Love Me True Read Online Free Page B

“Nevertheless, I wish to marry her as soon as possible. We’d also like to marry by special license rather than waiting for the banns to be called.”
    While his father raised an eyebrow at Justin’s obvious haste, Mr. Wheaton nodded in agreement. “Probably a good idea. The flighty chit may very well try to abscond during the night as it is. I’d make a point to lock the doors at night. However, if she does make a run for it, I’m not chasing after her. I’ve had enough of her antics to last me a life time.” Mr. Wheaton pointed a finger at him. “She’s your problem now.”
    Good God. This was a side of Clarry’s father that he’d never imagined existed. Oh, he knew Mr. Wheaton was a gruff man like his father, but at least the duke proved he had a heart now and again. Mr. Wheaton’s callous disregard for his daughter’s battered reputation angered him. “Well, if that is the case then perhaps you would allow her to stay at Staplehurst Hall until the wedding. I’m sure my mother would be glad for the company.”
    Justin glanced at his father and prayed he wouldn’t contradict his invitation. His father nodded sagely. “Yes. Yes. My duchess enjoys the company of the younger set. Claribel will have ample chaperonage, too, since Lady Armitage is still in residence.”
    Mr. Wheaton snorted loudly then glanced in Justin’s direction. “Hardly matters now, does it? Do whatever the hell you wish with her. I’ll return to sign the contract and for the wedding.”
    The duke held up his hands. “I assure you, your daughter will be sleeping on the other side of the house, far from my son until the wedding.”
    Mr. Wheaton shook his head in disgust and speared Justin with a harsh glance. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you if she makes you miserable.”
    With that, Mr. Wheaton stalked out, shutting the door loudly behind him.
    Justin stared after him in shock. Damnation! He turned to his father.
    The duke had sunk into his chair and was studying him intently. “Explain.”
    Justin hated lying to his father. He’d never been very good at it in the past but he had to make the attempt. “Miss Wheaton and I have discovered that we suit quite well. Be happy for me.”
    His father shook his finger as he sat forward. “Yesterday you almost bolted from my presence when we discussed finding you a wife. I highly doubt that a few short hours have changed your opinion of the wedded state.”
    Oh, if only his father knew how those hours had changed him. “Sometimes a moment of clarity is all it takes.”
    His father pursed his lips. “We should discuss living arrangements before your mother sets her heart on what you don’t want.” He twisted to pull a ledger from a shelf nearby and flipped the pages open. “The house in Sussex is presently vacant and in good repair, or the property in Cheshire could do very well for you, too.”
    Justin’s heart sank. “You’re banishing me for marrying Miss Wheaton?”
    His father closed the ledger. “No. No, of course not. I simply expected you to want the same privacy as your brother. As you know, your mother is prone to meddling. If I didn’t need Tristan close by, and he could convince Winifred to leave her father behind, he’d have taken the Cheshire property.”
    “Father, I have no desire at all to move away from Staplehurst Hall. All of Clarry’s friends are here. I would not like to deprive her of place in society. She will come to hate me more if I take her away.”
    His father stood and circled the desk. When he placed a hand over Justin’s shoulder and squeezed, Justin almost jumped away. “And why would Miss Wheaton—a woman who you claim has happily accepted your proposal of marriage—hate you more, Justin. Exactly what happened last night?”
    Justin looked down. Of all the times for his father to show his concern, this was the worst possible moment. He didn’t want to think about why Clarry had to marry him. For the moment, he wanted to live in the dream.