Page 12 of Claiming his Cursed Duchess

Glancing at her aunt, Rosaline was surprised that the countess looked equally lost.

“What do you mean?” Lady Claridge narrowed her eyes at her husband, sitting up abruptly on the fainting couch. “What have you done, my clever earl?”

Rosaline stayed silent, but her gaze darted distrustfully between her aunt and uncle. Any scheme of theirs would surely be disastrous for her.

Lord Claridge smirked, a cruel twist to his lips.

“Why, our dear niece Rosaline is to be wed, of course. In three days or so.”

Rosaline’s heart sank.

A marriage? To whom? And in such haste?

She forced herself to remain calm, her posture straight, her chin tilted slightly upward.

She imagined herself trapped in a loveless marriage, her spirit slowly withering away.I will not allow that to happen.

She stifled a sigh, her mind already calculating her options.

“But…to whom?” she breathed, her voice barely audible as she bought herself time to strategize.

Perhaps I may yet flee,Rosaline mused, already making a list of what she must pack to survive, then realizing she was all but trapped at the country estate.

I cannot escape here without a carriage, my short rides in the countryside have not prepared me to escape on horseback.

“To the Duke of Oldstone himself,” Lord Claridge replied, looking as proud as a cat who had caught a canary. “A fine match, I assure you—he is wealthy and influential. And a recluse, to keep you from shaming us among the ton.”

Rosaline’s mind raced. The Duke of Oldstone? A stranger, a man she knew nothing about. To be married off to him, to be traded like a commodity…the thought filled her with dread.

“But…” she protested, her voice rising. “I do not even know him.”

She clenched her fists, her eyes flashing with defiance.I refuse to be a pawn in their game.

Lord Claridge scoffed. “What does that matter? This is a strategic alliance, Rosaline. It will secure our family’s future. Specifically, it will mean that you are out of our family, and married into his.”

Lady Claridge nodded in agreement, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “Besides, you are not exactly the most desirable bride, are you? With your scars and your peculiarities. John, I am so pleased you managed to secure such an advantageous match.”

Rosaline felt a wave of anger and humiliation wash over her.

“I refuse,” she declared, her voice steady and defiant. “I will not marry someone I do not love.”

Her aunt and uncle exchanged a look of disbelief. “You dare defy us?” Lady Claridge hissed, her voice laced with venom.

Rosaline met her gaze, her eyes flashing with intelligence. “I dare,” she replied, her voice growing stronger. “I won’t be treated like a commodity. I deserve to be loved, not used.”

Lord Claridge’s face darkened. “You have no choice,” he said, his voice low and menacing.

You’re wrong. This is a choice I will make for myself,Rosaline thought, a small smile playing on her lips.And it won’t be the one you expect.

Chapter Five

“What the devil?” Henry muttered, his voice thick with sleep, rolling over and burying his head in the pillow.

Adam, mouth set in a tight, disapproving line, yanked the heavy velvet curtains open, sunlight flooding the room and startling Henry awake. He stood over his brother, his imposing figure casting a broad shadow; his face carved into a stern expression.

“Get up,” he ordered. “We are leaving.”

Henry groaned again and sat up, rubbing his eyes. “Leaving? Where are we going? And why are you glaring at me like I owe you money?”