128. The Marquis is Deceived

“It’s not a joke, it’s the truth,” the Duke replied. “Craigmere wants a wife and he wants one quickly and quietly without the fuss and palaver that would normally accompany a Wedding he took part in.”

“But I have – never met him,” Natalie stammered.

“What does that matter?” he answered. “You are my daughter and Ian’s father was a great friend of mine.”

He paused a moment before he went on,

“As you must know, he is the greatest marriageable catch in the whole country and he has asked for you!”

He looked at his daughter as if he could still hardly believe that it was true.

Natalie drew in her breath.

“But I cannot marry him, Papa!”

“What do you mean you cannot marry him?” the Duke demanded in a very different tone.

“I don’t love him.”

“Love! What do you know about love?” the Duke questioned scornfully. “Love comes after marriage. No debutante of this year, or of any other year, has had a better catch. And I can only go down on my knees and thank the Almighty for such an unexpected Blessing.”

“But it is – I, Papa, who has to marry him not you!” Natalie said miserably, “and I will not – marry anyone I do not love!”

The words were hardly coherent, but the Duke did hear them.

“Not marry Craigmere?” he roared. “Are you mad, girl? Good Lord, what more do you want than that the most sought after buck in the Beau Monde should ask for your hand?”

“I cannot, Papa! I cannot!” Natalie cried.

The Duke drew himself up to his full height, which was not very tall.

“Let me make this clear,” he said in a harsh voice. “Craigmere is coming here tomorrow and you will marry him early the following morning, if I have to drag you unconscious to the altar!”

His voice was very stern as he continued,

“Make no mistake! That is what I will do! I will have no more nonsense about it. Good Lord! What more could any woman want? So don’t let me hear you make any more idiotic half-witted protests.”

He was obviously in a rage and he walked towards his daughter as if he would hit her.

Then, as he reached her, he turned and, walking out of the room, slammed the door behind him.

For a while both girls were paralysed into silence.

Then Natalie burst into tears.

“I cannot – do it! I cannot!” she sobbed. “I love Terry. Oh, Silva you know – I love Terry. How could I marry – anyone else?”

She ran across the room and flung herself against her cousin.

Silva put her arms around her.

“I am sorry, my dear,” she said. “I am so so sorry!”

“What can – I do? Oh, Silva what on earth – can I do?” Natalie sobbed.

There was a moment’s silence and then Silva said,

“It’s quite simple. You and Terry must run away.”

Natalie looked up at her in sheer astonishment.

“Run away?” she repeated.