Page 28 of Married to the Cruel Duke

He scoffed. “There is no point in trying to make such a promise. We both know that is all you can do is disappoint.”

“I know, but I will try my hardest.”

He scoffed, “do you think that means anything?”

“How long do you think it will take until Duke Danton wants her out of his house too?” Dorothy smirked.

“Who can say, but that is all the more reason she needs to be grateful to us. If she is, perhaps we will consider saving her from the streets.”

She looked down, gripping her hands in her lap. “Thank you for your kindness,” she forced out.

“As you should, but I can’t help but worry you don’t sound as grateful as you should.”

Rebecca locked her eyes on the floor in front of her. “What would you have me do?”

“I don’t know yet, but I’m sure we will think of something.”

They spent a few hours sitting there, mocking Rebecca until Solomon stood with a sigh.

“Well, I think it is high time that we return home. It will be time for dinner soon.”

“Before we go, can you give me a moment alone with my sister?” Dorothy asked.

“He sighed, “if you must. I will go get the carriage ready, but try not to take too long.”

“I won’t!”

Then he stepped out, leaving the pair alone. Dorothy smirked at her, stepping closer until they were only a few feet apart.

“Do you know why father sold you to the duke?” she whispered.

She didn’t say a word, biting hard onto the inside of her cheek.

“Don’t get me wrong, I have no doubt he would have been the only man who would have you, but more than that, we sacrificed you for our own financial well being and status. You will never be more than a stepping stone for me.”

She clenched her hands into fists. She needed to stay quiet, she needed to hold in her tears. There was no reaction she could have that would make any of this any better.

Finally, Dorothy turned and started making her way to the door. She paused just before she left, turning to Rebecca one last time.

“You are pathetic, I hope you know that.”

Then she was gone, leaving Rebecca alone.

For a long time, she just stood there, taking deep breaths and waiting to make sure they wouldn’t come back. Once she was sure they were gone, she started making her way back to her room.

It was only once she was safely shut inside that she crumpled to the ground, tears racing down her cheeks.

She was silent when she cried. It was a hard won skill for Rebecca, but she learned long ago not to bother anyone else with her despair. All it would do was bother those around her, so she did what she needed to to keep it to herself.

It felt like hours passed as she lay surrounded in her despair. She knew it was true when there was a knock at the door signaling it was time for dinner.

“I’m not hungry tonight,” she called back. “I’m sorry, but please take it away for tonight.”

There was a dramatic sigh from outside the door.

Guilt consumed Rebecca. How could she be so selfish? She should have taken the tray and made herself eat it, even if it did make her sick.

They had already gone to all the trouble to make it. If she had been that set on not eating, then she should have sent word to the kitchen that they didn’t need to make a plate for her, but she hadn’t done that.

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