Page 80 of Chaperoned By Her Enemy Duke
Cecelia's own misgivings were suddenly overwhelmed by excitement and joy for her sister.
“Do you believe he feels the same?” she asked, gripping her sister's hand to stop her fidgeting.
She heard how her sister gulped before she answered, “I believe so.”
“Oh, Mary! Why didn't you say anything before?” Cecelia demanded, pulling her sister into her arms.
For a moment, all her troubles, all her anger, were forgotten. She merely wished to relish in this moment, in their sisterly bond, in the hopes that at least one of them might one day be happy.
Mary pulled back as she said, “Because until you are wed, it does not matter.”
Cecelia's stomach twisted.
“I have not even made my debut, and I cannot until you have made your match,” Mary pointed out, and guilt threatened to overwhelm Cecelia.
It was at that moment she felt utterly sure of what she needed to do, of how to fulfil her father's last wish and see her sister's happiness fulfilled.
“I swear to you, Mary, one way or another,” Cecelia said firmly, “I shall see myself settled by the end of the Season.”
The weight of such a promise landed heavily upon her shoulders, only eased slightly by the beaming grin on her sister's face.
“Walter and I should be most grateful if you did,” Mary said, hugging Cecelia tightly before she pulled back to add, “but please, follow your heart, Cece.”
Cecelia's entire body turned to stone then.
That was one thing she absolutely could not do.
Chapter 22
In the days since the debacle at the theatre, George had tried his best to keep himself busy. Taking time to handle the affairs of the dukedom, spending time with Walter and Elizabeth, and drinking copious amounts of liquor.
In truth, he was not himself at all.
And in the top drawer of his desk, Cecelia's locket with its broken chain burned a hole, practically crying out to him to be given the attention it deserved,shedeserved.
But how could he do so after all that had been said, after all that had been broken between them?
He was so intent upon his thoughts, or rather the effort it took to keepherfrom his thoughts, that he did not hear the pounding upon the front door.
Nor did he truly register the footsteps approaching his study until he heard the knock upon the door he had left ajar.
Even before he could compose himself, the door creaked open, and Walter took a hesitant step inside.
“May I come in?”
Cringing, George leaned back in his chair and ran a finger through his hair. Adjusting the buttons on his waistcoat for something to do, he gestured Walter inside.
“I was not aware we had made plans,” he said, raising a brow as his friend entered.
Walter shook his head. “I do hope you do not mind my dropping in unannounced. I insisted I could see myself to you.”
George pursed his lips. At least he did not have to suffer his butler's concerned expression nor his manservant's questioning.
“Please, sit,” he insisted, gesturing to the armchair opposite his desk. “Do you need something?”
Walter settled down into the chair without argument, straightened his own jacket, and cleared his throat.
Something about his friend's expression left George feeling uneasy, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
