“I have tried to do what is expected of me, but I do not want—”

“How many times, miss, do I have to remind you that your wishes are completely and utterly irrelevant? All this little speech of yours has proved to me is that you are what you have always been. Utterly selfish, completely insubordinate, and determined to do your best to ruin the reputation of our family.”

“Father! That is not fair. I want—”

“Hold your tongue,” he snapped, his face pinched with anger. “How dare you interrupt me! You have said far too much already, and none of it is news to me. You cannot like Killin. You would not make him happy. How many times must I endure this self-serving refrain!”

“I assure you this time it is different. Before . . .” Her voice wobbled. Calm, M. “I freely admit that I did not give the match due consideration when it was first mooted. I put my feelings first without taking anything else into account. However, I have been desperately trying for the last six months to allay my reservations, to persuade myself to do what is expected of me. I have concluded I simply cannot.”

“You simply won’t, you mean. I thought I made it clear after the last time that there was but one lesson I required you to learn: know your place.”

“I am your daughter, not your chattel.” Frustration made her reckless. “My opinion is every bit as valuable as yours in this regard, if not more. Marrying Killin would be a huge mistake. I won’t do it.”

For a long moment their gazes met. Momentarily, she thought she saw a tiny hint of admiration in his eyes, but it was quickly quelled. “Who has put the notion into your head that your opinion carries any weight with me?”

“I am perfectly capable of thinking for myself.”

“No, someone has been doing your thinking for you.” The duke drummed his fingers on the blotter. “These charity visits you have been making. To Lambeth, isn’t it?”

“My mother authorised those trips.”

“I am aware of that.” Her father smiled coldly. “I didn’t object because I believed them to be innocuous. Now, I wonder if I was mistaken.”

“The time I have spent in Lambeth has been extremely educational. Father Sebastian and his sister Mrs. Elmhirst are very pleased with the assistance I have been giving them. I would even go so far as to say that I have been useful.”

Her father was eyeing her as if she were a wriggling grub he had uncovered by lifting a stone. Digging her nails into her palms, Margaret forced herself to continue. “I have been helping people in a very practical way. It is Father Sebastian’s belief that one cannot nurture the spirit if the body is starving.”

“If I wanted a sermon on charity, I would have attended church this morning.”