Page 6 of Duke of Silver
“I cannot imagine any other reason for their visit,” Petunia added, her tone filled with growing optimism.
Elizabeth, however, remained wary. “Nothing is certain,” she said quietly, still doubtful. Despite the promising words, her mind raced. Would this truly resolve everything? Could her family’s name be restored?
CHAPTER 3
As Elizabeth prepared for bed, a soft knock came at the door. Margaret entered, carrying a small tray with a single cup of tea.
“I delayed your tea,” Margaret explained, her smile small. “You seemed rather occupied earlier.”
Elizabeth’s heart softened as her sister added, “Aunt Petunia told me what happened.”
“I’m sorry, Peggy,” Elizabeth whispered. The apology weighed heavy on her, knowing how deeply this affected her sister, too.
“If you apologize one more time, I shall... I shall...” Margaret trailed off, searching for a threat.
To Elizabeth’s surprise, a small chuckle escaped her lips, the first glimmer of levity in what felt like an eternity.
“I will ensure there is no cheese at breakfast tomorrow,” Margaret finished with a triumphant grin.
“No, you will not!” Elizabeth exclaimed, feigning horror.
Cheese had always been Elizabeth’s favorite, and she knew well how much Margaret disliked it.
“I shall simply tell cook we are done with cheese, and she will believe me,” Margaret shrugged mischievously.
“You deserve to be exiled for even thinking such a thing!” Elizabeth retorted playfully.
“I do not understand your love for what is, in essence, rotten milk,” Margaret teased.
“It is notrotten milk, Peggy. You simply lack the refinement to appreciate the culinary art that is cheese,” Elizabeth quipped as she reached for the tea.
“Chamomile,” Margaret noted with a nod. “It should help you sleep.”
Elizabeth took a sip, warmth spreading through her. “Thank you,” she said softly.
“I hope it all works out tomorrow,” Margaret added, her voice filled with quiet hope.
“It must,” Elizabeth replied, her thoughts heavy with the prospect of what tomorrow might bring. There could be no other outcome.
“I cannot wait for the wedding,” her sister bounced in excitement now.
“You are running too fast, dear,” Elizabeth said.
She couldn’t find it in her to share in her sister’s anticipation of her marriage. If anything, she was just as apprehensive as she was earlier.
This was not what she’d envisioned for her future.
She may have purposefully decided not to marry before her cousin, Anna, who was already considered a spinster at the age of three and twenty, but she still wanted to marry for the right reasons, and in the right way. Not as a result of a scandal.
Peggy’s excitement soon waned when she noticed Elizabeth’s pensive demeanor.
“All will be well, Lizzy. You have to trust that it will be,” she reassured.
“I caused great trouble, didn’t I, Peggy?” Elizabeth sighed.
“You need to stop blaming yourself,” she admonished. “We’re here for you, Lizzy. And we understand. This happened through no fault of yours,” Margaret added.
And Elizabeth wanted to find that reassurance they so generously gave her, but she couldn’t.
