Heaven And Hell novel Chapter 118

She didn't even flinch, merely took the time to slather clotted cream onto her scone. "Mmm, yes, I am."

"Rescind it," Colton ordered.

"I can't possibly do that when the whole thing's spreading like wildfire now, can I?"

"You are wasting your bloody time," he snapped, "for I won't do it."

"You will." Lady Cutting boldly stared right back at him. I looked away awkwardly. Everyone else in the garden were trying their best to act nonchalant, but it was obvious they were worried and intrigued on how this would all go down.

I hadn't known Colton very long but I knew he wasn't one to rant and rave like an angry Gordon Ramsey in the kitchens, but I also knew that this was too much for him, even for me. God, what would my parents say? What would Oliver do?

What would Brett think of me now?

I looked ready to hyperventilate when Keller rushed beside me and whispered her apologies. I swatted her away and unconsciously stood nearer to where Colton was. He glanced my way and scowled. Aunt Mary and Uncle Eddie eventually came up behind me, totally speechless.

"You'll do it," Lady Cutting repeated calmly, wiping her mouth delicately with her serviette.

"Or else what?"

The duke, who looked very debonair in his seat, spoke for the first time. "Because if you don't at least pretend to be engaged to Miss Mathison, I will have no choice but to disinherit you and you will lose everything you have worked hard for. They will never come back to you if you don't do this for the family. You realize there is a centuries-old contract binding this tradition."

Colton shot him a withering glare. "Let them burn to the ground, for all I care. Good luck restoring everything without me. No doubt you'll turn back to alcohol once this day is through."

"Colton!" Lady Portia gasped, but the duke only patted her hand.

"Well, that was a disaster," Michael announced sarcastically, plopping himself on a bench. He stretched out a hand to Keller, who looked very much shaken. He knew his wife instantly liked Olivia and he felt sorry for his cousin and the young woman. It was getting harder to involve him and Keller in these schemes.

"Most definitely," Lady Portia murmured, taking a sip of her Earl Grey. "Oh, Margaret, you shouldn't have done that! I warned you."

Lady Cutting merely shrugged. "It will work. The both of them are too stunned but they will eventually see things clearly, and since the engagement has been announced, they'll have no choice but to carry it out."

Arthur reached across the table and patted his aunt's stiff hand. He winced at his son's insult and accusation. He knew the way his aunt saw things wasn't the way most people saw it but he also believed that, deep inside, Aunt Marge only cared very deeply. And he would do anything for his son. If this whole family tradition wasn't so very dire -- and that a potential public humiliation to the family wouldn't ensue -- then he would gladly let his son be. But Cole had been too alone these past few years, and there was a pain in his chest as he thought of the way he'd abandoned his son for years...if this was the way he could help in the long run, then by God, he would do it.

At that moment, Headford strolled outside the garden carrying a silver tray laden with a bottle of sparkling cider and several champagne flutes. "I took the liberty of selecting drinks for the perfect occasion," he shared excitedly, putting the tray on the table near Arthur and the dowagers. Despite the grim outcome of this day, everyone -- except Aunt Marge -- smiled at the sight of the butler. It was ironic, really, how this had all turned out. Karma truly could bite you in the arse.

Keller buried her nose in the crook of Michael's neck, stifling a giggle. Michael rolled his eyes and grinned. "Oh, go ahead. Laugh, for chrissakes; it's a laughable occasion."