Page 71 of The Wise Daughter
Nora stepped back, the air in her lungs gone. The threat of tears stung her eyes, forcing her to blink several times to keep them back. She leaned against the wall of the stables, pressing her palms against the wood and allowing her fingers to slide along the grains.A sliver of wood caught in her finger, but the sharpness gave her something to focus on beside her staggering thoughts.
How many times had Aaron reassured her that the provision regarding his inheritance was nothing? He was marrying her because he cared. She was convinced of that, but once they were married andAaron had control over his inheritance, what then? Would he grow bored with Nora, or worse disappointed? What if she could not be the duchess he wanted her to be? Would he wake up one day feeling like their marriage was a mistake?
Mr. Carver seemed confident he would. He had known Aaron much longer than she had.
But a marriage settlement had been drawn. Their union was guaranteed unless she broke it off. Even if money had shoved them into an engagement, it wasn’t important to either of them anymore.
Or was she merely trying to convince herself?
She closed her eyes and lifted her fingers to her lips, remembering the kiss Aaron had left there. She could still feel his lips urging her to believe she mattered to him, that he cared, that she was a worthy bride, but Mr. Carver’s words slithered under and around her hopes, refusing to come out.
After a deep breath, she went inside, finding the stables empty of anyone but the horses. In the back, Locket was tucked away in her stall, eating oats.
“My dear, Locket, how healthy you look this morning. No doubt, the duke is spoiling you.”
Locket swished her tail.
“He is spoiling me too.” She thought not only of the kiss but of scones and new gowns, lazing by the fire in the study, and a new little kitten that would keep away mice. But she also thought of Lady Ellen, the misty past of Aaron’s parents, and music he would not play.
She slowly rubbed Locket’s neck, enjoying the softness of her coat and her unique earthy scent.
“What if it is still for money?” Was she falling in love with a man who would eventually grow distant? “Oh, Locket. I never expected it to be like this.” Her voice trembled to a whisper as a promise solidified in her heart. “If he expresses any doubts at all, I won’t hold him to our engagement.” Pride wouldn’t let her.
If he desires it, I will leave.
Now that her feelings were growing for Aaron, she couldn’t imagine marrying him unless he truly loved her. Otherwise, life in the castle would be unbearable.
Locket swiveled her ear and rubbed her velvety nose against Nora’s cheek, her breath rustling the hairs that tickled Nora’s neck.
“Perhaps I’m being foolish, Locket, but I can’t help it. Now that I know how much he means to me, I fear losing him. Who knew that falling in love could bring out such insecurities? Why, even a lady born of ancient royalty cannot be clever and wise all the time.” Locket huffed and looked her in the eye. Nora swore her horse understood every word she said. She leaned close and whispered, “Could you tell me more of what happened in here before I arrived?”
Locket bent down for another bite of oats.
“That’s all right. You enjoy your oats. You’ve earned them. I told you the duke would have a fair supply, didn’t I?” She found a nearby brush and went to work brushing Locket’s neck. “Why I should concern myself with Mr. Carver’s opinion, I have no idea. I didn’t hear all the details earlier when he was in here arguing, but his decision didn’t seem like a very fair one, did it?”
“It certainly didn’t.”
Nora’s hand froze over Locket’s neck, her hand tightening around the brush. She spun to see Ruthers near the doorway, striding toward her.
“Would you like to ride, Miss Lacy? I’m happy to prepare your horse.”
“Oh, no. I only came to…” She looked around and stupidly held up the brush.
He chuckled. “It’s all right. I understand. I talk to the horses too. Spend any time with them at all, and a person can’t help it.”
“Yes, exactly.” She laughed with him, a tentative laugh, but how much had he overheard? “Please, forgive me if I was impertinent. Idon’t know what your business was with Mr. Carver. I doubt I heard even half of it.”
“You, impertinent?” He scoffed at the idea. “Never. You’re as kind as any lady I ever met, and you’re the future duchess. You’ve a right to do and say as you please.”
Nora pressed her lips together and continued brushing Locket, still unsure what to think of Ruthers.
“I know it’s not my place to say it, Miss Lacy, but you have nothing to worry about with Derricott. When he gives his word, he never goes back on it.”
Nora’s cheeks grew hot. So Ruthers had heard quite a bit of her ramblings to Locket. At least, it made her feel less guilty for listening in on his conversation with Mr. Carver.
“Derricott means to marry you. If you’ll have him,” he emphasized.
Nora brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and tried not to think of kissing Aaron. “I’m sure the duke knows where I stand.”
