As Marcus stood watching the scene unfold, he was even more
shocked to hear Lucian return the confidence. His friend explained about his
longstanding engagement with Penelope. The additional torture he went through
when the relationship was broken off and the girl married to another mere
months before his father’s death and the will that left him in a position to
wed. He told of the responsibility thrown upon him with the loss of his father.
He went into detail about the difficulty and emotional turmoil of having a
depraved brother. Then he and Emily began sharing all their life’s struggles as
if they had known each other for years.
Marcus sat in the corner growing more and more
uncomfortable. Outside, it remained dark, but a cock crowed, reminding him how
short time was. As he rose, the doctor walked into the room to check on his
patient, and Marcus was thankful for an excuse to leave.
“Shall I go for a marriage license, then?” he asked stiffly.
Lucian and Emily exchanged glances.
“It does seem to offer both of us the best way out of our
individual disasters,” Lucian was the first to speak. Grasping Emily’s hand, he
asked, “I know I am asking much of you, but Emily, will you be my wife? I only
expect you to stay with me through the ceremony. Then, Marcus will escort you
to my estate. You do not need to tolerate my woeful company any longer than
that.”
“Lord Westings, I shall only agree to marry you if you allow
me to stay by your side until the end. I shall not have people saying I was an
unfaithful wife who married you solely for your income. If you let me care for
you in your sickness as any dutiful wife should, I will gladly marry you.”
Lucian smiled and turned to his friend. “Yes, Marcus, I
believe you may go for the license.”
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