Page 33 of A Duchess to Unravel
“Brother,” she said, calling his attention back to her. “What is the issue? You wanted me to marry. I accepted a proposal. From an English noble of high rank, I might add.”
Tristan turned his gaze back to her, and guilt flooded her as she saw not anger, but disappointment.
“You should have consulted me,” he stated. “You should have at least told me that you had received a proposal and were considering it.”
When Theo spoke, her tone was soft. They would surely argue again, but for now, she just wanted to put him at ease.
“I did not want to speak to you on the matter until I was sure. Though, I see now that I should have made the time to tell you before His Grace arrived. I apologize for mishandling the news of this, brother.”
Tristan shook his head, but Theo continued.
“You must see the convenience in all of this. You no longer have to waste your time trying to find suitors for me. I no longer have to sit through hours of boring conversation with gentlemen I know are barely able to entertain the idea of marrying me. And a marriage of this esteem will cause any rumors of me to end. This is what is best, my brother,” she implored.
“I know what is being said about me,” Alistair said, surprising Tristan and Theo by speaking up. “I know that I am strangerfrom a wild land. That tales of men that come from Scotland are brutish and cruel. But I will take care of your sister, Lord Briarwood. She will be under my protection from the time we are married to the time we are separated by death. She will want for nothing.”
“Except love. You cannot love her.”
Tristan’s words were flat. There was no question. It was a statement. She glanced to Alistair and for the briefest of moments she could have sworn she saw a flicker of regret. He could not deny his brother’s words.
Theo only shrugged her shoulders.
“I would not gain love in any marriage,” she replied simply, “I am not even sure I am capable of such an emotion myself. At least in a marriage to the Duke of Caldermere, I will be able to find enjoyment from the arguments we will no doubt constantly have.”
As if he could not help it, a chortle escaped Alistair’s lips, which he quickly covered with the clearing of his throat.
Tristan, though, clearly did not find her words amusing.
“I wanted more for you than this,” he said.
Listening to the defeated tone in Tristan’s voice was agonizing, and Theo quickly shook her head.
“It is the best circumstance I could ask for, brother,” she replied gently. “After all the trouble and rumors I have caused, I am lucky that I even get this.”
Tristan shook his head, his mouth set in a grim line. It was as if he knew she was telling the truth but did not want to admit it. Finally, though, he sighed, and sat back down in his chair.
“Very well,” he muttered.
Alistair clapped his hands together loudly, startling both Theo and Tristan.
“Excellent!” He boasted. “Now that that is out of the way, let us move on to the wedding. I think five days should be enough to plan.”
Theo’s head swiveled toward Alistair as Tristan’s bowed head shot back up.
“Five days?” They questioned in unison.
“I cannot plan a wedding in five days!” Theo exclaimed.
“You cannot be wed in five days,” Tristan added, “People will talk! You need to have an engagement! You need to seek approval from the His Majesty and Her Majesty! From the Church!”
“I will take care of all of it, there is nothing either of you will have to do,” Alistair said as he straightened his jacket.
Almost as an afterthought he added, “Except for relax, perhaps. The two of you look like you are about to have a stroke.”
“Your Grace,” Theo bit out, her temper flaring through her shock, “Surely you can give me a little more time.”
“It is not needed,” Alistair replied, his tone matter-of-fact. He gave her a level look, making it clear he would not be moved on this and reached for her hand.
She wanted to draw it back and slap him across the face, but instead she stilled herself and allowed him to kiss the back of her hand. She pulled it away the moment his mouth left her skin, chiding herself for the pleasure she felt in even that brief feel of his lips. He then walked to Tristan and offered his hand.
