page4 (2/2)

“Eh?”

“Who,” he said a little louder Whom was he meant to marry?

“Mary Winthrop,” his father said in a matter-of-fact voice

Gareth felt the blood leave his body “Mary…”

“Wrothahter,” his father added

As if Gareth didn’t know that “But Mary…”

“Will be an excellent wife,” the baron continued “Biddable, and you can duad about toith your foolish friends”

“But Father, Mary—”

“I accepted on your behalf,” his father stated “It’s done The agreened”

Gareth fought for air This couldn’t be happening Surely a e

“Wrotham would like to see it done in July,” his father added “I told him we have no objections”

“But…Mary…” Gareth gasped “I can’t marry Mary!”

One of his father’s bushy brows inched toward his hair-line “You can, and you will”

“But Father, she’s…she’s…”

“Simple?” the baron finished for him He chuckled “Won’t make a difference when she’s under you in bed And you don’t have to have anything to do with her otherwise” He walked toward his son until they were uncomfortably close “All you need to do is show up at the church Do you understand?”