Page 14 of Duke of Iron
Albert’s brows rose even higher. “What things exactly?”
Dorothy waved her hand. “Idle nonsense. That she flung herself into the arms of a man she barely knew. That she staged it all to trap him. That our daughter was desperate.”
His eyes narrowed further. “And you did not think this worth mentioning?”
“It no longer matters,” Dorothy said with forced cheer. “She’s to be a duchess. Let them choke on their ink and venom.”
“They will have more to say if we bungle this,” April said.
The conversation swirled around May like a storm. Her mother had already begun listing the names of modistes, jewelers, and caterers she must call upon at first light.
“We must start with silks,” Dorothy declared. “Only ivory. Not cream. Ivory is more elegant for a duchess.”
“What of the guest list?” April asked. “Will we host it at Wildmoore or allow Irondale to take the lead?”
“We will hold our heads high,” Dorothy announced. “Let no one believe the Vestiere name is diminished. We are ascendant.”
But through it all, August’s eyes never left May’s. They were not angry now, but seemed to search for what she was not telling.
Later that evening, as May was preparing for bed, Miss Abbot returned with a note. May’s heart stumbled when she saw the seal. She tore it open and read,
Lady May,
I shall secure a special license so we can be wed at the earliest opportunity. I will also call upon your father to make everything official. I trust you are ready.
—Irondale
May’s shoulders sagged as relief washed over her. A part of her had doubted his intention, but having him send her this raised her confidence in their agreement.
Before she could completely exhale, a knock came again, and her mother stepped in.“I’d hoped you’d still be awake. Your father would like to see you.”
May wrapped herself in a robe and followed, knowing he had summoned her to speak to her about her engagement.
She found him by the fire with a book on his lap and his feet up on an ottoman.He looked up when she walked in and smiled. “Come sit, my dear.”
She did, heart thudding.
“The news today was good,” he said. “Your mother panics, but I do not. My daughters are cleverer than most. I always knew you would find your own path.”
“I find myself in disbelief too,” she admitted.
“You are favored by providence, never doubt that.”He looked at her steadily.“Tell me truly, May. Why Irondale?”
She hesitated and glanced down at her folded hands in her lap. “Do you disapprove, Father?” The Duke’s reputation was a thing to worry over, and any sensible guardian would ask why such a man would want to marry his charge.
“It matters not what I think,” Albert replied. “What doyoufeel?”
She swallowed. “He did not laugh at my spectacles.”
Albert’s smile grew. “A good start.”
“He… speaks with me. Not at me, and about things that matter.”
That was not entirely true. May barely knew him and had no notion of what sort of conversationalist he was. But it was easier than the truth.
Albert nodded. “Then that is all I require. I look forward to meeting him.”
She smiled, but her chest felt hollow.
