Everything and the Moon Read Online Free PDF Page B

of his son, desperately searching for a hint of jest in his expression. When he found none he fairly yelled, “Are you mad?”
    Robert crossed his arms. “I'm utterly sane.”
    â€œI forbid it.”
    â€œBegging your pardon, sir, but I don't see how you can forbid it. I'm of age. And,” he added as an afterthought, hoping to appeal to his father's softer side, “I'm in love.”
    â€œGoddamn it, boy! I'll disinherit you.”
    Apparently his father didn't have a softer side. Robert raised an eyebrow and practically felt his eyes turn from light blue to steely gray. “Go ahead,” he said nonchalantly.
    â€œGo ahead?!” Castleford spluttered. “I'll turn you out on your ear! Cut you off without a farthing! Leave you to—”
    â€œWhat you'll do is leave yourself without an heir.” Robert smiled with a hard determination he had never known he possessed. “How unfortunate for you that Mother was never able to present you with another child. Not even a daughter.”
    â€œYou! You!” The marquess began to turn red with rage. He took a few deep breaths and continued in a calmer fashion. “Perhaps you have not reflected adequately upon the unsuitability of this girl.”
    â€œShe is entirely suitable, sir.”
    â€œShe won't—” Castleford broke off when he realized that he was yelling again. “She won't know how to fulfill the duties of a noble-woman.”
    â€œShe is quite bright. And one could find no fault with her manners. She has received a gentle education. I am certain she will make an excellent countess.” Robert's expression softened. “Her very nature will bring honor to our name.”
    â€œHave you asked her father yet?”
    â€œNo. I thought I owed you the courtesy of informing you of my plans first.”
    â€œThank God,” Castleford breathed. “We still have time.”
    Robert's hands curled into harsh fists, but he held his tongue.
    â€œPromise me you won't ask for her hand yet.”
    â€œI will do no such thing.”
    Castleford regarded the firm resolve in his son's eyes and met it with a harsh stare. “Listen to me well, Robert,” he said in a low voice. “She cannot love you.”
    â€œI fail to see how you could know that, sir.”
    â€œGoddamn it, son. All she wants is your money and your title.”
    Robert felt a rage welling up within him. It was unlike anything he had ever known. “She loves me,” he bit out.
    â€œYou will never know if she loves you.” The marquess slammed his hands down on his desk for emphasis. “Never.”
    â€œI know it now,” Robert said in a low voice.
    â€œWhat is it about this girl? Why her? Why not one of the dozens you have met in London?”
    Robert shrugged helplessly. “I don't know. She brings out the best in me, I suppose. With her by my side, I can do anything.”
    â€œGood God,” his father snapped. “How did I raise a son who spouts such romantic drivel?”
    â€œI can see that this conversation is pointless,” Robert said stiffly, taking a step toward the door.
    The marquess sighed. “Robert, don't leave.”
    Robert turned back around, quite unable to show his father the disrespect of countermanding a direct request.
    â€œRobert, please listen to me. You must marry within your own class. That is the only way you will ever be sure that you were not married for your money and position.”
    â€œIt has been my experience that women of the ton are quite interested in marrying for money and position.”
    â€œYes, but it is different .”
    Robert thought that this was a rather weak argument, and he said so.
    His father raked his hand through his hair. “How can this girl know what she feels for you? How could she help but be dazzled by your title, your wealth?”
    â€œFather, she is not like that.” Robert crossed his arms. “And I will