Page 14 of A Scandal for the Beastly Earl

"Precisely."

Lady Honoria made a small sound that might have been dismay or possibly suppressed laughter. "Perhaps we should discuss the practical aspects of this... arrangement."

"Arrangement," Arabella echoed. "Indeed, that's exactly what this is, isn't it? Not a marriage but an arrangement. How romantic."

"Romance," Lord Blackthorn said with the tone of one discussing a particularly virulent disease, "is not my objective. Protection of your reputation is."

"How noble of you."

"I'm not noble, Lady Arabella. I'm practical. This marriage would solve several problems for both of us."

"Several problems?" Arabella's eyebrows rose. "What problems could you possibly have that marriage to me would solve?"

He was quiet for a moment, his jaw working as if wrestling with words. "My estate requires an heir. The title must continue. And I find that mothers with marriageable daughters have become... persistent in their attentions since my return from the Continent."

"So I'm to be your shield against ambitious mamas?"

"While I serve as your salvage from social ruin. It seems a fair exchange."

"Fair," Arabella said, tasting the word like something bitter. "Yes, nothing says fair quite like a marriage born of mutual desperation."

"Arabella," her mother said once again, "Lord Blackthorn is offering you a solution to an impossible situation. You should be grateful."

"Grateful?" Arabella stood again, unable to remain still. "For being forced into marriage with a man I barely know because society has decided that being rescued from a lake is scandalous?"

"No one is forcing you," Lord Blackthorn said quietly. "If you refuse, I'll leave immediately and we need never speak of this again. You'll face whatever comes with your family's support, I'm certain."

The unspoken implications hung heavy in the air. What would come would be social exile, the end of any chance for a respectable match, possibly the final blow to their already precarious financial situation. Without a good marriage, Arabella couldn't help her family maintain their position or their estate.

"If," she said slowly, "and I am not saying yes, but if I were to consider this arrangement, I would have conditions."

His eyebrow rose; the one not affected by the scar. "Conditions?"

"Yes. Non-negotiable conditions."

"I'm listening."

Arabella took a breath, organizing her thoughts. If she was going to consider this madness, she would at least maintain some control. "First, separate bedrooms."

Something flickered in his eyes, which seemed like surprise, amusement or relief. "Agreed."

"Second, Thistle comes with me."

"The criminal dog?"

"My father's dog," she corrected firmly. "He's all I have left of Papa, and I won't abandon him."

Lord Blackthorn was quiet for a moment, studying her. "The dog may come, though I hold you responsible for any theft, destruction, or general mayhem he causes."

"That seems fair. Third..." She paused, gathering courage. "I want to maintain my friendships, particularly with Miss Finch. I won't be isolated."

"I'm not a gaoler, Lady Arabella. You may receive and pay calls as any married woman would."

"And fourth," she said, lifting her chin, "I want honesty between us. If we're to enter this arrangement, I won't have secrets and shadows. I want to know why you really want this marriage."

The room fell silent. Lady Honoria seemed to have stopped breathing. Lord Blackthorn's expression had gone completely still, the scar standing out pale against his skin.

"You want honesty," he said finally, his voice low and controlled. "Very well. I want this marriage because I'm tired of being the Beast of Blackthorn, the tragic figure mothers warn their daughters about, or even mothers too eager for their daughters to marry me because of my title. A married man is far less interesting to the gossips than a mysterious bachelor. I want peace, Lady Arabella. And despite your propensity for aquatic drama, I believe marriage to you might actually provide it."