Page 6 of A Duke, a Virgin and a Baby
“I have the most wonderful news! The duke was here earlier to ask for your hand! We agreed and you will be wed by the end of the week!” the baroness announced.
It felt as though a bucket of cold water had poured over Anna’s head.
“W-What do you mean? That’s –”
“He was here first thing in the morning. A man of honor, that one. I was already thinking I might have to march down to his dwelling to do the right thing but it would seem he already had an idea of what that is and had no problem fulfilling his duties. He wanted the wedding to happen as soon as possible and it was a perfect idea – as we do not want people talking about your honor and reputation –”
“Father, stop,” Anna said in a cold tone, cutting her father off.
Percival stared at her, his brows pinched together in confusion as she tried to gather her wits, unable to breathe in deeply no matter how hard she tried because her lungs felt heavy.
“Please,” she gasped. “Please tell me you jest. You didn’t – you did not accept his proposal. You did not arrange my marriage, just as you had for Leah.”
“Of course we did! What else was there to do? He is a duke! This is even better than we could have ever imagined! We did not even need to prey on his conscience. He showed up on his own accord to do what’s right. It would seem that I made the right call after all.” Sally said, raising her head proudly.
It saddened and horrified Anna to no end how her parents truly believed that they had done nothing wrong.
“Why would you think this is right? You do not know who that man is – what sort of person he is, besides his title. How could you stand to give me away so easily?” Anna asked, her heartbeat echoing in her ears.
Percival sighed and waved Sally forward, as though he couldn’t be bothered to address his daughter’s concerns.
“Darling,” Anna’s mother smiled placatingly, stepping forward, “Your sister also had a marriage based on mutual agreement and necessity. And things worked out perfectly for her. You have no reason to worry or fear. You are so close to spinsterhood, Anna. You haven’t had many men look your way all season. This is the best thing that could happen to you because, at the end of the week, you will have a husband!”
“Mother,” Anna tried carefully in hopes she could reason with her. “This was not what I wanted. I didn’t want a marriage born from necessity or desperation. I wanted a husband I would love. One who could love me. One I would have no problems loving back with everything I have. What if his proposal was merely a trick and he proves to be a cruel man? What if he abandons me at the altar for his revenge? Even if that doesn’t happen, we know nothing about him, besides his title. What if he is violent and hurts me? mother, please, reconsider. I am scared.”
Percival shook his head, clearly growing impatient.
“We did something good for you but you are choosing to be ungrateful instead of appreciative. A trait you will do well to abandon before you get married. Stop this complaining at once and get ready for your wedding.” He said, turning to walk away.
“F-Father,” Anna called, desperate and distraught. “Father, please. Please reconsider.”
“I have made my decision. Begin your preparations right away.” Percival stated coldly.
And then he left, taking with him whatever shred of hope Anna felt.
That was it. Her fate had been sealed and there was nothing she could do about it.
As she began to leave the room, in need of some space and air to gather her thoughts, her mother called out to her,
“I’m more than happy to help you with the wedding arrangements, of course!”
“Oh dearest! You look wonderful! Every bit the bride of a duke!”
Sally’s voice seemed to fade into the background as Anna took in her reflection, unable to feel anything but cold and frigid.
The days had gone by quickly, all the time she thought she had to pull herself together and come to terms with her situation flying by in a whirlwind of preparations and shallow congratulatory greetings.
Anna thought she would have been ready when the day arrived, but the horror of it all had not quite faded. She had simplylearned there was apparently no going back – not for her – and learned to keep her mouth shut.
It was not as though her words had been heard in the past anyway.
Her parents were immensely happy about it, telling anyone and everyone who would listen that their daughter was to marry a duke. Her mother was so proud, she might as well have been the bride herself. She was practically grinning from ear to ear as she handed Anna to her father who would walk her down the aisle.
It was then that she got a proper look at her husband-to-be.
Julian Harrow, the Duke of Morland, stood tall and proud next to the vicar, his expression set to one of mild disinterest.
It was… different. When they had been in that dark room together, it had been easier to judge him based on his attitude, thanks to his obscured features. Now, he was bathed in soft beams of sunlight that streamed in through the stained glass windows of the cathedral and she was forced to acknowledge that he was quite handsome.
