Page 12 of Her Beastly Duke
Briar arrived at her mother’s door but waited for Duncan to knock.
“Come in,” Mama answered. Her face lit up when she saw them.
“Good morning, Mama.” Duncan and Briar greeted.
They walked over to where she was sitting at her desk and kissed her on the cheek.
“I hope you rested well, Mama.”
“I did,” she replied as she gazed at each of them in turn. I sense something is amiss.”
Briar and Duncan took a seat on the sofa. “I will let Duncan explain, Mama.”
For the next few minutes, Duncan explained everything that had happened. To her credit, Mama listened without interrupting and was silent for a moment at the end.
“Is the duke the beast they say he is?” Mama asked.
“Mama!” Briar exclaimed.
“Well, I do want to know. After all, he is called the beastly duke.”
“It is all a gross exaggeration, Mama. His face is badly scarred, but I hardly consider him disfigured. I can see he was quite handsome before the incident and still retained his good looks.” Briar had the most odd feeling that she was rushing to the duke’s defense, which made even less sense than breaking into his home.
Mama gazed at her intently. “Well, there is no delicate way of putting it. You are damned if you do and damned if you do not. There is no use fretting about it, as what is done is done. You must go.”
Briar quickly glanced at Duncan before she replied. “Yes, Mama.”
She had always hoped that Duncan would find a wife who had means because Mama would be less inclined to focus on her if all their immediate needs were addressed. Perhaps later, she would be able to convince Duncan to let her remain at Walcot Hall, but there would be more time to think about that once he met someone.
Duncan stood up. “We are all agreed. It would be best if you got to packing, Briar. I will accompany you to Berkley Estate.”
“Duncan is right, Briar. Take your best dresses and gowns.”
“I will see to it, Mama.” Briar stood up to leave before her mother spoke.
“Please stay for a while, my dear.”
Briar sat down again. “As you wish, Mama.”
When Duncan closed the door behind him, her mother gave her a reassuring smile. “There is something else, my dear. Your being at Berkley Estate could be an opportunity.”
Briar raised a brow. “An opportunity? I do not understand.”
“I do not mind if you spend time alone with the duke if it results in marriage. It would be splendid if you capturedthe duke’s affection. Such a union would solve all our financial problems. Do remember, my dear, he is considerably wealthy and a duke, which elevates the family’s status.” Mama said.
Briar stared at her mother open-mouthed for a moment before she clamped her lips together in a thin line.
“Being with him in such close confines could work to your advantage because he will get to see what a fine young lady you are. You will show him you are the epitome of unselfish grace, gentleness, simplicity, and nobility. Though I must warn you to protect your virtue.”
“Yes, Mama.”
“All men are not like that brute who tried to take advantage of you, but your behavior should be above reproach under the circumstances. We are trying to avert a scandal, not create a bigger one.”
“I understand.”
Briar left her mother’s bedchamber and dismissed her remarks about the duke as a husband. Marriage was not for her, duke, or no duke.
Berkley Estate, Gloucester
