Page 18 of Ruined By the Northern Duke

“What a pity that no one could die today. But we shall proceed, nonetheless,” Eugenia muttered. “Come this way. Verity, dear, shall I announce you?”

“Please do. I… I would like just a moment. Fresh air,” Verity added when she couldn’t bring herself to walk through the chapel doors.

They looked awfully ominous this morning. Perhaps Helena was right. There were no flowers or ribbons. Verity thought she heard music playing inside, but it wasn’t particularly well played.

Off Eugenia went, while Helena glanced around. She hesitated before moving closer to Verity. She took her cold hands, stroking them comfortingly.

“You don’t have to do this,” Helena whispered, her gaze fierce.

Eyes bright, she was forever determined to care and live and thrive no matter the challenge. And she would do anything for Verity.

Which Verity very much appreciated. However, tempted as she might be to take Helena up on her offer, she knew the choice had already been made for her.

There was no turning back now.

“Yes, I do. I must,” she murmured. She gave her friend’s hands a squeeze. “Please do not judge me for this.”

“You never judged me. My husband was surely three times the age of the Duke you’re marrying today, after all. Hopefully, he will be good for you and to you in every way,” Helena murmured. “But should anything ever happen, you know where and to whom you can turn.”

That brought a smile to Verity’s lips. “Yes, I do. Thank you. Now, go inside. I shan’t be another minute.”

Finally, she was alone.

She inhaled deeply, closing her eyes. She held her breath for a long moment as she felt the quiet envelop her. It was peaceful and gentle, and it didn’t attempt to disrupt her peace.

She told herself it would only last for a moment. Just this quiet was needed for now as she braced herself for a new life that would no longer be quiet.

I’m not prepared. I’m not ready for this. My dreams of marriage were long since shattered, and yet here I am.

“You must be the bride, hm?”

Verity started. She blinked in the bright sunlight and frowned as a tall figure emerged from the shadows. Some years older than herself and dressed in a well-tailored suit, he appeared very much out of place. She didn’t recognize a single thing about him.

“I beg your pardon?”

Taking another step forward, he nodded his head toward the chapel. The doors were still cracked open for her, since it was time she went. Everyone would be waiting inside, wondering where she was.

“The bride. I heard there was a wedding taking place today. I take it you are the fortunate young lady?”

Her mouth went dry. Feeling the discomfort, she gave a quick shake of her head to wash it all away. It was just the wedding that made her feel this way now.

“Well, yes. But we shouldn’t speak. We have not been introduced, My Lord.”

He stopped. “Do you know me?”

“No. Do you know me?” she asked cautiously.

A smile spread across his face, but she didn’t trust it to be genuine. “I would like to.”

“Perhaps you should attend the wedding, then,” Verity said.

She didn’t like inviting a stranger like this, but it seemed the polite thing to do.

Fortunately, he slowly shook his head. “I’m afraid it would not be ideal. I merely wished to confirm the rumors about Halewood—that he is taking another wife.” She ignored the shiver that ran down her spine. “I’m afraid he wouldn’t appreciate my presence here today.”

She frowned. The way he said it made it sound like she had no right to care or disobey the Duke. She liked to think she still had some options.

“Then you could attend as my guest.”