Chapter 48
“I do,” he said. “I appreciate everything you’ve given me. But I can’t—I couldn’t—Father, I could never—it would be a lie, and more than that, it would never be a true wedding night—”
Laurie flattened both hands against the desk. Half-rose; sat back down. Regained control. “I have no desire to discuss your failures as a man, William.”
“You know that if I can’t—if that marriage remains unconsummated—”
“Many men live a lie. Why should you be any different?” That light blue gaze held ice and steel and sleet. “You are not special. You are at the moment not even adequate. You will do what each of us must, and uphold the family honor. You will, at least once, do your duty as regards producing an heir. You will present yourself as beyond reproach in public. In private you may engage in whatever sordid vices you prefer, and we will never speak of this again.”
“It isn’t fair—”