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He marries me out of duty, and that is a fate worse than any. There is nothing that brings colder emotions into a marriage than duty.

Behind each thought and question were two more, a hydra that grew two more heads when one was chopped off.

“I…” Eleanor knew she had to accept it. That was the best option, but she still wanted a little time to consider it; time she didn’t have. “Yes, I accept.” She wished she had said it more eagerly, even just for her mother’s sake, but it was all happening so fast.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Margaret enthused, standing up with a wide smile. “We will have a wedding…”

“Soon,” Gabriel said. “I shall obtain a special license so we can wed within days. I see no reason in waiting when we are in agreement. Unless anyone has any objections.”

“Of course, not,” Margaret told him.

Eleanor wanted to object. She knew that it all made sense, but she wanted some time to digest it. However, she didn’t know what Lord Fairfax might do or say, and the quicker they were married, the sooner they could get past any potential scandal.

“I have no objection to the timeline,” Eleanor confirmed.

“Excellent,” Gabriel said, relieved to get down to business. “I shall apply for the license tomorrow morning, and as soon as I have the document, I shall talk to the minister.”

“Good,” Eleanor said.

“Good,” Gabriel replied.

He looked briefly at Eleanor and gave a slight nod, nothing more, before leaving the room.

Eleanor froze. No emotion fit the situation, and her mind wouldn’t let any seep through. Only numbness remained now that it was done.

“Eleanor!” Margaret gushed. “What wonderful news!”

Margaret hugged her daughter, and Eleanor had the consciousness to wrap her arms around her mother, despite there being no real reason to celebrate.

“Eleanor, I can’t believe you are to wed, and to a duke. His Grace is a fine choice of a man.”

Except, this isn’t my choice.

Eleanor didn’t reply to her mother.

“Oh, the celebration will be as lavish as they come,” Margaret continued. “I could hear how eager His Grace was to be married to you. I can’t blame him, of course. He will surely give you the very best of everything.”

“Yes,” Eleanor murmured as she embraced her mother.

Except there was no eagerness because of anything else but duty. The duke had sworn to do his duty, and that was exactly what he was doing. The eagerness was to save Eleanor from having her reputation tarnished.

* * *

Gabriel sat with his uncle in White’s, sipping a fine cognac.

“Five days,” Gabriel told him. “The license was not a problem. I spoke to the minister this morning, and he was able to move another engagement for me. It will be a small affair with immediate family. There needs to be no more than that.”

“You have always been a man of business, a man who gets things done,” Richard said. He took another sip and smacked his lips together. “I worry that you are treating this as such.”

“I see no reason to draw it out, and I don’t believe that Lady Eleanor needs a large celebration.”

“But have you asked her?” Richard asked. “I don’t know if I’ve met a woman who does not want to celebrate her marriage.”

“I know what must be done,” Gabriel said.

“Must be done?” Richard asked.

“What do you mean, Uncle?”