Page 50 of The Duke's Untamable Bride
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“Oh, how I’ve missed your face!"
The moment her sister stepped out of the carriage, Jane's exclamation rang through the air, setting the tone for a reunion filled with warmth and familial affection.
Sarah, enveloping her in a tight hug, replied with a laugh, "It is good to see you as well, dear sister."
Meanwhile, their father, a stoic figure in the backdrop, had his eyes fixed on the vastness of the estate as he climbed out, his appearance causing instantaneous tension to the gathering.
With a slight nod towards Jane, he greeted Jane with formality, "Good day, Your Grace.”
His gaze swept the surroundings once more, then he nodded again as he commented, "You've done well.”
Both sisters exchanged surprised looks at this unexpected remark. Sarah’s eyes twinkled with amused delight as she grinned broadly.
Dramatically curtsying, she playfully declared, "Yes indeed, what a fine day it is, dear duchess.”
The air filled with the sound of their shared laughter as the sisters, caught in the whimsy of the moment, exchanged knowing glances before hurrying inside.
In the serene ambiance of the drawing room, the trio got settled after indulging in light tea. At last, with a touch of pride in his voice, Henry remarked.
“The Montford Estate is truly grand, indeed. Quite bigger than the expected dukedom estate."
Jane frowned internally at her father’s materialism. After weeks of not seeing each other, what he chose to pay attention to was the wealth that surrounded her and not her well-being instead.
However, she managed to respond with a gentle nod, her eyes reflecting a myriad of emotions. "Indeed. I can only be happy for it.”
The sunlight danced around the room, casting a warm glow on the intricate decor as their short exchange lingered in the air. With a tone laced with superiority, Henry cleared his throat and turned sharply to Sarah.
“I doubt the Marquess' place would match the grandeur of ours. Still, you must endeavor to be content, dear. You are receiving more than most ladies could dream of," He stated firmly, his gaze unwavering.
Sarah's expression faltered briefly, a flicker of disappointment almost unnoticed crossing her features, but she quickly composed herself.
With a forced smile, she nodded and replied, her voice tinged with resignation, "Yes, Father.”
Jane’s mind began swirling in confusion. She raised a brow as she cautiously questioned, "I apologize. Can we… Did I hear correctly, Father?"
Henry, a flicker of question in his eyes, regarded her intently before inquiring, "What troubles you now?"
She pressed on, her voice tinged with curiosity, "What connection does Sarah have with the Marquess? What… is she to be content for?"
Henry's expression shifted. He hesitated in contemplation. Then at last, realization washed over his features. He eyed the frown on her face before speaking, “Ah, you are unaware. That is true.”
He cleared his throat and gestured nonchalantly in Sarah’s direction. “Your sister here is now in courtship with Graham.You should congratulate her, she very quickly found herself a respectable suitor."
The room fell silent while his revelation hung in the air, shattering Jane's mind with horror with every further passing second. She desperately hoped it was a cruel jest played by her own ears.
"What?" Her voice trembled with disbelief, her heart racing as she struggled to comprehend the news.
Stammering, she fired off questions, "When did this occur? How could this come to be? Why… Why is this allowed?” Her emotions settled on rage as she glared brazenly at her father in question. “Why did you allow this to happen?”
“Who are you to question my choices as head of my household?” His gaze turned steely with annoyance, his tone firm as he countered immediately. "Why should it not happen? You are married now, and such affairs do not concern you."
Jane's frustration bubbled to the surface, her anger spiking as she challenged him, "Is it not evident the Marquess is guided by ill intentions, moving from one sister to the next?”
She let out a heavy groan and her eyes turned pleading as they tried to locate his reasoning, “Consider it, Father. What sort of a man does that? Don’t you find this strange?”
Yet in a swift rebuttal, he dismissed her claims. "Nonsense, child." He shook his head at her. “Men are determined creatures. It is but a good thing to find one who possesses a one-track mind as well.”
