Page 54 of An Unwanted Spinster for the Duke

These were her sisters, and no one had the right to be this curt with them.

“Does Your Grace always glower at people, or is that hard expression only reserved for people who ask to see your dogs?” Victoria asked boldly.

Dominic blinked, caught off guard by the twelve-year-old’s pointed question.

Marianne glanced at Victoria with a fond yet wary smile—her sister’s boldness was admirable but occasionally reckless.

“I merely expect respect, Lady Victoria. Especially from guests in my home.”

With that, he gave them another nod and turned around, seemingly headed for the library.

“He looks like a villain,” Victoria grumbled.

“Victoria,” Marianne chided.

“At least we know what kind of story we’re in,” Wilhelmina muttered, her eyes darting from one intricate detail of the house to another.

Mrs. Alderwick arrived to assist, bobbing a curtsy.

Marianne heaved a long, deep sigh, grateful for her presence. They helped each other direct the girls and their harried governess to their rooms.

Oakmere Village was modest but carried its own quiet charm. Narrow cobblestone streets wound between small, tidy shops, each boasting bright flowering window boxes that added color to the stone facades.

Marianne knew Dominic’s insistence on an escort wasn’t mere fussiness over titles—it was the weight of appearances in a place where every glance held judgment.

As she strolled with her sisters that afternoon, mindful of the watchful eyes of neighbors, she felt the delicate balance betweentradition and warmth that defined Oakmere’s village life—much like the life she was learning to embrace.

Curious eyes followed their movements, but they tried their best not to act too self-conscious. At least Marianne did. She was more used to not being noticed at all. Now, she missed the benefits of being a spinster.

“Is that the new Duchess? She looks… older than I expected,” one woman murmured.

Marianne could hear them well enough because they weren’t even trying to lower their voices. She tried her best to grin and bear it.

“Who are those little ones? Perhaps her nieces?”

“Oh, bother,” Victoria muttered.

Marianne tried not to chuckle. She was still trying to ignore everyone near them. Daphne held onto her hand, glancing at the Duke with wide eyes.

“He does not bite, Daphne,” Marianne whispered playfully. “Probably.”

Hearing the whisper, Victoria snorted.

Meanwhile, the Duke seemed focused on their surroundings. Marianne wondered how much he’d heard. People were speculating about them, but he had not even reacted. He carried on as if he never heard, but that could not be the case.

“Well, it looks like our brother-in-law is well-respected, Victoria,” Wilhelmina commented. “Didn’t you notice how everyone steps aside when he passes by?”

“They’re just afraid,” Victoria muttered.

“Do you really think so? Somehow, I doubt it. You are not one bit afraid of him,” Wilhelmina reminded her. “Or you would have worked on your manners.”

“Daphne is afraid,” Victoria volunteered. “She’s always shaking around him.”

“Oh, Daphne,” Wilhelmina sighed. “We know our Daphne well enough. She’s afraid of several people.”

Speaking of Daphne, the girl currently didn’t look frightened at all. Her eyes had widened and her face split into a grin when they neared a quaint, little shop.

“Is that a bookshop, Marianne?” she asked excitedly.