I still do not own the story "Crimson Peak". No copyright infringement intended.
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The scene at the trial made most people sure that Sir Thomas Sharpe did indeed love his wife-to-be, and that he was intending to be a good kept man, but just as many assumed that this intent would last for mere days before the young couple would suffer from the arrangement. Even Edith's father had his doubts, but Thomas' words at the trial had convinced Edith that he did want her, and she was determined. Her father wanted nothing but happiness for his daughter, after all, and so he agreed.
The wedding was to be small and private, but it was still a few weeks off, as he summoned Sir Thomas into his study one evening. Edith was writing in her room, and so it was a good time for this conversation. Well, for this series of threats, as it would be.
"Sir?" He would admit, he was rather impressed by the man so far. This enamored front, if it was a front - and he was not so sure of this as he once was - clearly came easily to the baronet, as he spent his time either tinkering with things around the house or accompanying Edith with whatever she saw fit to be doing. He was no idiot. Whether or not Sir Thomas was sincere, his presence made his daughter very happy, and his absence would break her heart. And he did not want that for anything.
"You are to continue with this," he replied, a second or so too late for it to sound fully natural. "With what, sir?" the young baronet looked at him with a slightly puzzled expression, but the builder did not let himself be swayed by this. "You play the part well, the charmed suitor, and you will continue to play it; the enamored fiance, the loving husband, or I will take all support from you and see you are sent to prison. Do I make myself understood?"
"I understand," came the soft reply, "but there really is no need. I am in love with Edith," and when the younger man turned to go, he could almost believe it, that - for the moment - he truly did feel what he said he did for Edith. She was easy to love, of course. But he had no doubt at all that it would change. No man could stand being owned by a woman, after all, no matter how much he loved her in the beginning.