The Viscount's Vendetta (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) by Paige Cameron

frightening her. She appeared so strong and stubborn, but he’d seen the fear in her eyes even though she’d tried to hide it. He’d forgotten about her innocence. After seeing her in town that day, he’d only seen her strength.
     
    * * * *
     
    “Caroline.” Her mother stepped into her room. “Lord Royston is downstairs with your father. I’m sure they’ll be calling for you to join them. Let me help you change your gown.”
    “No, Mama. I will not change. I chose this dress knowing he would come this morning.”
    “Nonsense, you have many lovely gowns. You’ll only anger him if you appear in such drab garb.”
    “We might as well start the way we intend to go. I intend to do nothing to please him. He is forcing this marriage on me. I will not go meekly.” Caroline frowned at her mother. “My marriage to him will protect you and father, but I will not pretend this was my choice.”
    Her mother shook her head. “Always stubborn and determined to do things your way. When will you learn, you can be just as effective with a gentler touch?”
    “You mean like the other females, act dumb, smile, giggle, and hang on to a man’s every word. I think not, Mama. If a man can’t accept me as I am, then so be it.”
    “Someday you will rue your foolishness. It is obvious he is attracted to you. With a little cunning you can get anything you want from him.”
    “But the only thing I want is for him to leave us alone. Nothing will make him do that,” Caroline pointed out.
    “Milady.” The downstairs maid appeared in the doorway. “Lord Halsford requests you and Lady Caroline join him downstairs.” The maid curtsied and walked off.
    “So be it, do it your own way, Caroline.” Her mother motioned for her to go ahead of her.
     
    * * * *
     
    Damon stood at the door of Lord Halsford’s study and watched the stairs for Caroline. He had to smile when he saw her attire. So, still you fight me. She had dressed drably, her face pale and composed, her eyes refusing to meet his. His desire for her burst into hot flames, even with her lovely body covered in dark plain wool and her gorgeous hair out of sight under her cap.
    Damon stood aside to let her and her mother enter the study. Caroline went to her father’s side. She hugged him, and reached up to kiss his cheek.
    Lord Halsford motioned to his wife and daughter to be seated. Damon stood behind and slightly to the side of Caroline. The better to watch her expressions.
    Caroline stared straight ahead at her father. He cleared his throat and looked beseechingly back at her.
    “Lord Royston has asked for your hand in marriage, Caroline. Your mother and I feel his offer is very generous.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Caroline listened to her father’s stilted words. She tried to hold back her anger at both her father and Damon. Her father had put her in this position, and she was angry Damon had arranged his devious revenge plot.
    “How generous, father?” Caroline asked in a sharp tone.
    Her father flushed. “You will have an exceptionally large allowance for personal items and a good sum of money will be settled on any children you have. Whether they are sons or daughters, they will be well taken care of, even in the case of Lord Royston’s demise.”
    Finally Caroline turned to Damon and glared. “It is reassuring that I can wish for your demise without endangering our children’s fortune.”
    Caroline frowned when Damon shouted with laughter. “You always manage to surprise me, my dear. How wonderfully we’ll deal with one another.”
    Caroline narrowed her eyes at him and turned her nose up. She turned back to her father. She heard Damon’s deep chuckle.
    “I’m glad someone is enjoying this travesty of ridiculousness. May I be excused, Father? I have nothing to add. Let me know when I must appear at the church.” Caroline stood.
    Damon touched her shoulder and turned her toward him. “I shall be glad to tell you. We will wed in three weeks’ time in your