden practicality as she tried to assimilate this new development, she wasn’t a child any longer. The distance between them had lengthened as she grew older, and she hadn’t thought too much about it because life had changed so quickly as she and Eleanor had entered society, not to mention that he was, as always, a busy man.
    In retrospect, Roderick had tried to warn her, but it would have been better done stated bluntly that their father had this intention. Now she was off balance.
    And what about Elle?
    How do I handle this?
    “I—I—” It wouldn’t do to stammer. She took a deep breath and composed herself. “I don’t wish to marry Lord Drury.”
    “I get that impression. Why?”
    A vision of Jonathan Bourne came to mind, with his silky dark hair and a glint of wicked humor in his midnight eyes . . .
    But she could hardly say so.
    “The newly arrived Earl of Augustine has a less than perfect reputation.”
    Wonderful. Now her father could read her mind. Moreover, his steady gaze told her he’d specifically heard the details of the champagne incident. Not that she’d thought it would simply slide past him, but he did spend a lot of time taking care of his business ventures and she’d hoped it would. At least she could say in perfect truth, “I barely know him.”
    How true. Jonathan had never even asked to be formally introduced to her.
    “As far as I can discern from the rumors, he rides the streets at all hours.”
    “Hardly a crime,” she said, wondering if she should even be defending a man she didn’t know all that well.
    “But unusual, you must admit.”
    “Lord Augustine is quite unusual.” She inclined her head. “I think he is used to a bit more freedom than London provides him.”
    Her father’s gaze was steady and unrelenting. “Cecily, he has an illegitimate child he boldly brought into his household.”
    So that was the issue. Or part of it anyway.
    “Good for him,” she said recklessly. “At least he didn’t tuck her away in some remote part of the country and pretend she didn’t exist. I think it speaks well for his character rather than counting