Page 6 of His Forsaken Duchess
But this time, she squared her shoulders, forcing the ache in her chest aside. She would not give him the satisfaction of seeing her falter.
The Earl cast one last glare at them before storming out, his heavy footfalls echoing down the hallway.
Lilianna burst into fresh sobs, and Grace reached out to lay a trembling hand on her shoulder. Clarise remained silent, her head still bowed.
Audrey’s gaze swept over them—her mother’s helplessness, Clarise’s nervous fidgeting, and Lilianna’s broken expression.
If no one else will fight for her,then I will.
She turned on her heel, her skirts swishing as she strode out of the drawing room. Her father’s retreating figure disappeared into his study, and she caught the door just before it closed.
“Father,” she called, her voice firm.
He turned, his brow furrowed in irritation. “What is it now, Audrey?”
She stepped inside, closing the door behind her. “Lilianna is heartbroken. She cannot face this reality, and to marry her off to some… stranger would only worsen the scandal.”
“And what do you propose that I do instead?” he asked, his voice dripping with skepticism.
Audrey inhaled deeply. “I, however, am a duchess. I am respected, admired, and one of the most influential figures in the ton.If anyone can help restore Lilianna’s reputation, it is me.”
“And how do you intend to do that?” he scoffed, crossing his arms.
“Give me a month,” she said firmly. “If her reputation hasn’t improved by then, I will beg you to find her a suitable husband. But surely this is not as dire as the gossip sheets make it seem.”
The Earl stared at her, his expression unreadable. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to waver.
Finally, he let out a heavy sigh and waved a hand dismissively. “One month,” he said gruffly. “But I expect results.”
“You will have them,” Audrey assured him, her voice steady despite the rush of relief coursing through her. She turned and exited the study, her mind already racing with plans.
I will not fail you, Lilianna.
Audrey unfolded the note from her friend, the Countess of Weatherby, and sighed as she read the elegant script.
My dearest Audrey,
I am so sorry, but I must beg your forgiveness. My darling Edward has been taken ill, and I cannot possibly leave his side. I hope to see you soon, and please know you are in my thoughts.
Fondly,
Martha.
She set the note down atop the two others she had already read, each one delivering similar regrets. Her lady’s maid, Miss Smith, stood at her side, holding yet another sealed missive.
Audrey rubbed her temples before reaching for the next envelope. “I do hope this one is an acceptance from Lady Allenham,” she muttered. “Surely someone in London has not suddenly been taken ill or been called away.”
Miss Smith said nothing, though the hint of concern in her expression did not escape Audrey’s notice.
Breaking the seal, Audrey opened the letter. The first line dashed her hopes immediately.
Your Grace,
I regret that I must decline your kind invitation to tea. An urgent matter requires me to travel to Gloucestershire posthaste.
Yours,
Lady Allenham.
