Then asked, “What happens to Elizabeth if I refuse?”
Victor laughed.
“Why do you care?”
Daniel ignored him.
The judge smiled without warmth.
“I'll find another husband.”
For several seconds, Daniel remained silent.
He imagined the men who had presented themselves at the estate.
Some were desperate.
Some wanted money.
Some wanted a beautiful wife they believed would be too frightened to refuse them.
He looked toward the judge.
“I won't agree unless she knows she can say no to me.”
Hawthorne stared.
Then laughed.
“How noble.”
Daniel didn't answer.
The judge continued.
“You're a servant, Carter. Don't mistake yourself for a gentleman.”
Daniel held his gaze.
“I'm aware of my position.”
Victor stepped closer.
“Then take the offer.”
Daniel looked toward him.
For a moment, something dangerous passed between them.
Then Daniel turned back toward the judge.
“I'll speak with her.”
The judge's expression hardened.
“You'll do as you're told.”
Daniel answered quietly.
“I'll speak with her first.”
The judge studied him.
Then smiled again.
“Very well.”
He waved one hand.
“Tomorrow morning. The ceremony will take place at eleven.”
Daniel remained standing.
“Sir—”
“You're dismissed.”
Daniel turned.
As he reached the doorway, the judge spoke again.
“One more thing, Carter.”
Daniel stopped.
“Don't mistake this marriage for an opportunity to claim a share of my estate.”
Daniel looked back.
His expression was unreadable.
“I have no interest in claiming property that belongs to Elizabeth.”
The judge laughed.
“Good.”
Daniel opened the door.
Then added quietly, “I've always believed people should keep what lawfully belongs to them.”
The judge's smile faltered.
For one brief moment, he looked almost suspicious.
But Daniel had already walked away.
That night, Daniel found Elizabeth in the garden behind the house.
She sat on a stone bench beneath a flowering tree, wearing a dark-blue dress and holding a handkerchief.
Her eyes were red.
He stopped several feet away.
“Miss Hawthorne?”
She looked up.
When she recognized him, her expression changed.