Page 47 of Not the Duke's Virgin

You can do this. Just a few more hours of pretense.

Conversation flowed around her throughout the meal’s multiple courses, but Victoria had no appetite. She forced down a few bites, hyper-aware of Simon at the head of the table. A trace of wine helped her through.

When at last the dessert plates were cleared, the ladies rose to withdraw and allow the gentlemen to enjoy their port. Victoria was dismayed when Oliver waylaid her.

Offering his arm once more, he said loud enough for all to hear, “I will escort my beloved to the drawing room.”

Victoria managed a simpering smile. “You spoil me, Lord Oliver.” She kept her tone bright, despite feeling anything but.

Returning to the drawing room, Victoria braced herself. Surely Oliver would make his move soon. She must be ready.

The usual after-dinner diversions began. A young lady seated herself at the pianoforte while small groups chatted or flipped through books and magazines. Victoria chose a chair slightly apart, wanting to draw as little notice as possible. Madeline, bless her, stayed loyally by her side.

After the pianist finished, Oliver entered with the other gentleman. His sharp gaze zeroed in on Victoria, and he began making his way over to her. Victoria’s pulse quickened, her mind racing. What would he demand of her now? She must not falter.

“My dear Lady Victoria, will you favor us with a song?” Oliver inquired as he reached her, his voice loud enough to carry.

Victoria froze. With all eyes turning her way, she could hardly refuse without appearing rude. Forcing a smile, she acquiesced, “Of course, Lord Oliver.”

Several young ladies flushed and giggled over being singled out by the esteemed bachelor. Victoria felt no such delight as she moved slowly to the pianoforte. Perching on the bench, she rifled through the music book with trembling fingers.

She selected a moderately paced romantic piece and began to play and sing, thankful the notes and words were well memorized. She kept her voice smooth and expression bright, though her corset felt tight as a vice.

When the song ended, she rose and bobbed a curtsy to the politely applauding guests. Oliver wore a small satisfied smile that made her want to flee the room. But she merely returned to her seat, the cymbals still crashing in her ears.

Madeline patted her hand. “Nicely done,” she whispered. “Are you quite all right?”

Before Victoria could respond, Oliver moved to stand before the room. “Good people, if I may have your attention!” His voice rang out as he lifted his glass. “I have an important announcement.”

Victoria froze.

No, surely he cannot mean to…

“I will not prolong the suspense.” Oliver smiled. “I have been honored and delighted these past months to have become better acquainted with one of the kindest, most thoughtful, intelligent young ladies I have ever known.”

He turned toward Victoria then, and her heart stuttered. “Lady Victoria Hatcher, you are the light of my days and occupy my every thought. I would be most humbled and gratified if you would consent to be my wife.”

Utter silence met this pronouncement. Victoria stared wordlessly, unable to make sense of what was happening. After a tense moment, she became aware of expectant gazes and hushed whispers all around her.

Oliver arched an eyebrow, the smile never leaving his lips. “My darling Lady Victoria, might I have an answer from you?”

Coming back to herself, Victoria gave her head a small shake. Her voice came out barely above a whisper. “I… I confess I am quite overcome, Lord Oliver. This is all so very sudden.”

Her mind raced wildly. What was she to say? Surely he did not mean for them to wed!

At that moment, a movement at the back of the room drew Victoria’s gaze. It was Simon, staring at her intently and slowly shaking his head.

Victoria froze. A silent threat if ever she saw one.

Heart sinking, she realized she had no choice. To refuse Oliver’s proposal publicly would ruin everything they had worked toward. The facade must hold, at least a little longer.

Turning back to Oliver with a wavering smile, Victoria lifted her chin. “Forgive my hesitation, Lord Oliver. I was quite overwhelmed. Any lady would be honored to accept such a flattering offer from one such as yourself.” She swallowed hard. “I most joyfully consent to be your wife.”

The room erupted into excited chatter and applause.

Beaming, Oliver crossed to take Victoria’s hand and pull her to her feet. “You have made me the happiest of men,” he declared. “I shall spend my life striving to be worthy of you.”

Victoria forced herself to soften her rigid posture. She had done it. Maintained the ruse, despite her utter shock and dismay. In truth, she felt like she might retch at any moment.

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