Page 2 of Two Ruins Make a Right

“Your father will likely go to debtor’s prison for your mother’s debts. Your sister will be ruined. You’ll be ruined. Once this becomes public knowledge, Mr. Richardson will likely walk away from you.”

A silent tear cascaded down her cheek. Angrily, she wiped it away.

Her heart was breaking, leaking every bit of happiness she’d felt earlier.

Her future? She had none. What had been the best day of her life had turned into the worst. She never could have imagined that her life would lead her down this path.

She sobbed quietly.

“There, there, my dear.” The marquess came to her side and awkwardly wrapped his arm around her. “I promise you that if you say yes, you’ll want for nothing. I like to consider myself a kind and honorable man. As my wife, you’ll have my utmost respect and affection.”

After several moments that seemed to stretch into hours, the marquess slowly stood and faced her. “I won’t force you. If you say no, I’ll leave immediately.”

No more words had to be spoken. They both knew that if he left, her entire family would be destroyed.

An image of her darling sister raced through her thoughts. If Nell sacrificed her happiness, she could ensure Christa would not suffer. Her sweet little sister was innocent and shouldn’t have to suffer for their parents’ actions. If Nell said yes, then the marquess had promised to protect Christa.

But Nell shouldn’t have to suffer either. But what choice did she have? Either her family or Nell’s future was destroyed. That was the choice. Her throat felt raw, but she forced herself to ask again. “And you’ll take care of Christa?”

He nodded solemnly.

As she stood, her eyes burned with unshed tears.

How did the best day of her life turn into a nightmare?

She summoned the strength to say no. This was her life, not her parents’ right to decide her future.

But the image of Christa snuggling with Nell in bed on Christmas morning barged into her thoughts.

Christa would whisper excitedly about what the day would bring.

She’s talk about her hopes and dreams for the new year.

Nell always wanted the best for her little sister.

She deserved it just as Nell didn’t deserve this proposal.

But sometimes, life did not turn out how you expected, let alone hoped.

Nell forced herself to clear her throat. “The answer is yes.”

The words lingered in the air like the dirty fog surrounding London, making a person feel gritty.

Whitton nodded once. “I know what you’re sacrificing.”

He had no idea.

“I’ll let your father know. I have a special license with me. We’ll be married today.” He started to walk out the door, then stopped. “It would be cruel of me if I didn’t acknowledge your feelings for Mr. Richardson. I will speak with him.”

“No,” she said frantically. Under no circumstances would she allow Lord Whitton to discuss her family’s shame with anyone.

She owed James an explanation of some sort.

She would have to think of a way to let him down gently.

She didn’t want him to feel as if he’d been thrown off a cliff, like she had. “I’ll write him a letter.”

“That’s probably for the best.” He turned again toward the door and then stopped to face her once more.

“Nellwyn, I will give you children and anything else you want. Because of your special friendship with Richardson, I don’t expect you to share our marriage bed until you’re ready.

” He stared into space, narrowing his eyes as if weighing what to say.

He pursed his lips and nodded once, as if deciding.

“But make no mistake, we will share a bed.” He bowed slightly.

“I’ll be back with your father.” As he left the study, he gently latched the door.

Nell gasped softly. What was left of her broken heart was shattered into a thousand pieces. Her simple word of yes ensured her father and mother would not face debtor’s prison. But at what cost? Her entire family was ruined, and they couldn’t escape that.

Especially her. That three-letter word had cost her everything. It cost her James and their future.

Another tear fell as her entire chest ached.

She had lost James forever.

* * *

Over the next eight years, Nell’s decision had been a blur of compromises and sacrifices.

She had fulfilled her promise, maintaining an outwardly dutiful marriage to Lord Whitton.

Her days became a carefully constructed facade of cordiality, her heart locked away in a chamber of longing for what might have been.

She was always mindful never to let such longing escape.

Yet she carried on, ensuring her family’s security, just as she had vowed.

As the seasons passed, life had marched forward, and whispers of James Richardson would reach her ears.

It was a quiet reminder of the life she had forsaken.

She wondered whether he had found happiness, whether he had forgiven her abrupt departure from his world.

She often thought of writing him another letter—not to rekindle what they once shared, but merely to offer him a semblance of closure.

Still, the pain lingered, like a thread woven tightly into the fabric of her soul. It was a constant ache that she never could escape.

Eight years later, as she watched the spring blossoms unfurl their delicate petals, she found herself pondering the future as she was wont to do. Not her own fate—her course had been set.

But his. She wondered if James’s heart had mended.

Hers never had.