unexceptional.”
“True,” Jane agreed, “but if he is hanged for piracy…Marriage under such a cloud would prove socially difficult for Aurora, if not impossible.”
“Her standing in society should shield her somewhat. And remember, Nick is not without noble family of his own. His cousin, the Earl of Wycliff, will be a formidable ally.”
“Yet she would return to England a widow, have you considered that?”
“Which could be a decided advantage. I’ve never liked the thought of her having to marry Halford. If Aurora is a widow, it wouldn’t be proper for her to wed until a decent interval had passed, and Halford would have to look elsewhere for a bride. Of course then she would not become a duchess, which
is
a drawback.”
Aurora didn’t care for the way they were discussing her future as if she weren’t present. “Am I to be given a say in the matter?” she asked.
Jane looked contrite. “Forgive me, dearest. I suppose we became carried away because we care so much. But Percy is right. You should give Mr. Sabine’s proposal serious consideration.”
“I thought you said he was dangerous,” Aurora replied, frankly surprised by Jane’s endorsement. “You called him a notorious adventurer, did you not?”
“Most certainly. Any man with his reputation would be dangerous to young,
single
ladies. But an offer of marriage changes the circumstances altogether. Matrimony can render even the worst sort of rakehell respectable. And this could very well be the answer to your dilemma, Aurora. I know how you dread having to wed Halford. As your husband he would be as controlling as your father, and you’ll find it repugnant, being forced to live under his domineering thumb and to bear his children.” Jane gave a delicate shudder. “Sabine is the lesser of two evils by far.”
Aurora managed the ghost of a smile. “That is hardly a glowing recommendation for a husband.”
“He isn’t an ideal choice, I grant you. But his wealth can compensate for a multitude of sins.”
“Do you realize how mercenary that sounds?”
“I am only being practical, Aurora. A generous jointure would allow you a vast measure of independence. You could not only escape your father’s demands that you marry, but you could set up your own household as well.”
“You would condone defying my father?” she asked skeptically, not quite believing Jane’s seditious counsel. “He will be incensed if I am unable to wed Halford as I agreed.”
Percy answered for his wife. “You were compelled to agree to your father’s choice under duress, Aurora. He would never have permitted you to accept our invitation here had you not promised to wed Halford when you returned to England. In any event, I would be more deserving of his wrath than you. I gave him my word that I would look after your welfare. I believe, however, that by championing your marriage to Sabine, I would be acting in your best interests. Just not in the manner your father expected.”
Aurora fell silent, thinking grimly of her stern, illustrious father. Not even Percy realized how violent the Duke of Eversley’s temper could be. For the most part, she had been a dutiful daughter; rightly or wrongly, she possessed a strong sense of family loyalty and obligation due her rank. But she would be crossing her father with a vengeance by making such a scandalous marriage.
Jane rose and went to her, putting a comforting arm around her waist. “Perhaps I’m callous to say so, Aurora, but it isn’t as if the union would be permanent. You could even look at it as if Sabine were merely lending you his name. Once you leave here, you will never see him again. You wouldn’t have to spend your life tied to a man you don’t love.”
Reminded that Nicholas Sabine was to lose his life, Aurora squeezed her eyes shut.
“I know how much you loved Geoffrey, my dear,” Jane murmured, apparently mistaking the reason for her despair. “But it will only compound your misery to
“True,” Jane agreed, “but if he is hanged for piracy…Marriage under such a cloud would prove socially difficult for Aurora, if not impossible.”
“Her standing in society should shield her somewhat. And remember, Nick is not without noble family of his own. His cousin, the Earl of Wycliff, will be a formidable ally.”
“Yet she would return to England a widow, have you considered that?”
“Which could be a decided advantage. I’ve never liked the thought of her having to marry Halford. If Aurora is a widow, it wouldn’t be proper for her to wed until a decent interval had passed, and Halford would have to look elsewhere for a bride. Of course then she would not become a duchess, which
is
a drawback.”
Aurora didn’t care for the way they were discussing her future as if she weren’t present. “Am I to be given a say in the matter?” she asked.
Jane looked contrite. “Forgive me, dearest. I suppose we became carried away because we care so much. But Percy is right. You should give Mr. Sabine’s proposal serious consideration.”
“I thought you said he was dangerous,” Aurora replied, frankly surprised by Jane’s endorsement. “You called him a notorious adventurer, did you not?”
“Most certainly. Any man with his reputation would be dangerous to young,
single
ladies. But an offer of marriage changes the circumstances altogether. Matrimony can render even the worst sort of rakehell respectable. And this could very well be the answer to your dilemma, Aurora. I know how you dread having to wed Halford. As your husband he would be as controlling as your father, and you’ll find it repugnant, being forced to live under his domineering thumb and to bear his children.” Jane gave a delicate shudder. “Sabine is the lesser of two evils by far.”
Aurora managed the ghost of a smile. “That is hardly a glowing recommendation for a husband.”
“He isn’t an ideal choice, I grant you. But his wealth can compensate for a multitude of sins.”
“Do you realize how mercenary that sounds?”
“I am only being practical, Aurora. A generous jointure would allow you a vast measure of independence. You could not only escape your father’s demands that you marry, but you could set up your own household as well.”
“You would condone defying my father?” she asked skeptically, not quite believing Jane’s seditious counsel. “He will be incensed if I am unable to wed Halford as I agreed.”
Percy answered for his wife. “You were compelled to agree to your father’s choice under duress, Aurora. He would never have permitted you to accept our invitation here had you not promised to wed Halford when you returned to England. In any event, I would be more deserving of his wrath than you. I gave him my word that I would look after your welfare. I believe, however, that by championing your marriage to Sabine, I would be acting in your best interests. Just not in the manner your father expected.”
Aurora fell silent, thinking grimly of her stern, illustrious father. Not even Percy realized how violent the Duke of Eversley’s temper could be. For the most part, she had been a dutiful daughter; rightly or wrongly, she possessed a strong sense of family loyalty and obligation due her rank. But she would be crossing her father with a vengeance by making such a scandalous marriage.
Jane rose and went to her, putting a comforting arm around her waist. “Perhaps I’m callous to say so, Aurora, but it isn’t as if the union would be permanent. You could even look at it as if Sabine were merely lending you his name. Once you leave here, you will never see him again. You wouldn’t have to spend your life tied to a man you don’t love.”
Reminded that Nicholas Sabine was to lose his life, Aurora squeezed her eyes shut.
“I know how much you loved Geoffrey, my dear,” Jane murmured, apparently mistaking the reason for her despair. “But it will only compound your misery to
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