Page 56 of An Unwanted Spinster for the Duke

She practically floated toward the stall, her fingers hovering over a few beads. Then, she picked up a beautiful crescent-moon brooch with blue and silver beads.

“Do you like it?” Marianne asked gently, almost afraid to scare her sister into dropping the brooch.

“Yes,” Victoria answered, her eyes sparkling. “But I can’t have it. I-It’s too much, Marianne.” She put the trinket back where she found it.

“If you like it, I’ll buy it,” Dominic offered, suddenly appearing right behind them.

“No, thank you,” Victoria said, blinking.

Marianne could certainly believe what she heard. Her sister could be so proud, but Marianne also saw the way she looked at the brooch furtively. Victoria wanted it.

She placed a gentle hand on her sister’s back. “It’s all right to accept gifts, Victoria,” she said softly.

Victoria looked up at her with her mouth open. Then, she looked back down at the brooch. “Thank you,” she mumbled.

Aha. A decision has been made.

Dominic gave her a little nod and paid for the brooch.

Marianne watched the whole thing with wonder at her husband’s quiet generosity. There was no gloating. He did not look at her as if to remind her that she owed him. Nothing.

She felt warmth swell in her chest. Perhaps beneath her husband’s strict exterior, there was room for kindness after all.

That evening, Wilhelmina flung Marianne’s chamber door open.

No knocking, no asking for permission to come in. Just like old times.

Her younger sister must have become comfortable.

Wilhelmina crossed the threshold with a sly smile.

“This room suits you perfectly—simple, elegant, not a hint of gaudiness,” she remarked, her eyes lingering on the deep green velvets and the polished mahogany, clearly approving.

Marianne set down her hairbrush, a small smile tugging at her lips. “It does feel comfortable.”

Wilhelmina perched on the edge of the bed, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. “So, Marianne, how was your wedding night? Do tell, was it everything you hoped for?”

Marianne’s cheeks flushed, and she glanced away. “Wilhelmina, really, such matters are hardly appropriate for discussion.”

For some reason, she felt ashamed that nothing happened during her wedding night. Perhaps she would have felt the same shame if something had happened. She was so confused.

Wilhelmina waved a hand, unfazed. “Oh, come now. I’m not a child, you can tell me. Was it awkward? Passionate? Or did you both fall asleep halfway through?”

Marianne bit her lip, searching for a graceful dodge. “It was… uneventful. Quite calm, actually.”

Wilhelmina furrowed her brow. “Calm? Are you telling me that nothing happened at all?”

Marianne blinked rapidly. “Well, let’s just say the evening was… delicate.”

Wilhelmina leaned forward, teasing. “Delicate? Does that mean he’s a hopeless romantic or just utterly disinterested?”

Marianne shifted uncomfortably. “I’m sure it’s just a matter of time and getting used to one another.”

Wilhelmina grinned, sensing her sister’s evasiveness. “Hmm. Why are you evading the question?”

Marianne smiled tightly. “I prefer to keep some mysteries.”

Wilhelmina chuckled. “Very well. But next time, I expect more than mysteries.”