Page 46 of Cinderella's Charade With the Duke
The pain in her voice shattered him and he waited to let her continue when she was ready.
A blush pinked her cheeks and she looked down. She sucked in a breath and released it before lifting her gaze to his. She squeezed his hands. ‘It seems that my father was dying and no longer had any legitimate heirs, so he found me and claimed meas his own just before he succumbed to his illness. I suppose he thought an illegitimate heir was better than none. After that, I was sent to finishing school to make up for what I lacked. He died before I met you.’
Despite the small chuckle and smirk, the pain in her words was evident.
‘And if that is not something you can live with, now that you are hearing it again, Your Grace, I understand. You can sever our attachment. I know it does not add a flourish to the branches of your untarnished family tree.’ She cast her glance away.
‘I would never do such. While I am surprised, it does not alter my affections for you.’
‘But maybe it should,’ she said quietly staring down at their joined hands. ‘You are a duke. Your lineage matters. Your standing will take a blow in society once everyone knows the truth of my past and that you have married beneath your station.’
‘And how would they know?’ he enquired.
‘Once the wedding date is announced, people will ask and at a wedding with so few in attendance on behalf of my family, everyone will know. Not having a father or family is not a secret one can hide. I do not even have anyone to give me away.’
He thought of Millie marrying and not having him to deliver her to her future husband and the ache that would create in a little girl’s heart…and in a grown woman’s heart. He had no idea how to fill such a wound.
Perhaps it was best to admit he couldn’t.
‘I did not know. I am sorry.’
‘I know. I just don’t want to bring shame to you or for you to regret marrying a woman with such a past.’ She wiped her eyes.
‘It is your father who should be ashamed and embarrassed for what he has done and for losing out on knowing you,’ he said, lifting her chin so he could look at her.
A small hiccup escaped her despite her best efforts. ‘It is ridiculous to miss someone I never really knew,’ she replied.
‘No, it isn’t. I miss people I can’t remember all the time,’ he teased.
She laughed and kissed his cheek.
‘Then, it is settled. You will add these friends of yours to our guest list for me and we will marry?’
‘Yes,’ she replied. ‘I will.’
‘Then let’s find some ink up here and add them now before you change your mind.’ He pulled her to standing and she stumbled behind him as he tugged her along. There was no stopping him once he’d put his mind to something and his mind was set on marrying her.
It was far from Christmas Day, but every fibre of William’s being was taut with enthusiasm and excitement. He pulled out his pocket watch. If his calculation was correct and Eddie encountered little rain along his journey, then the carriage from the tiny town of Stow should be arriving any time now. He peeked into the library as he walked past and was pleased to see Penelope reading as usual.
She had no idea what surprise he had in store for her, but he couldn’t wait. Ever since she’d told him of her dear childhood friends, he was determined to meet them and to surprise his betrothed with their presence. He wanted to thank her for all she had done for him since his accident.
After distracting himself for another half-hour, he finally heard the turn of wheels along the long gravel drive and he jumped up from his desk. This was it. He could hardly wait to see the excitement on Penelope’s face. He shrugged on his jacket,smoothed his waistcoat and coat sleeves, made a last-minute adjustment to his cravat and checked the looking glass to make sure his hair wasn’t too out of place. He wanted her dear friends to like him. It was important he begin their acquaintance on the right foot. He exhaled a deep breath and travelled down the hall to the library where he swung into the room.
‘We have guests, my dear. Care to join me in greeting them in the parlour?’
She paused and set a bookmark in her current read before snapping the book shut. ‘Is it Daphne?’ she asked before rising and stretching like a cat rising from a long slumber.
‘No,’ he replied without lying before disappearing. He feared his eagerness might give himself away. He started down the hallway and she fell in step behind him.
The door opened and Mr Simmons greeted them before they reached the parlour. ‘Welcome to Blithe Manor, ladies,’ his butler said and William imagined him leaning into his deepest bows. ‘His Grace and Lady Penelope will be waiting for you in the parlour.’
William’s heart raced as he clutched Penelope’s hand and pulled her into the parlour before they could hear their reply. ‘I have a wonderful surprise for you, my dear, that I hope you will like.’
Her eyes lit up and she smiled. ‘A surprise? For me?’
‘Yes,’ he replied as they stood in front of the prepared tea service. ‘I could think of nothing better to repay you for all you have done to care for me and Millie since my accident.’
‘You did not need to do any such thing…’ she began, but was interrupted by Mr Simmons’s knock before he entered the room. Penelope smoothed her gown and smiled, no doubt eager for the surprise.
