Page 25 of Her Duke for Thirty Days
The earl regarded the duke with a keen eye. He seemed to ponder the idea, as if he hadn’t been the one most enthusiastic about it. Then, a smile, both approving and joyful, graced the man’s features, softening them almost beyond recognition, as he extended a large hand towards Alexander in agreement.
“Your Grace,” he said with a fatherly affection, “your request honors our family. I wholeheartedly grant you permission to marry my daughter Phyllis. May this union bring happiness and prosperity to both our houses.”
With the shake of their hands, an agreement was sealed. Alexander didn’t feel relief as he thought he would. Strangely, he couldn’t stop thinking about Phyllis and the way she was with him during their secret rendezvous in the park. What was the reason for this sudden change of heart? Although it was to benefit him, he still couldn’t just let it go. He had to know.
“Why don’t I call for Phyllis so you may tell her the good news yourself?” the earl said, bringing Alexander back to the present moment.
“That would be agreeable,” Alexander replied with a slight nod.
He watched as the earl walked out of the room and spoke to the first passing servant in a hushed tone. Alexander couldn’t quite hear the words spoken. Not that it mattered, because in less than a minute, Phyllis appeared before him in the drawing room, followed closely by her father. Her steps were measured, and her gaze was guarded. Alexander acknowledged her presence immediately.
“Miss St. Clair,” he bowed before her as deeply as he could, showing respect and appreciation of her loveliness. Because, even in her sorrow, she was graceful and dignified, and he was in awe of this ability in a woman.
“Your Grace,” she replied equally formally. He immediately noticed that she was her usual stoic self once again. There was no vulnerability in her eyes, no semblance of any tears. He wondered if they had been cried out or if perhaps, she had pushed them back into the depths of her being, where they came from.
“I am pleased to inform you that your father has graciously accepted my proposal,” he revealed. “Our desire to marry is now official.”
Phyllis, veiled in a demeanor that perfectly matched Alexander’s formality, responded with a regal nod. “I appreciate the news, Your Grace. I trust the arrangements will proceed immediately, as customs dictate.”
Their words, though polite and proper, held an undercurrent of detachment. The artful dance they had performed in the past days had left a subtle imprint on their interactions. It was a façade meticulously constructed, concealing the complexities that lay beneath the surface. He was still incredulous at this unexpected turn of events. Even more, it was making him suspicious, because obviously, something was happening, something that he was not privy to. He made a mental note to ask Phyllis about this as soon as the circumstances allowed for it, because he doubted she could tell him the truth in the presence of her father.
Alexander, sensing the chill in the atmosphere, cleared his throat. “Indeed, Miss St. Clair. I shall ensure that the preparations align with the esteemed customs of our society.” He endeavored to speak calmly, not revealing his doubts and suspicions as of yet.
“That pleases me,” Phyllis said, without much enthusiasm or delight.
Alexander on his part, felt the same. He was devoid of the usual glee that followed the idea of someone getting married. Then again, their situation was anything but ordinary, so ordinary reactions were not to be expected.
“You may offer your insight on anything regarding the preparations,” he suggested.
She remained cold and aloof. “Whatever you deem suitable is fine.”
He cleared his throat again, wanting to engage her more, despite her obvious lack of will. “I propose ceremony befitting our stations, attended by close friends and family. I would, of course, be open to any preferences you may have in this matter.”
Phyllis merely nodded, crossing her hands in front of herself. “Your suggestions align well with what a marriage ceremony ought to be like. I have no further suggestions.”
At that moment, her father interfered, stepping by her side. “Phyllis, dear, I find that hard to believe. You always demand a certain level of involvement in everything we do, how come you show such lack of enthusiasm now?”
Phyllis looked at him defiantly. Alexander could not fail to notice that. “I feel a little under the weather, Father. That must be why.”
For some reason, Alexander’s demeanor softened. “Your input is valued, and I assure you that I have no intention of dictating the course without considering your wishes. We can collaborate on these arrangements, ensuring that they reflect the union we are entering into.”
“Exactly!” the earl exclaimed, using both of his hands to bring the couple physically closer together. “Now, why don’t the two of you take a stroll through the garden? It is a lovely day, and I’m sure that Phyllis would feel much better after she’s been out in the fresh air. And you can discuss the marriage plans in more detail. Just… make sure to stay within sight.”
“Of course,” Alexander nodded, turning to Phyllis and offering her his hand. “Shall we?”
He could see the helplessness in her eyes, the sheer desire not to be here, but anywhere else.
“Of course, Your Grace,” she whispered in a soft voice, then did as the two men bid her.
CHAPTERFOURTEEN
As Phyllis strolled through the well-manicured garden, the weight of her impending engagement settled heavily on her shoulders. The vibrant blooms and delicate fragrance that usually brought her solace now felt like a mere backdrop to the tumultuous emotions swirling within her.
She could not fathom how her life had taken this turn. She had everything planned. She knew what she wanted and how she would go about obtaining it. But fate had other plans for her, it seemed. As she walked, her steps were measured, each one echoing the conflict within her heart. The anger, a tempest fueled by the actions of those she held dear, raged silently. Her sister’s recklessness and her father’s stern decisions weighed on Phyllis like an unrelenting burden, which she knew she would not be getting rid of that easily.
In the midst of this emotional tempest, Alexander walked beside her, an unwitting participant in the internal struggle. Though his role in the unfolding drama was more minor compared to her sister’s betrayal and her father’s compliance, he wasn’t entirely exempt from her resentment. After all, he had agreed to it all and that made him an accomplice in this charade that seemed to be stacked against her.
As they moved through the garden, Phyllis stole glances at the man who would soon be her betrothed. The smallest tinge of frustration flickered within her gaze, directed not just at him but at the entire farce they were engaged in. A surge of sadness accompanied her anger, a poignant reminder of the autonomy she was sacrificing. She tried not to think about it, to focus on anything else, but that was an impossible feat.
