To Protect and to Cherish Read Online Free PDF Page A

drinking?”
    “Nay, he has not been drinking, but he is quite angry.”
    Slade believed his thoughts to be confirmed at that statement. His blood began to boil that the man would strike a woman.
    “I’m afraid for you, Miss,” the maid continued. “He said he isn’t going to wait much longer for you to cooperate.”
    “I know,” Miss Trent’s voice sounded as though she spoke through tears. “He told me it would be worse if I continued to fight him about it.”
    “He’ll kill you, Miss,” the maid was now crying.
    “But I cannot willingly go to. . .” her voice caught, “I cannot subject myself to that, Erin. I would be wrong.”
    “You must leave,” Erin urged.
    Slade’s hands balled into fists. He could now see the picture clearly.
    “Where would I go? Have you another brother who could take me in? My uncle will find me wherever I go.”
    Slade’s heart dropped to his knees. He had done this. It was due to his casual remark the previous week that Miss Trent was now suffering this abuse. It seemed she would shortly be forced to suffer more.
    He stood up and approached the women – not caring they would realize he was eavesdropping.
    “A word, Miss Trent.”
    Erin looked up in surprise before dropping to a deep curtsey.
    “You may go, Erin,” Jillian assured her, “but do not go back to the house just yet.”
    The duke was glaring at her, but she did not look away.
    “I did this to you.”
    She was confused. Of what was he speaking?
    “As surely as if I had laid my hands on you, I am to blame for the pain you have suffered.”
    Jillian shook her head, realizing now what he was talking about, “There is nobody to blame but the one who took the action, sir.”
    “You are too gracious,” he was still scowling.
    She lowered her chin, “I am afraid I must leave you. My uncle wishes to see me.”
    He reached out a hand and grasped her arm, “So he can do what with you?”
    Jillian gasped, partly in pain because of the fingers digging into her bruise, and partly because of his words.
    “I did not realize you were in danger, or I never would have mentioned your name.”
    “I understand that, sir.”
    “Miss Trent, you must allow me to help you.”
    “The best thing now is to allow me to go. Waiting will only make it worse.”
    He looked like he was about to argue further, but a voice from the house caused both of them to turn.
    “Jillian!” her uncle was well and truly angry now, “Do not think you can hide out here.”
    Jillian found herself being pushed behind the large man.
    “Trent,” Slade barked as the older man came into view, “what is the purpose of making such a scene? Have you no sense of pride or decorum?”
    Jillian would have been amused at her uncle’s face were it not for the seriousness of the situation.
    “You grace,” he stammered, “I did not realize you were still here.”
    Jillian stepped out from behind the duke, “What is it you need, Uncle Horace?”
    The presence of the other man did not prevent her uncle from glaring at her.
    Lord Ashley turned to her, lips pressed together, “Trent, your niece has just consented to be my wife.”
    Jillian’s eyes widened as she stared up at the man. He took her arm as he spoke.
    “Ah,” Horace didn’t seem to know what to think.
    “I will go to town for a special license.”
    “A special license?” Horace managed to get the words past his lips.
    “Yes. We will be married within two weeks.”
    Jillian found her voice “Your grace, I think this is all a bit hasty.”
    He smiled down at her, but she could see it was forced, “My dear Miss Trent, ‘he who hesitates is lost.’ There is no telling what may happen if we wait for the traditional time.”
    Jillian felt her face burn with shame. She knew exactly of what he spoke. It was mortifying that he should have heard the conversation between Erin and herself.
    “You may go to your room to rest,” Horace spoke. “Lord Ashley and I will discuss arrangements.”
    She