Page 96 of The Duke's Vice

Beatrice blinked back into reality and saw both her sisters and her mother looking at her with concern.

“Sarah’s right, Mama. This feels all so sudden and it can be overwhelming at times. I’m finding sleep is alluding me with all the chaos surrounding my upcoming nuptials.”

Charlotte sat and blinked at her daughter. “Well that sounded well rehearsed. What is going on?”

Beatrice sighed. Her mother was right. If she wasn’t crying she was coming up with responses to questions she knew she’d be asked but wouldn’t have the fortitude to answer.

Yes, that dress is lovely. No, I don’t like lilies. Sarah’s cook will have the perfect menu for the dinner.

She had responses for any question so her mind and heart could focus on the herculean task of moving on from her relationship with Ezra.

Beatrice shrugged.

“Mama, why don’t you and Sarah go check on Mrs. Waters. She said she had prepared some desserts for us to try. Let’s see if she’s done, I can help Beatrice try on these dresses you had sent over. We’ll get this out of the way and join you downstairs to try some of those desserts.”

Charlotte eyed Beatrice but agreed to Eleanor’s plan. “All right. You’re lucky I adore Mrs. Water’s cooking like the rest of you. Let me know what fits and what doesn’t. I can send for more options if we need.”

Charlotte gave Beatrice one more look over before she kissed her on her cheek and left with Sarah.

Eleanor closed the door behind them and turned to face Beatrice.

“I’m not going to ask, it’s none of my business, but if your plan is to look as if you are being tortured and forced down the aisle it’s working.” Eleanor said with a smirk.

Beatrice flopped face down onto the bed. Her body sunk into the mattress as she sighed.

“Is Amos that bad?” Eleanor asked as she sat next to her.

Beatrice shook her head and turned her face to respond. “No. He’s actually quite wonderful. But he’s more of a friend than husband material.”

Eleanor pursed her lips. “Beatrice. I’m going to ask you a delicate question and you don’t need to respond if you don’t want to, or if you think you’ll be betraying Amos, but I have heard some things, and noticed others, in regards to your betrothed.”

Beatrice huffed out a laugh. “I should tell him there are more people than he thinks that know of his secret.”

Eleanor cocked her head. “What do you mean by that?”

Beatrice sat up. “If you’re hinting at what I think you’re hinting at, which is, my soon-to-be-husband’s interests in regards to the opposite sex, you’d be right. I have no misunderstandings about what my marriage to Amos will be like. We will be confidantsand partners, nothing else. And I am fine with that. Elated actually.”

Eleanor’s eyes took in Beatrice’s sullen cheeks and pale coloring.

“Yes. I see the joy just radiating off of you.” She said pointedly.

Beatrice scrunched her face. “I am. I may not seem it, but this is actually the best outcome for me. Amos will offer me the safety and security with his title and name and the freedom of a spinster, something I always wanted. Why would I be upset?”

Eleanor remained unconvinced. “Exactly. Why would you be upset?”

Beatrice shrugged.

“So why are you upset?” Eleanor pushed.

“I’m not upset.” Beatrice lashed out as she sat up and crossed her arms.

Eleanor failed at hiding her smile. “Clearly.”

Beatrice dropped her face into her hands. “I’m a little upset.”

“Well, that’s progress, I suppose.” Eleanor reached out and brought her sister in for a hug.

“I’m not sure what is going on, I have my suspicions, but I trust you know your heart better than me.”

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