Whirlwind Wedding

company you brought here to depart by tomorrow afternoon. And until then, you will keep them occupied and out of my way.'

Without another word Austin quit the room, resisting an almost violent urge to slam the door.

She was here. In his house.

He didn't want her here. He didn't want to see her.

God help him, how was he going to manage to stay away from her for the next twenty-four hours?

Chapter 20

Late that afternoon, Austin stood alone in his private study, staring out the window, seeing nothing. When a knock sounded on the door, his hands clenched. If it was her-

He cut off the thought. 'Come in.'

Caroline entered the room. 'May I speak with you?'

He forced himself to offer her a smile. 'Of course. Please sit down.'

'I'd prefer to stand.'

He raised his brows at her militant tone. 'All right. What did you wish to speak to me about?'

Clasping her hands in front of her, she drew a deep breath. 'I'll start by saying that as my brother, I hold you in the greatest esteem and affection.'

A tired smile tugged at his lips. 'Thank you, Caroline. I-'

'But you're a complete nincompoop.' Annoyance wiped the smile from his lips. 'I beg your pardon?'

'Did you not hear me? I said you're a-'

'I heard you.'

'Excellent. Would you like to hear why you're a nincompoop?'

'Not particularly, but I'm certain you're going to tell me anyway.'

'Yes, I am. I am referring to this situation with Elizabeth.'

His jaw clenched. 'Situation?'

Blue eyes flashing, she said 'Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. What have you done to her?'

'What makes you think I've done anything to her?' 'She's miserable.'

'So everyone is determined to tell me.'

She sent him a searching gaze. 'I cannot fathom this icy indifference. I thought you two were so well suited but she is clearly unhappy, and you're stalking about like a bear with a thorn in its paw. I've never known you to treat a woman, even the most annoying woman, with anything but the most respectful manner. Yet you're treating your wife as if she doesn't exist.'

She doesn't. The woman I fell in love with doesn't really exist.

'Austin.' Reaching up, she laid her palm against his cheek, tenderness replacing all vestiges of anger in her eyes. 'You cannot allow this unhappiness to continue. It is obvious to me that you care deeply for her, and she for you. Please, search your heart and find a way to solve whatever problems you and Elizabeth are having. Now. Before it's too late. I want you to be happy, and the pain I see in your eyes tells me you're not. But you were. And it was because of Elizabeth.'

Her tender words curled around his heart and squeezed like a vise. Yes, he'd been happy. For a very brief time. But it had been based on an illusion. And while he appreciated Caroline's concern, he'd had more than enough of first Robert, and now her, interfering in his life.

They were not aware of the circumstances, and he'd be damned if he'd tell them, or anyone else, that his wife wished to dissolve their marriage. Not until it became absolutely necessary. If it turned out that Elizabeth was pregnant, they would have to make the best of their marriage.

A knock sounded. 'Come in.'

His mother entered. 'Am I interrupting?'

'Not at all.' He stared pointedly at the door. 'Caroline was just leaving.'

'Excellent. The coach is awaiting us for our ride through the park, Caroline. I'll join you in just a moment. I need to speak with Austin.'

Caroline closed the door softly behind her. Austin propped one hip on his desk and regarded his mother. 'Are you here to call me names, too?'

Her eyes widened. 'Names?'

'My siblings have seen fit to call me a fool, an idiot, and my favorite, a nincompoop.'

'I see.'

'I'm gratified that at least my mother is above name-calling.'

'Naturally. Of course, if you weren't already laid so low, I might be tempted to label you a pinheaded dolt, but under the circumstances, I'd prefer merely to tell you that it hurts me to see you, and Elizabeth, so unhappy.' She took his hand between her own and squeezed it. 'Is there anything I can do to help?'

Bloody hell, he preferred the name-calling to this tender, warm concern.

'I'm fine, Mother.'

'You're not,' she corrected in a tone that belied further arguments. 'I knew something was amiss when you sent Elizabeth to Wesley Manor so abruptly. The poor girl's misery is palpable. As is yours. I've never seen you so angry and distraught.' Her gentle blue eyes rested on his. 'Your father and I suffered through many misunderstandings when we first wed-'

'This is not a misunderstanding, Mother.'

He hadn't meant his tone to sound so harsh. She studied him for a moment before speaking. 'I see. Well, I can only tell you that with great love comes other powerful emotions. When you love hard you fight hard.' A sad smile curved her lips. 'Your father and I did both.'

Sympathy pinched him and he squeezed her hand. His father's sudden death had devastated them all, but particularly her.

'She is your wife, Austin. For the rest of your life. For your sake, and for hers, try to solve whatever troubles are facing you and make a happy marriage. Don't let pride stand in your way.'

He lifted his brows. 'It sounds as if you think that I am to blame for the problems in my marriage.'

'I didn't say that. But you are experienced and worldly whereas Elizabeth is not. She is going to make mistakes, some serious, some not, until she gains her footing in the world she's now in. Be patient with her. And with yourself.' She pressed a soft kiss onto the back of his hand. 'She is the right woman for you, Austin.'

'Indeed? Are you the same mother who was apprehensive about my marrying an American?'

'I cannot deny I had some reservations at first, but I've spent the last three weeks getting to know my daughter-in-law. She is a lovely, intelligent young woman and has the makings of a fine duchess. And she loves you. And I suspect you feel the same way about her.'

She offered him a gentle smile, then left the room. Austin stared at the closed door and exhaled a breath. His family was going to render him a candidate for Bedlam. He needed to get out of this house. Immediately.

Before he could take one step, however, his mother's words crashed over him. She loves you. Pain and anger combined with a bone-weary sadness, slumping his shoulders. His mother, Caroline, Robert-none of them knew how wrong they were about Elizabeth's feelings. She'd managed to fool every member of his family.

And I suspect you feel the same way about her.

Groaning, he raked his fingers through his hair. Yes, damn it, he loved her.

But he'd gladly give up everything he owned to make the damn feeling go away.

Austin strode into his private study at ten the next morning and halted at the unwelcome sight of Miles lounging in a wing chair. Damn it, if Miles had it in his mind to take up where his family had left off yesterday, Austin was bloody well going to plant him a facer. The urge to hit something was strong, and with very little provocation that something could be Miles.