Devil's Cub (Alistair, #2)

by Georgette Heyer

Vidal found himself wishing, for perhaps the hundredth time in his life, that it was possible to read his father’s expression.

You will allow me to point out that it is never wise to disregard my warnings.’

‘Because I am obliged to?’ he said. ‘I mean to marry Mary Challoner because I’m devilish sure I can’t live without her.’

He was thrust aside. ‘Stand off from her!’ the Marquis shot at him. ‘Mary, look at me! Mary, my little love, my precious girl, I’ve not killed you!’

‘You may have married her,’ he said fiercely, ‘but she is mine, do you hear me? She was always mine! You –! do you think I shall let you take her? She may be ten times your wife, but, by God, you shall never have her!’

‘In that case, my love, you had better refrain from making the comparisons that are on the lips of your very unguarded tongue,’ interposed his grace.