Page 1 of The Duke's Goddess

Chapter 1

“Sometimes the most courageous act is simply to be yourself in a world that wants you to be someone else.”

—Joan of Arc

1816 England

THOUGH SHE WAS QUIET, she was fierce. Lady Joan was the calm, cautious, committed sister in a pack of four. It was easy to hold her tongue and let others live their lives, face the consequences of their own decisions, learn from their mistakes. If asked, she would give her opinion. But only in extreme situations did she ever offer unsolicited advice. She loved to offer support with a kind word or touch. But there was more to her than being the quiet one. There was something deep within her…just simmering. Not that she recognized it yet. Right now, she felt as though the world was (mostly) working in her favor. She had a loving family with three beautiful sisters, all of whom were currently having tea together.

“Are you excited, Bodi?” Mimi asked with shooting stars in her eyes.

“Yes, Mimi. I’m excited. For the fifth time,” Bodi shook her head at the youngest, and Joan knew the feigned exasperation was all in love.

“It’s. Your. Wedding. Bodi.” As if none of the sisters knew what Mimi was talking about.

They all sat on Boudicca’s bed, savoring the last night as four single women. Tomorrow Bodi would marry and everything would change. Thankfully the sisters were celebrating, since Bodi was marrying the man she loved, and all because of a dare. A dare that was sitting heavily on Joan’s chest. Almost as heavily as she might expect from an elephant.

The duke dare…ah…that silly little, vexing, agreement. An agreement that bound her to her sisters. An agreement that she would never back out of, but really, if she had a choice, she would go back in time and let the other three pursue it and leave herself out of it. She was happy to observe. Even cheer them on. But actively participate? She wished to renege. But she wouldn’t. She would go along to keep theirrelationship strong.

But tonight was not a night for woes, rather wonder. A wedding full of joy and warmth would envelop them tomorrow.

“I know.” Bodi eyed Mimi as if to put an end to the incessant questions, but then a smile broke free on her lips. “I know. You’re right. And I am thrilled to be marrying the man I love.”

“Oooooh. You really love him,” Mimi teased.

“We already knew that she loved him, Mimi,” Nobi jumped in.

“I’m still shocked that he loves me,” Bodi spoke with dreamy eyes, very much unlike her pragmatic default.

“Of course he loves you. How could he not? What’s not to love?” Joan asked.

“Exactly. You’re a rapier-wielding, championship-stealing, business-buildingbeautiful soul,” Mimi smiled, showing all her teeth.

“Please tell me that’s not how you smile at the gentlemen, Mimi.” Bodi scolded.

Mimi scoffed. “Chastised? After I said all those nice things about you?” She crossed her arms and puffed out her chest. The dynamic between the eldest and the youngest was in full force this evening.

And Joan could already predict what Nobi—the peacekeeper—would do.

“This is no time for an affection of umbrage. Live up to your namesake, Artemisia.”

Mimi stuck her tongue out at Nobi, and Joan had to stifle a giggle.

“Tomorrow shall prove to be the best day of our lives. The first one of us is getting married. Let’s focus on that,” Joan said once she had her chuckles under control.

“I’m glad you’re all so happy for me. Your best days are still to come. Yours might be next, Joan,” Bodi said while giving Joan’s forearm a squeeze.

“I’m not so sure about that,” Joan let her gaze fall to the floor, following the pattern of the Aubusson rug. There might come a day when she had to marry…a duke no less—because of the dare—but she doubted that she would find true love in that venture. But if she had to accept a loveless marriage in order to keep her sisters satisfied, she would do it. Of course, if she could marry a duke for love, that was the first option. But she just couldn’t envision that happening. Who was she to attract the attention of a powerful man? She was the often overlooked quiet third sister. She was a woman just eccentric enough to be talked about by some, and not scandalous enough to be rejected by society. Playing it safe was how she made her way through life. This dare was anything but safe…

“Wait.” Mimi redirected her attack (albeit a mild one) to Nobi. “It should be Nobi’s turn to go next, shouldn’t it? She’s the second eldest.”

Flustered, Nobi spoke up, “We didn’t establish an order for who would complete the dares at what time.”

“Then why did I go first?” Bodi asked, sitting upright on the bed.

“Are you complaining?” Mimi asked.

“No, just curious.”

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