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“I am sorry, Stella, but the odds are not on your side. Unless you would rather refuse to marry any of your suitors and face the ridicule of the ton and Father forever,” Ava sighed.

“Is this truly the only way?” Stella asked.

“I am afraid so.” Ava winced. “If we find a wealthier man, even if he has a lower rank, Papa might reconsider his decision. Besides, there are many rumors surrounding the Duke of Gillingham. I have heard about how ruthless and cold he can be.”

Stella nodded earnestly. “Merely being in his presence today scared me. He looked absolutely terrifying with his mask, and I was barely able to look him in the eyes.”

Ava felt her younger sister shiver beside her, so she scooted closer and wrapped her arms around her. She knew she needed to protect her sister in whatever way possible.

If merely being in the Duke’s presence scared Stella so much, then what would happen if she were forced to marry him?

The mere thought chilled her to the bone.

“Ava, is it true that the Duke does not have a heart?” Stella asked suddenly.

“With his callous actions and demeanor, I would not be surprised if he indeed does not have a heart,” Ava scoffed.

“My friend once said that he sold his heart to the devil in exchange for his wealth and business acumen,” Stella admitted.

“He might not have sold his heart to the devil, but he definitely acts like he has.” Ava shook her head. “After all, how could one man be so cruel and yet so successful?”

“Lily told me that anybody who competed with the Duke’s business would suffer greatly. That sounds like someone who has sold his soul to the devil.” Stella shuddered. “I’ve heard that his latest victim is Lord Wilbury.”

“Indeed, I’ve heard the rumors too,” Ava said. “In fact, Eveline told me that Lord Wilbury had lost most of the money he had invested in a venture because the Duke of Gillingham was his competitor.”

“Poor Lord Wilbury,” Stella mumbled.

“A man so cruel should be avoided at all cost,” Ava continued. “You should be with a man like Eveline’s husband. A man who is tender and warm. You deserve a man who respects and loves you unconditionally.”

Stella cleared her throat and shifted uncomfortably on the bed, before turning to Ava with troubled eyes.

“I must tell you something, Ava,” she said in a small voice.

Ava’s heart leaped with joy.

Finally!

“You can tell me anything, Stella,” she encouraged, taking her sister’s hand and squeezing it.

“You must promise that you will not be angry,” Stella demanded.

Ava’s heart sank.

Stella’s request could only mean trouble. She would not ask her sister to make such a promise if what she was about to reveal was not scandalous.

Ava sighed. “I cannot make such a promise.”

Stella looked troubled. She glanced at Ava and then looked away, as though she was ashamed.

Ava knew then that her sister only needed her reassurance.

“I can, however, tell you this, Stella,” she added. “I love you, and there is nothing you can tell me today that will make me love you any less. Besides, if you tell me, we can try to find a solution to what has been troubling you.”

Stella still did not look quite convinced as she twirled a lock of hair around her fingers and blinked away the tears welling up in her eyes.

“I fear that you will hate me after I tell you,” she muttered.

Ava gasped. “I could never hate you. I assure you, Stella, whatever it is that is troubling you is simply not the most scandalous thing ever. Remember when Eveline and William were caught in a scandal? Did I hate her because of it? If I did not hate Eveline after the controversy, then I could never hate you, no matter the situation.”