Page 62 of An Unwanted Spinster for the Duke

Her thoughts drifted to their father. Would Lord Grisham allow the weekly visit she requested? Her husband might be fine with it, but her father was another thing entirely.

“Next time, I want to explore the forests around Oakmere,” Daphne said, surprising her. Victoria was the twin who’d say something like that.

“Of course.” Marianne nodded emphatically. “I will speak to the Duke. I’m sure he’ll offer to show us around.”

Victoria approached next. She didn’t wear her usual scowl, but there was uncertainty on her face. She was not used to this, and Marianne suspected that her sister wanted just as much affection as Daphne, if not more.

“Th-Thank you, I suppose.”

“For what?” Marianne asked, her face breaking into a smile.

“For inviting us here. For making us feel at home. You let me speak freely. I don’t get to do that with Father, unless I fancy a slap. Even though I made the Duke angry a few times, you were never cross with me. Even though he was cantankerous… he was generous,” Victoria mumbled.

Marianne had to stifle a grin. Whenever Victoria said thank you or apologized, there was always something else at the end of it. This was something new from her.

Was her mischievous sister warming up to Dominic?

“Well then, I should thank you for coming here,” Marianne replied. “I missed having you near. I know I have not been married for long, and I was not away for long either, but I’m used to your noise and the trouble you get up to.”

“You blush too easily,” Victoria mock-chided. “You need to do something about that before we return for another visit.”

Marianne could only chuckle in response. Her sisters read her all too well. It was impossible to pretend in front of them.

Wilhelmina stepped forward. “Since we are in the business of commenting on our dear older sister’s ways, I just wanted to say that you look different this week. Here, in Oakmere Hall.”

“Oh, do I?” Marianne felt like her sisters always found a way to surprise her. “How?

“Quieter.”

“Well, I’ve always been quieter than you and Victoria,” Marianne pointed out with raised eyebrows.

“No. I didn’t say it like it’s a bad thing. I know you have a lot on your mind, always doing what’s best for the rest of us,” Wilhelmina said. “Elizabeth is thankful that she wasn’t the one the Duke picked. But I wonder… It seems like a grumpy husband is a lot better than most husbands these days.”

Marianne couldn’t bring herself to share everything with her sisters. Inside her, a storm of emotions churned—unspoken and tangled.

The tension that haunted their home clung to her like a shadow. On the days when her sisters were away, the silence became unbearable, filled with restless thoughts. Were they safe? Had their father found some excuse to strike them with his cane again?

At the same time, Marianne wrestled with conflicting feelings toward Dominic. She resented what he represented—the cold, unyielding world of duty and expectation. Yet, whenever he was near, her stomach tightened with a confusing flutter she couldn’t ignore. He awakened something inside her, something she wasn’t sure she should entertain, especially since she couldn’t tell if their marriage was anything more than a business transaction.

Dominic was a man of rules and honor, the sort who would move heaven and earth to fulfill his responsibilities. Could there be room for anything else?

“There’s a lot to think about. I am a newlywed who had just been separated from my dear sisters,” she said softly.

“Again, your husband isn’t cruel, and that’s something these days. At least you didn’t marry someone like Father.”

They exchanged a look, one that encompassed years of pain and turmoil. Wilhelmina was usually one to jest to rid them of the burden their father had thrown upon them, but sometimes, the pain would surface.

Clara called the girls to the carriage. The sisters exchanged almost apologetic looks.

It was time to say goodbye. For now.

Marianne helped Daphne into the carriage.

Then, when it was Victoria’s turn, the girl whispered, “He’s watching.”

True enough, Dominic stood at the window in his study. Most of his figure was shrouded in shadows, but it was definitely him. Watching her.

The thought made Marianne’s heart pound faster. She watched him back, but he soon turned and disappeared behind the heavy drapes.