Tenacious Trents 01 - A Misguided Lord by Jane Charles Page B

brought,
Eleanor couldn’t go along with her grandfather’s plan to force a
marriage. Bentley didn’t like her and he had few redeeming
qualities. He probably wouldn’t even let her keep her family close.
To save them all from being miserable for the rest of their lives,
she would reject him. Surely the kiss in the garden hadn’t ruined
her so completely that another man wouldn’t offer.

    *

    Clay rehearsed his speech over and
over in his mind. He had stepped into the very trap his father
warned of, and all because of lust. Now, he just needed to release
himself before they exchanged vows. On the other hand, what exactly
could Stanhope force? Even if Stanhope knew nothing of Miss
Westin’s child, all Clay needed to do was tell the man, then he
would see there was no need that the two marry to protect her
reputation. However, honor demanded that Clay not discredit her in
such a manner. He simply wanted to get out of this marriage and go
on his own way, and forget he ever met Miss Eleanor
Westin.
    If she did not agree that they did not
suit he would threaten to expose the child. Even she knew that
would ruin her beyond all redemption, or she wouldn’t be hiding the
child, but it would also bring scandal to his name. He and his
father had fought for years to remain above reproach. The family
reputation was already in danger because of Adele, and Jordan
skirted propriety more than he cared to count. Clay didn’t need to
add further damage and needed to bring this potential betrothal to
quiet end.
    As he suspected, Miss Westin waited
for him. Clay had expected a triumphant smile as she thought she
was getting a wealthy husband. Instead her worried features greeted
him. He dismissed her concerns from his mind and decided to forgo
pleasantries as well. “We should discuss your grandfather’s
probable plans.”
    “ Yes, we should.” Miss
Westin remained in the center of the room where she had been when
he arrived.
    “ You know I had no wish to
marry. I told you as much last night.”
    “ Before you insulted me,”
she finished for him.
    “ I only spoke the truth.
There is no use in denying it.”
    “ What truth?” She asked him
in a raised voice.
    “ I know of Jamie. The boy
who calls you mama.” Clay wanted to waste no more time with her
denials of lost innocence.
    Her expression changed to surprise and
confusion. “Jamie? What do you know of Jamie?”
    “ That you are his mother.
Having never been wed, the simple evidence of a child puts your
virtue in question.”
    Her face brightened, nostrils flared
and her chin went up. “How dare you insult me or Jamie in such a
manner!”
    Clay grew impatient. Her overemotional
state was irritating. The task was distasteful enough as it was.
“How much?”
    “ How much for
what?”
    “ How much to end this
farce. My honor and family name prohibit me from ruining you in the
eyes of the ton .
I also wish to avoid a scandal.”
    All color now drained from her face
and Miss Westin sank into a chair. She bit her lip and studied him.
Clay was pleased he had taken her off guard and waited for the
answer to show how mercenary she truly was.
    “ How much are you willing
to pay to rid yourself of me?” She asked in a hateful
tone.
    “ Ten thousand pounds.” It
was approximately half the amount he anticipated spending on a
mistress. He would have needed to find her a townhome, horses, a
carriage at her disposal, servants, wardrobe and jewelry. The cost
could have actually run much higher. Instead of buying pleasure he
would purchase a scandal free existence. His father would have
approved.
    Miss Westin fell back in her chair.
There was a look of pure astonishment on her face.
    “ I would also ask that you
leave London. I am not sure if anyone knows what occurred last
night but your departure will silent the gossipmongers, especially
if your grandfather offers a reasonable explanation.”
    For several moments Miss Westin didn’t
move or speak. She only stared at him, her