Page 74 of If the Duke Dares
“No clergyman will marry you against your will,” Aunt Lucinda said firmly. “Do not even concern yourself. I will write to your mother’s cousin personally and explain the error.”
“But what about the gossip? Mrs. Carmichael may already have spread the news that I am betrothed.”
“We must count on that, I’m afraid. But again, we’ll correct the error and simply explain that she was mistaken.” Aunt Lucinda faced Persephone and took her hands. “Trust me that all will work out well.”
“What will work out?” Pandora asked as she walked into the drawing room.
“Oh, Pandora, you’ve missed quite a scene.” Persephone went to her sister and wrapped her in a fierce hug.
“Whatever is wrong?” Pandora sounded most concerned.
“Your parents were here,” Aunt Lucinda said darkly. Then she went on to explain what had transpired. Thankfully, Persephone didn’t have to say anything.
They’d sat down before Aunt Lucinda had delivered the tale, and now Pandora was gaping at them both. She fixed on Persephone. “I cannot believe they betrothed you to Cousin Harold. Why did they give up on Wellesbourne? Didn’t you tell them that you are courting?”
“We haven’t discussed a formal courtship.” Persephone hoped she would not turn pink as she recalled the reason they hadn’t discussed such things. They’d been too busy kissing. And so forth. “Wellesbourne and I certainly don’t know one another well enough to make such decisions. Anyway, Mrs. Carmichael is running about today telling anyone who will listen that Pandora and the duke are the perfect match.” Persephone clenched her jaw.
Pandora paled. “She can’t do that. My reputation has suffered enough. When the duke leaves Bath and there is no match, I’ll be vilified again.”
“I do think your parents hope that you and he will wed,” Aunt Lucinda noted. “Pandora, did anything happen between the two of you while he carried you to the coach yesterday?”
“Nothing at all, save him asking how I was feeling.”
“Honestly, it would be most convenient if he would marry one of you.” Aunt Lucinda chuckled. “My apologies. I shouldn’t jest about such things. I just want things to smooth over for both of you.” She gave them a warm smile full of love and encouragement.
“You’ve done so much already,” Pandora said softly. “We can’t thank you enough.”
“You’ve no need to thank me. And I shall insist that you both remain here with me. Pandora, this scandal with Banemore will pass, even if it takes some time. When you are ready, we will relaunch you into Society, either here or in London.Youwill decide, not your parents.” Aunt Lucinda turned her attention to Persephone. “Persey, you will be safe here with no pressure to marry anyone you don’t wish to. If you’d like a London Season, we can plan for that next spring.”
Persephone didn’t know what to say. Right now, she just wanted to send Acton a note telling him that everything was a mess, with her parents trying to marry her off and rumors swirling that he and Pandora would be making a match. She couldn’t put it all in writing. She needed to see him.
Tonight.
Chapter17
Acton wasn’t entirely sure where more than half the day had gone, but he still felt as though he were floating on a cloud of bliss after last night in the garden with Persey. He could scarcely wait until he saw her for tea in just a few short hours. Less than that, even.
His sisters had commented that he seemed distracted, but he’d only shrugged. He’d mentioned that he would be meeting Persephone, her sister, and her aunt for tea. That had prompted more questions about his intentions, but he’d only said he was still considering his next steps.
That had not been a lie. Acton didn’t know what Persephone wanted, but he was beginning to think she could very well be his duchess. He was mulling that thought in the library on the ground floor when his mother swept in, surprising him.
He set down the newspaper he hadn’t been reading and stood. “Good afternoon, Mother. I didn’t know you were coming to Bath.”
“It seemed you weren’t returning to Loxley Court, and I knew the girls would be here a few more days.” A motherly smile curved her mouth as she spoke of her daughters, and Acton suffered a pang of envy. They shared a lifelong close relationship. He could never claim that with any of them. Even if they became close and lived the rest of their days as a family, there were so many lost years. His mother continued, “I am delighted to be here with all my children under the same roof.”
“In the same room even,” Francesca said as she walked into the library. Cecily trailed behind her.
The dowager beamed upon seeing her daughters. “My dearest girls.” She went to them, and the three embraced together. It looked like something they’d done before. Probably all his sisters’ lives. The envy returned, along with jealousy and sadness. His father would be horrified at the tumult of emotions Acton was experiencing.
When they parted, their mother glanced down at Cecily’s rounded belly. “You look well. Feeling all right too, I hope?”
“Better than with Georgie, actually.”
“I was the same with you,” the dowager said, smiling at her younger daughter. “Each babe was a bit easier.” She looked toward Acton. “You were most difficult.” She said this without rancor. Indeed, she seemed nostalgic.
Acton couldn’t think of what to say to that, so he remained silent.
“Would you all stand together?” their mother asked, sounding tentative.
