“But I will marry her. And since I’ve no interest in returning to Oxford, it shouldn’t bother you what she does. Our life is here. My future is here with her.”
His father sneered. “You would hardly choose her over your allowance?”
“In a heartbeat.” He held his father’s gaze. “I would marry a woman I adore rather than some insipid connection of yours.”
“Harsh words when the truth is more telling. She’s just like every woman you’ve ever fallen under the spell of.”
“That’s a lie.”
His father tossed his head. “How little you really know of the world. If you doubt me, ask your sister. She was there when I handed the funds over. She knows everything.”
Valentine considered that. Melanie had always been forthright. “What right do you have to interfere in my life?”
“Every right. It is time to cease this ridiculous rebellion and take up your future, sir!” His father’s voice rose to a shout.
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Valentine was just getting started. “I have my own responsibilities now. To make my own way, and to protect my future wife from scurrilous men like you.”
“Now you listen to me—”
“No. We are done, sir. I will listen to no more of your blather. Leave my Julia alone, leave Brighton, and never come back here again. There is no one who wants you here.”
“She will be your ruin,” his father predicted.
“Undoubtedly, after your talk, she’ll believe I am hers.” Valentine scowled. “I’m glad I finally got to see how ruthless you can be with my own eyes and ears. Goodbye, Mr. Merton. Go back to your university and the fellows who slavishly curry your favor. Give my regards to Mother.”
He collected his hat from the side table and strode out. Undoubtedly he’d be cut off without a shilling. That would make life somewhat less comfortable, but they would manage well enough if they lived modestly. His plan for the shop had been drawn up with the likelihood of his father’s disapproval taken into account anyway.
He hurried to the Radley home and knocked on the door. When he was directed to Linus instead, he grew alarmed. “Where’s Julia?”
“Merton, do you believe me a tolerant man?”
He listened carefully but detected no other presence in the house. “Yes, of course.”
Radley pinched the bridge of his nose. “Then why do you persist in trying to pull the wool over my eyes?”
“I’m not sure I’m following you. Where is she?”
Linus stood and smoothed his waistcoat. “Invitations to tea at your home will raise eyebrows, even when they come from your esteemed sister.”
“Julia is at my home with Melanie?” He sighed. For a brief and terrifying moment, his father’s insinuations about her leaving had seemed possible. He should have known better, especially after last night’s activities.
“As if you don’t know that already.” Linus scowled darkly. “I cannot be fooled twice.”
Linus had been fooled at least four times so far but it wasn’t wise to gloat. “I was with my father at the hotel, saying goodbye. I’ve only now just returned. I had no idea Melanie had invited her to call.”
Radley peered at him. “You do seem a little wild.”
“It was not a pleasant conversation with my father.” He winced. “Now if you will excuse me, I really do need to speak to Julia to ensure she’s all right. I fear my father may have been unpleasant to her when they last spoke.”
Linus shrugged. “She said nothing to concern me afterward.”
“Well, then perhaps I have misunderstood him.” He relaxed a little. “I’d still like to talk to her today, if I may.”
“By all means. Your sister is a suitable chaperone for a few moments.”
“Then I will see you at St. Nicholas’s tomorrow when the banns are read.”