Page 23 of The Duke's Spinster Bride
“Why else would a man like him choose you?” Her father shook his head. “He could have had any woman in the ton, and yet he picked you.”
“Perhaps he did not choose me for my looks.” Andrea dug her nails into the palms of her hands.
“It definitely cannot be your personality or rather your lack of one. So I must assume you used your body. Like some common strumpet.” He took a step towards her.
Andrea glared at him, even as every instinct in her screamed at her to run. “You know, most fathers would congratulate their daughters on their wedding day.”
“That would imply I approve of your behaviour. I see no need to congratulate you.” He sniffed. “Why should I congratulate you on disobedience? On shameful and wanton behaviour? No doubt your mother would be turning in her grave. It is lucky she is already dead.”
Andrea shook her head, hearing the part her father would not say aloud. She started to shake, a familiar feeling of nausea rising within her. “I did as you asked. I am married.”
“Not to the manIpicked.” He threw his wine glass on the ground.
It shattered and the sound made Andrea wince. He was drunk.I should have known better.Anger and shame rose within her. “Surely to have a Duchess in the family is better for our family name? Most fathers would be proud!”
“Most fathers have daughters who know their place. Who are obedient.” He glared at her, his eyes full of disgust and violence. “They do not have insolent, ugly little girls who seek to embarrass them at every opportunity.”
“I am not trying to embarrass you.”
“And yet you do. I asked you to wed, and what did you do? Cause even more scandal! I am a laughing stock.” Her father ground his teeth together, a vein throbbing in his temple.
“It will blow over in time, and the ton will see that you have a duchess for a daughter.” Andrea tried to believe in the truth of her own words. “The ton will forget any of this and only remember that I am a duchess.”
“Are you so sure of that? Do you truly think the Duke will not cast you aside once he has learned of your deficiencies?” Her father sneered. “I know you, Andrea. I know the truth of you.”
“I do not have to listen to this.” Andrea made to move away from him, but he stood in her path, looming over her.
“You will listen to me, you vile creature. You are married, but do not think you are safe. That man will tire of you. You will do as I say, you will get with child and that will bind him to you forever.” His voice was an angry hiss, like the sound of an adder being disturbed from sleep. “Even someone as cursed as you can manage something that simple, surely.”
“You will do your duty, mark my words. You will do everything that is expected of you and give that man healthy heirs. You will be a doting wife, and you will learn to obey.” His eyes were full of violence. “Remember what you took from me girl, and let us pray that nothing similar is taken from you.”
“Get away from my wife.” Duke Caverton’s voice echoed around the courtyard.
Andrea watched as her father straightened, but did not move away from her, an arm outstretched as though to grab her wrist.
“We were just having a little father-daughter chat, Your Grace.” Her father swept into a bow, but only just low enough to not cause offence. “I simply wished to offer her my congratulations.”
“That is not what it sounded like to me.” The Duke’s voice had none of its usual airiness or amusement. It reminded Andrea of a a lit fuse on a cannon, burning its way towards an explosion.
She shivered as he drew up beside them. Every muscle in his body seemed full of tension like a tightly coiled spring. He stood between her father and her, not quite blocking her view.
“Perhaps I did not make myself clear. Step away from my wife, Lord Statton. Or I will make you.” The Duke loomed over her father, and Andrea saw Lord Statton’s face pale.
Her father took a step backwards. The Duke nodded, and slipped an arm around her waist, guiding her away from the courtyard and towards the ballroom.
As they left the courtyard two guards appeared. Andrea watched as her husband gestured behind them.
“See that Lord Statton is escorted from the premises. He has lost himself in his cups and is not fit for polite company.” A muscle twitched in the Duke’s jaw and his grip tightened around her slightly. “If I see him in the ball room, you will all be sacked.”
“Yes, Your Grace.” The servants replied; if they were taken aback they hid it well.
“Good. Let us go, we have a wedding to celebrate.” Frederick swept her through the ballroom doors, before she could say anything else.
“Announcing, the Duke and Duchess of Caverton. Frederick Felton and Andrea Felton.” A voice rang out as soon as they entered.
Cheers erupted around them, and the music swelled. For a moment, she was frozen, still trying to process what had just happened
Wordlessly, the Duke led her to the dancefloor, sweeping her into a waltz. She could feel the hardness of his muscles beneath her as he took her hand in his.
