"Miss Isabel, you ought not to speak so carelessly. Claiming that because I already have a fiancé and cannot marry you, you have grown hateful from love and seek to tarnish my reputation - that strikes me as rather cruel."
As he spoke, Hudson propped up Isabel's chin with one hand, a clear warning in his gesture.
Upon seeing this, Isabel was dumbfounded. He was blatantly shirking his responsibility and had absolutely no intention of admitting any fault.
"Hatred born from love," he wanted her to bear the full brunt of the notoriety.
His argument was consistent with popular opinion. On one side stood his noble fiancé; on the other, a beautiful singer. It was clear who garnered more favor.
Deny it?
If the clergy wished to silence her, this seemingly lustful man in front of her might also wish she didn't leave alive.
He hadn't acted immediately, likely due to considerations for his reputation. A noble could be passionate, but a noble could not be cruel.
