Page 38 of An Unwanted Spinster for the Duke

The Duke looked at her as though something vital had vanished from her eyes. But she could not dwell on that. Not when her siblings’ safety—and Serafina’s—hung in the balance.

So, she stood tall, she wore her acceptance like armor, and she did not look back at her father.

The Duke nodded at her acquiescence, uttering, “Good.” Then, to Lord Grisham, he said, “I will head back to London soon. There, I will obtain a special license. Leave the preparations to me.”

Lord Grisham looked unsettled, but it seemed that the Duke was intent on going through with his plans.

“No arguments,” he said in a cold voice. It was not something she’d expect from someone who wanted to marry her—not that she expected to marry at all. “No delays.”

“Of course, Your Grace,” her father said with a slight bow.

The Duke turned to Marianne and Elizabeth, executed a brief bow, and departed without another word.

Marianne stared after him, her eyes fixed on the doorway and the empty space he left behind. Her thoughts spun in a thousand directions, tangled between disbelief and growing dread. A part of her wanted to scream, another part wanted to crumble in tears.

But she couldn’t run, not if she still meant to protect her siblings.

Chapter Seventeen

“Icannot believe this,” Marianne whispered.

Beside her, Elizabeth stood with her hands clasped tightly in front of her. Her eyes were rimmed red, tears welling. Yet, throughout it all, she smiled.

“It could be worse,” Elizabeth said softly. “But if you want to run away, you can. I will help you.”

Marianne blinked, startled. Her sister—timid, obedient Elizabeth—offering rebellion? A way out?

And yet she could not take it.

“No,” she murmured. “You know I can’t do that. Not to you. Not to Wilhelmina and Victoria, who are likely trying to put frogs in someone’s teacup right now.”

“They should behave better,” Elizabeth replied with surprising firmness.

“They are still children. And Father will always find a reason to mete out punishment,” Marianne said, her voice hollow. “Whether it’s me or one of you, it won’t matter. He’ll twist it until it does.”

Elizabeth sighed, her hazel eyes dim in the mirror’s reflection. She sat stiffly on the edge of the chaise, her blonde hair pinned in a demure coronet of curls. The soft ivory muslin of her gown, embroidered with tiny violets, made her look more like a delicate porcelain doll than a person who might speak her mind.

And yet, she did. “That’s true. But still, you don’t have to marry the Duke for us. If your heart says no, if it feels like a prison… flee. I’ll help you cover your tracks. I’ll say you were taken by fairies.”

Marianne let out a short, dry laugh. “If I flee, I’ll be ruined. Cast out. And I may never see any of you again.”

Their eyes met in the mirror. They looked like two strangers caught in the same storm—daughters trapped by a father’s pride and Society’s design.

Marianne reached for Elizabeth’s hand and held it tightly.

“I won’t run,” she said quietly. “I’ll marry the Duke. But I’ll always,alwaysbe there for you.”

The wedding followed not long after. It was respectable enough to meet Society’s expectations, complete with a few carefully selected guests and all the appropriate titles whispered in reverence.

But it was also small and subdued, bearing the quiet austerity that suited both bride and groom. There were no grand carriages or extravagant flower displays. Only a solemn church, a few curious eyes, and a girl in ivory silk who had made her choice.

Marianne wore a pale ivory, lace gown. It was delicate. A dusky rose sash accentuated her waist, while everything else was plain—the veil, the gloves.

Even though she did not want to admit it, the Duke looked dashing in his black tailored suit. She was not too pleased, however, with his cold expression. It made the whole affair seem more like the business transaction it truly was.

He did remain calm, and his voice was steady. He wanted this marriage to happen, although Marianne was still too bewildered to understand why.

Why would anyone willingly tie themselves for life with her father?