Page 44 of Three Rules to Wed a Duke

“Oh, I’m sorry, did you come here for a favor from your beloved niece? The one you’ve disregarded and tormented for so long? That one?”

Frances had to admit that she enjoyed the tiny surge of satisfaction at seeing Lady Hutchings reduced to asking for her help. This day had been a long time coming, and it had almost been stolen from her by this very woman’s actions.

“Please, my dear,” Lady Hutchings whispered in a voice that Frances had never heard before. Genuine tears seemed to glisten in the viscountess’ eyes. “It’s… it’s about my daughter.”

“Oh yes, how is cousin Juliet?” Frances asked lightly, letting her words wound this hateful woman even more. “Is she as overjoyed as I was at the news that she is to become the Countess of Rowland?”

Lady Hutchings went pale. Frances smirked in return, realizing that her aunt had no idea she would even know about the marriage contract.

“How did you…” Lady Hutchings began, her earlier grief turning to rage. “You did it! I know you did! It’s just the sort of thing you would do!”

“What are you talking about?”

“Don’t play innocent. You’ve always been a scheming brat, always ungrateful to us! Always looking out only for yourself!” the viscountess screamed. Behind her, both Mr. Vickers and Mrs. Barrett approached as though intent on assisting Frances. She shook her head at them and smiled to ease their worry.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Lady Hutchings, but I am enjoying your tirade. Do please continue telling me what a horrible person I am,” Frances said lightly.

“To think that I came here to give you your things and to bring you your dowry!” the viscountess cried, now reduced to weeping into her hands.

“Oh, so I did have a dowry after all? My husband shall be very glad to hear of that, as will the magistrate when I inform him,” Frances added in a falsely cheerful voice.

“My father will be quite happy to file a grievance with the court on your behalf if you wish, Your Grace,” Agnes added.

“Thank you, Lady Agnes. That might be necessary, I’m afraid.”

“No! Do not!” Lady Hutchings cried out, lifting her face and staring at Frances with a wild look. Frances was taken aback by the woman’s sudden snarl, but she managed to conceal it.

“I’m afraid I don’t have much time left to visit, Lady Hutchings. Didn’t you say you needed something?”

The viscountess swiped at her eyes quickly with her hands then tried to regain her composure. It proved to be a useless effort as silent tears dripped down her weathered cheeks.

“Juliet is missing. I need your help to find her. Please, Frances! I will do anything, I swear it.”

CHAPTER 17

“What did you say?” Frances asked, her skin turning cold as fear crept over her.

“Sounds as though someonedidlike my kidnapping scheme after all,” Emma muttered, but Agnes silenced her with another sharp elbow.

“I haven’t seen her since yesterday. I came here, humbling myself and trying to make amends, in hopes that she was here. Or maybe you know where she could have gone?” Lady Hutchings asked, the hopeful kindness in her voice sounding surreal to Frances.

“It sounds as though Juliet has managed to escape your hateful plans, and therefore, it would be unthinkable for me to help you get her back. It is my understanding that you’ve arranged a marriage to Lord Rowland, and I won’t lift a finger to help that come to pass. It is shameful how little regard you and my uncle for the young ladies in this family.”

“Frances, I beg you! I’m sick to my stomach with worry!” her aunt cried, reaching out and grasping her hand.

“Luckily for her, I have no idea where she is,” Frances countered, “though I would not help you even if I did know. It is my sincere hope that she is far away from here, somewhere where you and that horrid fiend cannot get to her.”

Lady Hutchings began to cry once more, her tears having no effect on Frances. It was almost amusing to watch her aunt’s grief, for she knew it was not for Juliet but rather for losing her control over a second girl.

“If I were to help you, though, there would be some conditions,” Frances finally said, prompting the viscountess to look up at her. “First, Juliet will not marry this earl. I don’t care if he were to throw himself at my feet and vow to treasure her like a rare jewel. Second, Juliet will be free to marry Thomas—”

“—if she hasn’t already eloped with him to Gretna Green. After all, Scotland isn’t too far a journey,” Agnes said with a smirk.

“Anything! I swear it!” Lady Hutchings said, clasping Frances’ hand once more and holding onto it.

“Furthermore, I will have that dowry. It shall be mine, and I will give it to Juliet to begin her own household with her husband. With those funds, he will be able to complete his studies and better his position.”

Lady Hutchings was less quick to reply, less sure of herself. She stammered for a bit, then nodded.

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