Page 10 of A Bride for the Forbidden Duke
Veronica angled her head away, unable to meet his gaze any longer.Shewas certainly not doing that, but she could not deny her discovery of her mother doing that very thing out of desperation—out offorce. But the way he spoke of her and her mother… It was insulting, and Veronica could not believe she had ever hoped to find help from such a monstrous man.
She met his eyes. “I do hope you return to the countryside soon, Your Grace. I have heard that isolation is good to keep from offending others. Perhaps you should return to that.”
Holding her breath, she ducked around him, going around his imposing figure and hurrying away.
At the door, she turned to glare at him. “Thank you for your ever so precious five minutes, Your Grace.”
She fled Turner Hall without another word, her heart aching miserably in her chest.
Chapter Four
“You look stunning, dearest,” Judith told Veronica excitedly, leaning to look out of the window as other carriages passed them by, no doubt all heading to the Fernwell’s estate. “I have no doubt you shall have a line of visitors after tonight’s ball! I believe this shall be a very promising season for you.”
Outside, the mid spring breeze tried to slip into their closed carriage. Veronica did not mind, for with the spring and blossoming of London around them brought the prospect of new matches for thetonand the rife gossip about who shall dance with whom.
If it weren’t for the discomfort Veronica could not ignore, she might almost acknowledge that she missed the hub of activity in the city. Wintertime was beautiful, but it was rather quiet, especially as she and her mother had stayed in Grantham House for the duration and would have to hear the grand tales of everybody else’s travels.
Her mother talked excitedly, trying to guess what ladies would be debuting this season and what honorable gentlemen would catch Veronica’s eye.
In all honesty, she did not feel much like dancing, but her dance card hung on her wrist, empty and waiting, all for when she arrived at the ball.
According to mother, that card would be filled no longer than a minute of her arriving at the ball.
But Veronica could not ignore the thought of wondering if a man with sweeping hair and brown eyes would be in attendance.
I do hope not, she thought.Lest I feel his gaze on me all evening in that unnerving way.And then she paused.Why should I think I would be the object of his attention once again? He likely is not even attending! He said it himself that he detested the events. He would not have a reason to show his face.
She forced her thoughts to a halt and turned to her true discomfort that evening. Lord Barwicke had been in Grantham House once again since she had caught him sneaking out of the back gate several nights ago.
“Mama,” she said, gently interrupting her mother, “you have seen Lord Barwicke since we talked, have you not?”
“Oh, darling, do not concern yourself with those matters,” Judith shushed her. “I had a small moment of weakness whenwe met outside our chambers, but that is no concern of yours now. All I wish is for my beautiful daughter to enjoy herself tonight.”
Her mother’s gloved hands clasped Veronica’s face as she smiled at her. Despite her age showing around her eyes and the creases of her mouth and the start of white hairs in her elegant updo, Veronica thought her mother was beautiful.
“You are worth more than what Lord Barwicke is forcing you to be and do, Mama,” she whispered. She had not meant to say it in such a manner, but the words slipped free regardless. Judith’s expression shuttered, and she pulled away, swallowing. Turning her face to the carriage window, she composed herself quickly.
“Yes, well, as I said, that is not your concern.”
“It is, Mama,” Veronica insisted.
She held back from asking if her mother was aware of how thetonspoke about them now.
The Duke of Westley’s words rang in her mind. To theton, who perhaps thought both Veronica and Judith were indulging in favors with Lord Barwicke, were they any better than the unfortunate women who worked at brothels, selling their bodies for coin?
“Mama, you must cease this nasty business with Lord Barwicke,” Veronica pleaded. “You must! Whatever he has holding overyour head, it is not worth what you are enduring. Will you not listen to me?”
“No, Veronica, I will not,” she said sharply. “For it is the only way. I tried to beseech friends of our family. I reached out to your father’s family, but nobody would help. Lord Barwicke is flawed, yes, but the thing he holds over my head is destitution. With his money, I can provide you with a dowry. I can find you a husband. I can fund your courting, your new dresses, and anything you might need for a new life.”
“And what of your life?” Veronica whispered, feeling ill. “Mama, you should not sacrifice everything for me.”
“And you should not sully a beautiful evening with this talk.” Judith smoothed down her own, fine gown. “His money is the only way to find you a husband until Robert returns.”
Her tone held finality, and Veronica’s heart sank to the floor, as if it was cast aside and trampled beneath the carriage wheels. Her mother’s dismissals kept hurting, especially when Veronica sought only to protect her mother.
Instead, she looked down at her gown. It was a silver so fine it was almost pale blue with delicate embroidery and beautiful lace work around the collar. A nestle of jewels adorned her hair, which had been pinned artfully, and her neck and wrists were decorated with the same opal stones.
She looked exquisite—the dress was and the jewels were—but it all made her feel sick, as if she had indulged too much onchocolate. The truth that all of this had been purchased with Barwicke’s money left her feeling uneasy and uncomfortable.
