Chapter Seven

A Week Later

J o woke up to sunshine, which suited her mood.

How could it not? Shed found two men who made her deliriously happy. When they werent making love to her, they discussed books and history, their hopes and their dreams. They hadnt spoken of their future, but it seemed a matter of time before they ventured into such topics.

She could bide her time.

After her morning ablutions and dressing in another simple daytime gown, she practically floated downstairs for a late breakfast. All was right in her world.

She was about to enter the dining room when her father called out to her. Jo, please join me in my study.

Her stomach dropped at his request. As a rule, the only discussions which occurred in his domain were those of significant import. That, of course, meant this would likely not be a pleasant discussion.

Jo took a deep, steadying breath and straightened her bodice. Of course, Father.

She stepped into his overtly masculine room, with its dark wood and dark fabrics. Despite the sun streaming through the window, it was all very heavy and gloomy. She hated this room. This was where her father had informed her of her first marriage, and it was impossible to miss the fact her mother sat silently on the sofa near her fathers desk. This could not be good.

Jo, please sit down. Your mother and I would like to speak to you about a particular matter. Her father looked very puffed up this morning, as though he had news of great import to discuss.

She repressed the urge to sigh. Very well, Father. What did you wish to speak to me about?

I have received and accepted an offer for your hand in marriage from the Marquess of Whitestone.

Silence fell like a deafening clap.

For a moment, the air was sucked from the room, from her very lungs.

She was an independent woman. A widow! He didnt have the right to accept a marriage proposal on her behalf. Im afraid you will have to rescind your acceptance. I am uninterested in his offer of marriage.

The devil I shall! Her fathers voice boomed through the small space, utterly filling it. You will marry the Marquess and help your sister make an advantageous match, or I shall force her to marry the old codger.

Jo gasped. But Father, she is just about to make her come out. You cannot force her to marry some old man forforfor what? It cannot be his fortune, I have heard no such.

Her father laughed. Egads! No. The mans coffers echo when he dares to open them. No, we are the fortune he needs. He has the respectability of a title that will lift this family out of obscurity. We shall no longer be new money, but will ascend to the rank we deserve. To the heights of nobility.

Jo felt the blood drain from her face. This was something her father had always spoken of: this bettering of the family. Her marriage to her now deceased husband was his first attempt at just that. It seemed his second attempt would bear far greater fruit. And I suppose my inheritance from my first husband will be included as my dowry for this farce of a marriage?

Why shouldnt it? Youre no longer my dependent. Ill not foot the bill of yet another dowry. Perhaps you can try to keep this husband alive for more than a few years. Im not sure Id be able to convince a third man to marry you if a second dies under your unsatisfactory care.

She looked to her mother, desperate for support, but her father cut her off before she could speak. Youll find no support there. Your mother knows better than to question my decisions.

Jo had never heard her mother openly question her father, but shed also never seen her mother so cowed as she saw now. It stole her breath to realize her mother might be as unhappy as she herself had been in her first marriage. But she had been married to her father for five and twenty years!

You are a despicable bastard. Jo glared at him and rose. Ill never forgive you for this. With that, she stormed from the room.

Appetite gone, she grabbed her coat and flew from the house out into the morning cold. Her chores be damned! Tears coursed down her cheeks as she ran toward her place of refugethe gamekeepers hut.

Jo burst into the space only to find it cold and empty. Dismayed at first, she realized shed left home much earlier than planned. Linc and Arthur wouldnt be there for a while yet. Unwilling to sit in the cold, she gathered some chopped wood from outside and carried it to the fireplace. She fumbled with the kindling more times than she could count, but she eventually got a fire going and had the place warming up. With that done, she sat down on the bed and allowed herself to cry.

She should have expected her happiness to be short-lived.

Sometime later, she awoke to gentle hands stroking over her back as a warm baritone called her name.

Jo. Wake up, Jo. Arthur hovered over her.

Jo sat up, took one look at his handsome face, and burst into tears once more.

Arthur gathered her into his arms and sat down with her in his lap. Tell me whats wrong, Wood Sprite. He stroked her back and held her close.

Linc sat down next to them. What is it, Jo? What has you so upset?

Tamping down her tears, she tried to dry her face and pull her thoughts together. Mymy father has promised my hand in marriage to some lord.

Linc and Arthur stiffened. He cannot do that. You are a widow, he is not your legal guardian.

She sighed. True. But he knows I shall not leave my sister RebeccaBeccato marry this man instead of myself. He will force her if I refuse.

The men cursed softly. Then Arthur spoke. What if you had another offer?

She tipped her head to the side and contemplated him. What would her father do if another man with a title made an offer? One who didnt require her fortune. Would he be greedy enough to switch horses mid-race? I am not certain. My head says he sees himself as a principled man and is unlikely to be tempted. My heart hopes he might be lured by a good connection that doesnt require my fortune. She hesitated. And there is my sister to consider. He has threatened to give her in my place. She sighed, defeated. Her father had boxed her in quite nicely.

Was she cursed in marriage? Would she never be allowed to marry for love?

Arthur cleared his throat. Im not wealthy. Im rebuilding my fortunes. But I am capable of taking care of a wife. And Linc

No. No, I couldnt do that to Becca. Jos heart swelled with emotion even as she shook her head. She dared not name itit was far too early and pointless besides. But that these men might attempt to come to her aid and offer to marry her was overwhelming. She reached up to cup Arthurs cheek in her hand. You. She did the same to Lincs with her other hand. And you, you are both amazing. How could I be so fortunate as to stumble upon such wonderful men, and in the woods, no less?

Linc grinned and winked at her, dark blue eyes sparkling. Fortune has always favored me.

Arthur chuckled. I was just lucky enough to be standing next to him.

Jo laughed softly. Thank you both for your wonderfully gallant offer. But no, I cannot marry you. Then she reached up and kissed Arthur, letting her tongue tangle with his.

As their kiss deepened, Linc pulled her hand from his face and pressed in behind her. The three of them got lost in their burgeoning new feelings and the bittersweet moment.