Page 33 of The Duke’s Unwilling Bride

“You wouldn’t dare,” he counters, his lips pulled back into a snarl.

“Wouldn’t I? Do you not already think the worst of me? If so, this should fall right in line with the villainous ideations you already paint me with.”

“My, my,” the dowager duchess murmurs, inserting herself. “It seems as if such a serious conversation is happening, whatever is the matter.”

“No matter at all, dear mother,” I soothe, nearly cackling at the poisonous look Foxford gives me as I address his mother in the manner she wishes. “The dear duke was just telling me about the events of tonight, and I cannot wait to meet these charming women with whom I’m to spend the evening.”

“Oh, then come,” she cries out, her eyes as bright as her smile. “Besides, I’m sure the menfolk have plenty to do that will not involve the prattling of us women.”

“Mother,” Foxford grinds out, his face as red as a rose. “If it is your wish, we will stay our leave, but I want it clear that you are in charge tonight.”

“Go, go. The night is still young yet. And have no fear, for we will be able to easily amuse ourselves.”

“That is precisely what I’m afraid of.”

One by one, the men file out, each of them casting a glare my way. All but one. Instead of looking at me, his gaze is instead drawn to one of the unnamed ladies sitting on the settee, her green eyes sparkling with some hidden mirth. Although, truth be told, the gentleman looks as if he’s tasted something sour, and hastens from the room to join the others.

Curious. I cannot put meaning to the looks, and honestly, at this moment, I do not wish to try. I’m tired already and want nothing more than to rest in my room. However, it seems as if one more wish is set to not come true. The moment the door closes, the girls rise up and hurry over to me, followed in tow by the dowager duchess.

At the forefront is the one with green eyes, a willowy blond that’s the epitome of beauty, followed closely by three identical faces. They all speak at once, clambering about how pretty I am and how excited they are about the wedding. I give them a wan smile, not wishing to be rude, but feeling quite overwhelmed at the same time.

“I see that you ladies are in good company. Perhaps an old woman should retire and allow you all a chance to share in your excitement.” With a wink, she too, disappears from the room.

Oh my. What will Foxford think since the one person he planned on controlling me is now gone? Not that I had any true plans of disgracing him or the dukedom I’m set to be forced into. Still though… will he blame me for this as well? My insides twist as apprehension drips down my spine.

“Perhaps we shouldn’t have all beset her at once,” the blond says, mistaking my expression. With a quick thrust of her hands, she shoos the others away. “My name is Cynthia. The other three are Penelope, Sophia, and Georgiana. They are not yet of age to consider marriage, but since their brother is here, they decided to join me.”

“Forgive me, I... I don’t mean to be rude, but how does one tell you three apart?”

Before any of them can answer, Cynthia chuckles. “They are all three great friends, and soon, you shall know them by their personalities. But more on that later. Perhaps we could take a turn about the room? I would very much like to make your acquaintance.”

“And what of your friends?”

She waves them away, earning indigent squeaks from the trio. “Oh, don’t be so gloomy. You know you three have my heart. But this is someone about to get married, and I would very much like to bend her ear while I have the chance. Especially since we are away from prying eyes.”

“Are you going to have her help you snag our brother?” One of the three asks, Penelope I believe, her blue eyes sparking with unspent mirth.

“And if I am, that is no concern of yours.” When the three don’t budge, Cynthia resorts to wringing her hands. “Please? You know I love you three dearly, but I have questions that only one soon-to-be-married can answer. I promise to be the same for you if I get married.”

“When,” the first of the trio intones, as if she has a say in the matter. “He will marry you soon enough. We just need to figure out how to lead him down the aisle.”

Turning to me, Cynthia gives me a hopeful grin. “Shall we?”

Dipping into a small curtsy, I feel as if I have no choice but to follow as she threads her arm through mine. What can she possibly want to know that I could have the answers for? Though I am scheduled to wed tomorrow, it means nothing. I am just as clueless about the process as when the dowager duchess first started planning with me.

“Forgive me, but I’m not sure I’m the one to help you. This wedding is rather sudden, and I’m not sure-”

“That’s not what I wish to discuss,” she hisses, grabbing my hand and dragging me over to a secluded corner. “I have other things that are far more important.” Glancing about to make sure the triplets are well set with their drinks and treats, she reaches into her pocket and pulls out some papers. “You must promise me that this stays between us. You cannot tell a single soul.”

My heart quickens as I watch her fingers worry the edges of the paper. It seems a mystery is at foot. Hopefully, it will be the perfect thing to distract me.

Hesitating for a moment, I place my hand on hers, my heart earnest. “I will not be so bold as to say that we are fast friends, seeing as we just met, but whatever you wish to say will stay behind sealed lips.”

“Oh, excellent. And do not worry, for we will soon be the best of friends. I just know it. I have a way of knowing good people, and you seem to be a paragon.”

Her words pierce me in the heart, and at that moment, I realize how much I’ve missed the companionship of someone who actually thinks well of me. Reaching forward once more, I grip her hand, doing my best to keep my emotions out of my voice. “I would very much like to have a friend.”

“Then it is agreed. Now, onto the important matters. How much do you know about what happens between a man and wife when they… come together?”