Page 73 of An Unwanted Spinster for the Duke

“You really can’t leave me alone, can you?” Dominic murmured. He gave her a gentle nudge with his boot. “Stop.”

Why he bothered, he didn’t know. The cat had already proven herself a master of disobedience.

Still, after a few rounds of this ridiculous game, Serafina finally settled, curling up on the rug, pressed against his boots.

“Fine,” he muttered. “If that’s how you want it. Don’t say I didn’t warn you—no funny business, or else the grass outside will be your bed tonight.”

He didn’t move his feet after that.

At least one of us will get a good night’s sleep.

He felt oddly comforted by the small, stubborn creature, who refused to leave him alone.

Chapter Twenty-Six

“You look anxious, Your Grace,” Mrs. Alderwick remarked gently. “Don’t be. Everything is in order—their chambers, their meals, even the common rooms are set to entertain young ladies.”

Marianne gave a start, not realizing her face had betrayed her thoughts.

“I-It’s not what I’m worried about, Mrs. Alderwick,” she began, then paused, catching herself before she said too much. “But thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done—and continue to do—for us.”

The housekeeper offered a small, warm smile. “My pleasure, Your Grace. It’s been some time since Oakmere had this much youth in its halls.”

Marianne merely nodded. She couldn’t bring herself to explain the real reason behind her unease—that she feared the weekend might bring more disappointment. Or worse, bad news.

While Mrs. Alderwick busied herself with linens and menus, Marianne was bracing her mind. Hers was the preparation of quiet dread.

The chaos descended promptly, as it always did, with her sisters’ arrival.

Perseus and Serafina brought their own particular brand of mischief, but the girls… Oh, the girls brought life, sound, and relentless energy. For two days at least, Oakmere would feel like a home, not a mausoleum.

And best of all, she had pulled her sisters free, if only briefly, from their father’s grip.

She greeted them in the hall, hugging each one tightly. Her smile came easily when they were near—genuine, unrestrained.

“Where is Lizzie?” she asked as her sisters filed in, her eyes scanning the entryway in vain.

Wilhelmina’s sigh was deep and heavy. The look on her face said everything.

“It’s Father again, isn’t it?” Marianne pressed, her smile faltering. “Is he pushing her to secure a match?”

Wilhelmina gave a solemn nod. “It looks like it.”

Marianne’s heart clenched. She wanted to rage. How could her father go back on their agreement?

But she forced her worry down and turned her full attention to her other sisters. She hugged the twins with extra warmth and kissed their hair as if she could protect them through touch alone.

“I’m glad you’re here,” she said, her voice soft, her heart swelling at the sight of them.

“I missed you so much!” Daphne threw her arms around her again. “I wish I could stay here forever.”

“I’d like that too. But you know Father still makes all the decisions—for now,” Marianne added with a touch of bitterness.

“Oakmere’s too quiet, and the Duke always looks like he’s swallowed a lemon,” Victoria chimed in with her usual irreverent flair. “But I do prefer being with you.”

Marianne laughed, the sound surprising even herself. “I’m glad to hear it. Let’s get you all settled into your rooms. Perhaps you should start decorating them, make them feel more like your own.”

“Wouldn’t the Duke be angry about that?” Victoria asked, her eyes narrowing with curiosity.