Page 10 of Duke of Diamonds
Fiona stepped back a pace, as if the very words had struck her.
“My duty,” she repeated, nearly breathless. “But where ismycomfort in that arrangement?”
Her voice trembled now, but she did not lower it.
“What of my honor? My dignity? Myhappiness?”
Prudence looked at her daughter for a long moment before a slow, sorrowful smile spread across her face—one that aged her more than time ever had.
“Duty is not without sacrifice, Fiona,” she said. “And you will come to understand that, in time.”
Something in her eyes—something fragile and worn—told Fiona that these were not just words spoken in warning. They were words born of experience.
The realization struck Fiona like a stone to the chest. Her mother had lived this life. Was living it still. Prudence stepped closer and touched her daughter’s cheek, her hand light, almost tentative.
“But you will have children,” she said gently. “They will bring you joy, and in time, all of this will feel less like loss. All will be well, dear child.”
Fiona blinked away the sting behind her eyes, but the ache remained, low and deep and growing.
She could not do it. Shecould notlive that life. No matter how softly it was spoken or how prettily it was wrapped in words like duty and legacy, it was still a prison.
And she could not marry Aaron Finch. Not now. Not ever.
There must be another way,she thought, her heart pounding with desperate clarity.I must find it.
“Fiona!”
The delighted exclamation rang through the drawing room before the butler had even finished announcing their names.
“You were not yourself when you left the ball last night,” Hester declared as she swept in, skirts bustling about her. “We simplyhadto come check on you. You vanished so suddenly!”
Nancy followed at a more composed pace, her eyes as watchful as ever. “Did something happen, dear?”
Fiona rose swiftly, smoothing her skirts as she turned to greet them. “Do come in. I am most pleased to see you both,” she said with genuine gratitude as she gestured for the footman. “Please, James, set out the tea tray. And do bring the rosehip and lemon balm.”
She turned back to her friends, smiling with more warmth than she felt. “You know how I rely on my herbs for sanity.”
Nancy arched a brow, though her lips curved. “Then you must have needed quite a strong brew this morning.”
“I confess, I have brewed stronger,” Fiona replied lightly, moving to arrange the tea cups with careful precision. “Oh, nothing of consequence. I suppose I simply grew a bit weary. Too many dances, too many eyes.”
Hester sighed with relief. “I did fear something dreadful had happened. You looked pale as a ghost when your mother pulled you away.”
Nancy’s eyes narrowed slightly. “We both noticed it.”
Fiona gave a tight smile, pouring the tea. “Your concern is noted and appreciated.”
“Have you read the morning’s column?” Hester asked suddenly, her excitement returning as she pulled a folded sheet from her reticule.
“I have not,” Fiona said, accepting the paper with raised brows.
“You must,” Hester said. “It is positively scandalous.”
Fiona unfolded the paper and scanned the lines, Then her eyes widened.
Last night’s gathering at Berfield House gave us all the usual delights… until the unexpected arrival of the Duke of Craton. Yes, dear reader, the Beast of Mayfair himself!
Even more astonishing? He danced. And not just with anyone, but with the diamond, Lady Fiona Pierce. The waltz was quiet, intense, and far more telling than either of them likely intended. Romance and tension followed their every step.
