Mistress - Amanda Quick [87]
“Was there something you wanted?” Marcus finally prompted.
Bennet looked at him with hooded eyes. “I came here to tell you that I have made a decision.”
“You’re going on a tour of the Continent?” Marcus asked without much hope.
“I am going to ask Dorchester for Juliana’s hand in marriage.”
“Bloody hell.”
“Marcus, I have got to do it now. For God’s sake, don’t you understand? If I wait until I return from a tour of the Continent, Dorchester will have married her off to someone else.”
“Only if you are extremely fortunate.”
“Damn it to hell.” Bennet swung around, his expression passionate. “I know that you do not care for Dorchester, but why must you also condemn his daughter? She’s not at all like him.”
“You think not?”
“She’s a true lady. An innocent beauty whose spirit is as pure and untarnished as … as—”
“New-fallen snow, perhaps?”
“I warn you, I will not tolerate any of your poor jests about her, Marcus.” Bennet clenched his fist. “I intend to ask for her hand, do you comprehend?”
“God save us.”
“Do you know what your problem is?”
“I have no doubt but what you will tell me.”
“You’re a bloody cynic, that’s what you are. Just because you choose to indulge yourself with outrageous little adventuresses such as Mrs. Bright, don’t presume to judge a genuine innocent.”
Marcus was out of his chair before Bennet even realized what was happening.
He vaulted over the table and crossed the room in two strides. He caught hold of Bennet’s shoulder, shoved him hard against the wall, and pinned him there.
“Don’t call her an adventuress,” Marcus said softly.
“What the hell?” Bennet’s eyes widened in stunned amazement. “She’s merely another one of your paramours, for God’s sake. Everyone knows that.”
“She is my very good friend,” Marcus said. “An insult to her is an insult to me. Do you comprehend my meaning, brother?”
“Hell and damnation, yes.” Bennet eyed him warily. “Yes, of course I comprehend you. I had no notion you were so touchy on the subject.”
Marcus held Bennet against the wall for a moment longer and then released him abruptly. “Perhaps you had better leave. I have work to do and you obviously have plans of your own.”
Bennet straightened his rumpled lapels and adjusted the cuffs of his coat. “I apologize for any offense.”
“Apology accepted. Now kindly take your leave.”
“You cannot blame me for mistaking the situation. Your sentiments concerning Mrs. Bright appear to be far stronger than the ones you generally entertain toward your lady friends,” Bennet observed.
“You would do well to remove yourself from this chamber before I lose my patience entirely.”
Bennet angled his chin. “I’m going to do it, you know. I am going to seek Juliana’s hand in marriage.”
Marcus shrugged. “You have made it plain that nothing I say will dissuade you.”
“Will you wish me luck?” There was a tentative note in Bennet’s voice.
“I regret that I cannot do so.” Marcus stood looking down at the mechanical butler. “I do not believe that you will find any lasting happiness with Juliana Dorchester.”
“What would you know about finding happiness with a woman?” Bennet asked bitterly. “You have made so many bloody rules for yourself that you can no longer find any joy in your life.”
“Get out of here, Bennet.”
“So be it. I will not ask for your good wishes, then.” Bennet stalked toward the door. He paused with his hand on the knob. “Do you know something, brother? I believe that I actually feel sorry for you.”
“Don’t waste your sympathy on me. You will need it for yourself if you go through with this marriage to Juliana Dorchester.”
Bennet went out of the chamber without a word. He slammed the door so hard that the electricity machine shuddered on its bench.
Marcus reached down and snapped the switch that released the springs within the mechanical man. Wheels and gears clanked and whirred as the clockwork butler jerked into action.
The automaton lurched blindly forward, silver salver extended.
Marcus watched the progress of the soulless creature as it crossed the laboratory. How easy it was to be an automaton, guided only