Both men stared at her with rounded eyes. Windham recovered first and ambled over to her. “Calm down, pet. I will make you a fine husband.” He reached out one meaty hand, resting it on her lower back.
She jerked away from him then moved to the opposite side of the drab room. “I will not marry you, Lord Windham.” She turned her attention on Uncle Silas. “You cannot force me.”
Uncle Silas offered a smile as he rounded his desk coming toward her. “Do be reasonable, Emma. Lord Windham is a wealthy baron. A far better match than you could have hoped for. You will be a countess.”
She stiffened her back. “Have you thought to ask yourself why a wealthy baron would seek my hand?” She would wager he had not. Furthermore the answer could not be undying love. The baron’s intentions arose from lust at best. The way he gazed at her on the rare occasions they were in the same room always sent chills through her. Death would be preferable to a forced marriage with the old lecher.
“His reasons do not signify. Fact is, Lord Windham has offered for you and you will accept.”
“I most certainly will not,” She raised her voice a fraction.
Windham studied her from his place near the window a slight curve to his plump lips and something dark in his gaze. “I have desired you from the moment I sat eyes on you, Miss Emma. You will be the jewel in my barony.”
Uncle Silas took firm hold of her upper arm and leaned so close she could smell the liquor on his breath. “You owe me for all the years I have cared for you.”
“I never asked for your care. Father sold me to you.” She fought back her rising tears. “I owe you nothing.”
Windham approached, placing his hand on her shoulder, he whispered in her ear, “Once we are wed, I will see you tamed, pet.”
She glared at him, “Never. I will never marry you.”
He ran his hand down her back then strolled to the door before turning back to her Uncle. “See that she complies, Baxtor. I expect to be wed in three weeks time or it will be debtor’s prison for you. I will have a betrothal contract outlining the wedding plans sent over for your signature.” Windham tossed her a lecherous smile before taking his leave.
“I will never marry you. No one can force me,” Emma yelled at his retreating form.
Her head snapped to the side as her uncle’s open hand smacked into her cheek. She placed her own hand over the stinging flesh. Her resolve strengthened and she held her head high in challenge. “You can do whatever you please, Uncle. But know this. I would embrace death before a marriage to Lord Windham.”
“You always were a foolish chit.” He pulled her from the office then pushed her toward the stairs. “You will remain locked in your room with nothing more than a meal a day to sustain you until you see reason and accept Windham.”
She started up the stairs, her chin notched defiantly. “You might as well refrain from sending food. I will not eat a bite.”
“You only harm yourself. You will be wed to the baron with or without your consent.”
His heavy footfalls behind her urged her to walk faster and she made haste for the sanctuary of her chamber. She knew not how she would get out of this marriage, but there was no way she could comply. She’d think of something—someway, somehow, she had to escape.
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling author Amanda Mariel dreams of days gone by when life moved at a slower pace. She enjoys taking pen to paper and exploring historical time periods through her imagination and the written word. When she is not writing she can be found reading, crocheting, traveling, practicing her photography skills, or spending time with her family.
Visit www.amandamariel.com for more information on Amanda and her books.
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~Heartwarming historical romances that leave you breathless~
Acknowledgments
Thank you so much to my team, family, friends, and fans. As always, I could not pen these stories without all of you. The encouragement I get from you guys keeps me going. A special thank you to my mom, Debra Samborsky for being first eyes, and Christina McKnight, Tammy Andresen, and Elizabeth Evens for helping shape the story as critique partners and beta readers. Last but not least thank you to my editor, Violetta Rand, for shining it up, and my cover artist Jaycee DeLorenzo for dressing it. I love you all!!
Enticed by Lady Elianna (Fabled Love Book 3) Page 8