Free The Handmaiden's Necklace by Kat Martin Page B

it’s something you need to find out.”
    He scoffed. “Why? Lots of people marry for reasons other than love.”
    “You said you wished there was something you could do to make up for what happened in the past.”
    “I said that. As far as I can see there isn’t a damn thing I can do.”
    “If the lady doesn’t love the man she is going to wed,then you might consider wedding her yourself. She could return to England, to her aunt and her family. More important, marrying her would end the gossip, set the wagging tongues to rest and make your lady’s innocence clear once and for all.”
    Rafe’s chest squeezed. There was a time he had wanted to marry Danielle above all things. That time was long past—wasn’t it?
    Or had the thought been brewing in his head ever since he had found out the truth of her innocence? Was that the true reason he had gone to see the Earl of Throckmorton in regard to his betrothal to Mary Rose?
    He had asked the earl that the wedding be postponed and was surprised—and secretly relieved—when the earl suggested the betrothal be ended completely.
    “I believe I have made a mistake where my daughter is concerned,” the earl had said. “Mary Rose is so young, so innocent. A worldly man like you…a man so much older. It’s obvious you’re a virile man of very strong appetites…to put it bluntly, Your Grace, my daughter is completely intimidated by you, and particularly frightened of sharing a bed with you. I don’t believe, even over time, that is going to change.”
    Rafe could hardly believe his ears. The man was giving up the chance to wed his daughter to a duke. It simply did not happen in the world of the ton.
    “Are you certain ending the betrothal is what Mary Rose wants? I would be patient with her…give her a chance to get used to me.”
    “I’m certain you would, Rafael. I hope you understand I am doing what I believe is best for my daughter.”
    It was surprising, and Rafe gave high marks to the earl. “I understand completely. And I respect you greatly for putting your daughter’s best interests first. I’m grateful for your honesty and I wish Mary Rose every happiness.”
    Though he should have been depressed, should have been angry that his plans for the future had been ruined for the second time in his life, Rafe had left the house feeling as if a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He didn’t understand it. He had imagined a future, a family, with Mary Rose.
    He looked up at Max Bradley, sipping brandy in the parlor of his suite. “Though I admit the notion of marrying Danielle has merit, there is the small matter of her dislike of me. If I asked for her hand, she would most certainly refuse.”
    “I suppose that’s for you to find out. And of course, there is the not so small matter of whether or not you still care for the girl.”
    Did he care? Today he had looked at Dani and seen her as he had five years ago, seen her without the taint of his hatred, a beautiful young woman, intelligent and caring. A woman innocent of the betrayal he had so ruthlessly accused her of committing.
    “I want Danielle to be happy. I owe her that much and I am determined to see that it happens—one way or another.”
    Max clapped him on the shoulder. “Well, then, good luck, my friend. It sounds like you’re going to need it.” Max took a final sip of his brandy and set the glass down on the mahogany table in front of the sofa. “In the meantime, I’ve got a number of things to do. If my information proves correct, I may need your help.”
    Rafe had told Colonel Pendleton he would help in any way he could. “Just let me know what you need me to do.”
    Max simply nodded. Seconds later he was gone from the room, disappearing as quietly as he had arrived, and Rafe’s thoughts returned to Danielle.
    He owed her the chance at happiness that he had stolen from her. To do that, he needed to know more about the man she was to wed.
    Rafe smiled grimly.
    Rising from