Andrea Kane by Echoes in the Mist

anything from what happened with Vanessa?”
    Fury deepened the lines around Trenton’s eyes, lines that hadn’t been there before Vanessa. “Too much, Dustin. Far too much.”
    “And yet you’re still going through with this.” Dustin began to pace, shaking his head. “What makes you think the Caldwells will abide by your plan?”
    “Oh, they’ll abide by it, all right. Queen Victoria has seen to that.”
    Dustin came to an abrupt halt. “You’d better explain.”
    Succinctly and without pause, Trenton relayed the events of the past few days to his brother.
    “So you’re forcing this young girl to marry you.”
    “She’ll be amply compensated.” Hostility glinted in Trenton’s eyes. “She’ll have everything Vanessa coveted and never managed to acquire: wealth, position, even an exalted title. Remember, I was a mere marquis when Father was alive.”
    “Are you so certain your future bride craves the same things Vanessa did?”
    Trenton’s expression softened. “To the contrary. I’m certain Ariana craves far different things than Vanessa did. But she’s quite young and has obviously lived a very sheltered life. She has yet to be exposed to the wonders money can buy. She’ll change.”
    Dustin regarded him thoughtfully. “Tell me about her.”
    “Ariana?” Trenton’s mouth curved into a slow smile. “She’s a tantalizing little bundle of contradictions: innocent, trusting, idealistic, an inquisitive child, a breathtaking woman.” His smile faded. “Loyal to her brother and her family.”
    “She sounds enchanting,” Dustin replied, missing not one iota of his brother’s inadvertent response.
    “She’s a Caldwell.”
    “Not for long, apparently.”
    Trenton stood, walking rigidly to gaze out the window. “Her name will change; her blood will not.”
    “And so you will punish her?” Dustin fished.
    “I’m not going to harm her, if that’s what you mean.”
    “Not intentionally, perhaps,” Dustin returned slowly, assessing the extent of his brother’s feelings. “But your anger is sure to be conveyed to her nonetheless.” He came up to lay a hand on Trenton’s taut shoulder. “Are you sure this is what you want, Trent?”
    “I’m sure it’s what I must do.”
    Dustin fell silent, weighing his next words carefully. “Is this duty alone we’re discussing?”
    “Duty, yes. And retribution.”
    “Nothing more?”
    Trenton’s jaw tightened fractionally. “If you’re asking me if I want her, if I’m burning to feel her under me, the answer is yes. Even I am not so noble as to marry a woman I didn’t crave in my bed.”
    The passion behind Trenton’s admission brought a new concern to Dustin’s mind. “Trent … if she’s that young …” He cleared his throat. “How does she feel about this union?”
    A wry smile. “The union? Or me?”
    “Both.”
    “She despises the idea of a forced marriage. And me? She loathes me. She’s bewildered by me.” Something flickered in Trenton’s eyes. “She wants me.”
    Dustin swooped down on his brothers final words. “Are you sure?”
    “That she wants me?” Trenton’s expression was a picture of smug certainty. “Very sure. Surer even than Ariana herself.”
    “By any chance …” Dustin paused, knowing he had to ask. “Does Ariana resemble Vanessa?”
    Trenton swung around, his mouth drawn in a tight line of fury. “That has nothing to do with my decision.”
    “You’ve just given me my answer.”
    “Leave it, Dustin.” Trenton stalked the length of the room to pour himself a brandy. “I’m marrying Ariana. Period.” He tossed off his drink, slamming the glass to the table.
    “All right,” Dustin agreed, astutely recognizing that his remaining questions would have to wait. “What can I do to help?”
    Trenton turned his head, his expression softening. “You can make the church arrangements. Then you can help me open up Broddington and ready it for guests.”
    “And for living quarters?”
    Trenton