Page 14 of A Duchess Bound
Dorothy had done much more to invite a rake’s attention than her sister had, though. She grimaced and silently cursed herself for being so foolish.
“Do you know what the biggest problem with rakes is?” Catherine asked. “They are not always obviously rakes, and because ladies do not wish to admit when they have been seduced by a rake, such men are allowed to treat women as they will without consequence.”
Dorothy took a steadying breath. Catherine could not possibly know about the encounter with the Duke of Greenway, but the remark was like a knife twisting in Dorothy’s heart.
She could not tell her sister about the encounter. She could not tellanyoneabout it. Was her silence only enabling His Grace to continue with his rakish conquests? Oh, he was known as a rake by many of the ton, but there would always be some ladies whodid not know what the man was. And she herself was testament that even ladies who knew better could still be susceptible to the charms of rakes.
“I am certain that you will make certain that Bridget is spared having to deal with such men,” Catherine said warmly. “She is very fortunate to have you.”
Was she? Dorothy did not feel as though she was. What good was she to Bridget when she found herself feeling affectionate towards the same men that she had cautioned her sister against?
“I am trying my best,” Dorothy said.
“Your best will be enough.”
They had completed their walk around the perimeter of the ballroom and stood where they had begun. Bridget was a vision in pale green on the dance floor, dancing as elegantly as any other lady. Dorothy’s chest tightened. “It is difficult to believe that she is old enough to have a Season.”
“I know,” Catherine said. “Time has moved so quickly.”
Dorothy bit the inside of her cheek. She searched the crowd for Elias and found him speaking to a young lady in a lavender dress. Soon, Elias would have to wed for the good of the dukedom.
“Are you happy?” Catherine asked suddenly.
“Happy?” Dorothy echoed. “Have I done something to give you the impression that I am not?”
Catherine hesitated. “Not exactly.”
“But?”
“But I am married, and in my marriage, I have discovered greater joys than I ever imagined,” she said. “I had not realized that would happen. I thought I knew everything that there was to know about marriage, but I discovered that I was wrong.”
“And you want me to experience similar happiness?” Dorothy asked, a little startled. “I have said time and time again that I am content with my lot in life. Nothing could bring me greater joy than seeing my brother and sisters happily wed.”
“I know you have always said that.”
“Yes,” Dorothy said. “If you recall, the Duke of Sarsen first proposed marriage tome.”
“And you would have accepted,” Catherine said, “except that I interfered.”
“I am grateful to you for that, and I am pleased that you love him.”
“Ah! You are deflecting,” Catherine said. “I respect your choices, my dear sister, and I always will. However, I do wonder if you are sacrificing your own happiness for ours. If so, you need not do that.”
Unbidden, the Duke of Greenway’s hazel eyes came to mind. The way that he had stared at her sent a shiver of delight coursing through her, just as it had two weeks prior.
“I am sacrificing nothing,” Dorothy said. “I promise.”
Catherine searched her sister’s face for a little longer. It was impossible to say what Catherine found in Dorothy’s expression, but at last, she nodded. “If you are truly happy, that is enough,” Catherine said gently. “I shall mention the matter no longer. I just wanted you to know that it isfinefor you to think about yourself. You are as deserving of love and happiness as we are.”
“I know that,” Dorothy said. “And I appreciate your concern. You take care of me as much as I take care of you.”
“You deserve to be taken care of,” Catherine said.
The Duke of Greenway was not a man who would take care of her. At best, he could be depended upon to give her some semblance of fleeting pleasure before he decided to pursue another lady, a younger one.
One like Bridget.
“I will be taken care of,” Dorothy said. “By you, Bridget, and Elias.”
