Elmore scoffed, and he had to resist the urge to roll his eyes at Lord Foley's meekness. After what he had done, why was he suddenly so shy?
"My Lord Foley," Elmore continued, as he glanced at Aurora for permission to go on. She simply gave him a nod, so he said, "what you did, asking Miss Aurora to marry you in exchange for a sponsor, was quite honestlyshameful.Not only was it terribly improper, but it was also disgusting — that isn't a barter, it's blackmail. Did you really think that Miss Aurora would agree to marry you in exchange for money?"
The Baron was floundering now, lips parted as he tried to think of a reply.
Elmore didn't give him the time. Now that he had started speaking, he didn't plan on giving Lord Foley the kindness of defending himself.
"The way you have treated Miss Aurora is unacceptable — I won't allow it, and if you think that she will accept it, then you clearly don't know her well at all."
Lord Foley scoffed. "I was making her a good offer! She's unmarried, and soon she will be too old for a husband. It's an arrangement that suits us both."
"Nonsense," Mr. Washam muttered. From the corner of his eyes, Elmore saw Mr. Washam scowl.
And, well, if they were both going to defend Aurora's honor, he wasn't going to stop whatever came next.
"You ask for my daughter's hand in marriage, and you don't see the problem?" Mr. Washam demanded, "Aurora is her own person, and she can make her own decisions."
"And you should know," Elmore added, "that this beautiful project was her idea first. I fully believe that you don't see her potential, and that can be the only reason you've treated her so — but Miss Aurora is worth more than to be your wife."
Aurora, who had previously been standing to Elmore's left, now came to stand right beside him. She was smiling hesitantly, shyly even, but the relief in her eyes was clear.
Usually, Elmore trusted her to fight her own battles; but this time, she needed him. Elmore was more than happy to be there for her.
He stepped up to Lord Foley, reaching around him to open the door. He said nothing — and didn't need to, for his intentions were clear.
Except, Lord Foley didn't leave. Despite the drastic height difference, he stood straight as if trying tointimidateElmore. His arms folded, and he stared at Elmore with dangerous intent in his eyes.
"If you don't leave," Elmore threatened, "then I will be forced tomakeyou leave. Please don't make me-"
Elmore never had the chance to finish his threat, because at that exact moment Lord Foley threw out a hand. His fist impacted Elmore's jaw and sent him stumbling from the shock, heart hammering against his ribs.
"What the—"
"Getout,"Mr. Washam's voice hollered.
Elmore couldn't make sense of what was happening. He saw stars, and pain bloomed hot and fast across the left side of his face.
Yet when he saw Lord Foley approaching Aurora, Elmore fought back the pain to step in.
With a firm grasp on Lord Foley's wrist, Elmore forced him towards the door. "Please don't return to his house," he stated firmly, never letting go. "You've done this family disservice enough without trying to incite a fight in their own home."
Lord Foley tried to argue, but Elmore was past the point of listening. His face burned where he had been punched, and Elmore swore that he couldfeelthe bruise spreading across his jawline.
Which was why he felt no remorse about throwing Lord Foley onto the lawn, or about slamming the door in his face. There was a certain kind of satisfaction about seeing the door swing closed, right as Lord Foley tried to slam his foot in the way.
He didn't have the time to make it, though, and the door slammed shut.
Then he turned to offer an apology to Aurora for losing his temper — only to have her race to him, slender arms wrapping around his middle as she buried her face in Elmore's chest.
His heart was racing now, but not because of the altercation.
Eventually, Aurora peeled away from him. Tears glimmered in her eyes, but she was smiling.
"Thank you," she professed, swiping at her eyes. "It means a lot that you were willing to do that for me."
Elmore only smiled and nodded, feeling his heart lighten. He would have done anything for Aurora, and he hoped that she knew that.
They stared at each other for a long moment, all soft smiles and slowly relaxing expressions. After everything, it was as if the energy had been drained from the room.