Page 70 of Not the Duke's Virgin

“You underestimate the manipulations some are capable of.” Victoria took a deep breath. “Sister, I have reason to believe the Duke of Hayward is behind this.”

Aurora’s eyes widened. “The Duke? But why?”

Haltingly, Victoria explained her suspicions about Simon’s dealings with their father and the carefully timed assistance he had rendered to each of them.

Aurora listened in dismay. “You believe he means to control us? But what could he possibly gain?” she asked in bewilderment when Victoria had finished.

“I do not yet know. But we must be cautious.” Victoria squeezed her sister’s hands. “Tell no one of my suspicions, not even Joseph. I do not know how deep this deception runs. For now, you must act normally, but be on your guard.”

Still looking troubled, Aurora nodded. “I will. Thank you for the warning. But…” She hesitated. “What if you are wrong about the Duke’s motives? What if he genuinely means to help?”

Victoria briefly considered it. Could she be mistaken? But no, there were too many odd links and coincidences. “I cannot take that risk,” she said firmly.

Aurora stared, then embraced Victoria tightly. “I will be careful, I promise. And I am so grateful you are here.”

Despite everything, Victoria returned her sister’s embrace warmly. She meant to protect this newfound happiness, not curtail it. Drawing back, she asked, “Have you set a date for the wedding?”

“We thought this Saturday before Father can interfere.” Anxiety flickered in Aurora’s eyes.

Victoria gripped her shoulders reassuringly. “Then I will remain until you are wed. We shall face whatever comes together.”

Aurora’s smile broke through like the sun. Impulsively, she hugged Victoria again, half laughing, half crying. “Thank you. I am so glad you came.”

Over the next few days, an air of tense excitement filled the house as Aurora and the staff prepared for the upcoming nuptials. Victoria did her best to share her sister’s obvious joy, but inwardly, she remained on edge, watchful for any sign of interference from the Duke.

Where was he in all this? Lurking just out of sight, pulling their strings? It made her blood boil.

Joseph seemed equally wary, though he tried to hide it when with Aurora. Victoria wondered how much her sister had told him. She hoped he would prove worthy of trust. If not, they were all lost.

* * *

Two days before the wedding, Victoria retreated to the garden to clear her head. Aurora was preoccupied with fittings, but Victoria had been unable to settle indoors. She strolled restlessly down the garden paths, frustration mounting inside her. The waiting, the not knowing… it tore at her composure. She longed to confront the Duke, to unleash her fury and demand answers. Only the need for discretion held her in check.

A snapping twig broke the stillness. Heart leaping, Victoria whirled, half expecting to find her nemesis standing there. But it was only Joseph, evidently also seeking solitude among the hedges.

He looked abashed at disturbing her. “Forgive me, Lady Victoria. I did not mean to startle you.”

Victoria released a shaky breath, pressing a hand over her pounding heart. “It is nothing. I am a bit on edge of late.”

His expression reflected understanding. “We all are. It is difficult not knowing what may come.”

Victoria studied him, considering. Here was one who might comprehend the dangers. Impulsively, she asked, “What do you know of my suspicions… about His Grace? Has Aurora said anything?”

Joseph’s eyes flickered warily at her directness. “Only that you believe he is somehow entangled in this. But I confess I do not understand his motives.”

“Just so. Nor do I.” Victoria’s hands clenched in frustration. “I cannot fathom why he meddles in our affairs so. But I mean to find out.”

Pacing away, she wrestled with indecision. Could she bring Joseph into her confidence? Having an ally might be wise. But would he credit her wild suspicions about a peer of the realm?

Turning back, she met his gaze resolutely. “I need the truth of what you think. Do you believe me mad for doubting Simon’s motives when he has shown you such favor?”

Joseph considered carefully before answering. “I think little is ever as simple as it appears. But I do know this…” He met her eyes earnestly. “I mean only to make your sister happy. If you believe something threatens that, I will help if I can.”

Victoria released a slow breath, resolve hardening within her. She would accept his promise, for now. Together, they may yet untangle this web of deception.

“My thanks,” she said simply. “Then let us speak no more of suspicions today, and join Aurora in preparing for Saturday.”

He nodded, offering his arm to escort her back inside. As they walked, he remarked carefully, “Your presence has brought Aurora much joy. I am glad you’re here for our wedding.”

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