“The late Lord Darpley was in business with my father. When he died, the opportunity was lost, and by marrying me to Hunter, he thinks he will be able to do more business with him.”
Her parents had only ever cared about wealth, and Catherine had been betrothed to her late husband, Marcus, since she was twelve.
“Did your sister bear the same treatment?”
Anna shook her head. “She was the first child and was favored. I was expected to be a son and when I did not turn out to be, their disappointment turned into coldness and brutality. Catherine never knew what they did to me.”
Ashden cursed under his breath, then said, “Forgive my manners.” He appeared to have been severely angered by her parents’ hate, and she wondered what drove such a passion in him. Surely, he did not know her enough to feel anger on her behalf.
“Shall we speak of something else?” she asked, and he nodded, but he never began a new conversation.
Anna fell silent and turned toward the window, getting lost in the thought of what her married life would be. At first, his rules had not troubled her, but now she thought them ridiculous and unnecessary. Nevertheless, she could not argue, for she was desperate enough to agree to nearly anything he wanted just so she could have a home where she could feel safe.
They arrived at Dawnton Hall shortly, and the footman that opened the door looked surprised to see her. That expression was mirrored by the butler when they walked into the great hall. Ashden led her, not into the drawing room she was familiar with, but further down the hall, past the stairs, and through an elaborate archway to a smaller room that she did not know was there.
“I must leave you now to begin preparations for our wedding,” he said when she was seated. “Please be comfortable, and Mrs. Willis will be with you momentarily.”
Anna nodded and smiled up at him. He did not quite return the smile but his eyes glinted in acknowledgment. Then he turned and left. She remained seated for a minute before she grew restless and stood, walking toward the pianoforte in a corner. Glancing behind her, she wondered what his rule was about music. Certainly, she could not bear to be discouraged from playing.
As she sat at the piano and poised her fingers over the keys, Mrs. Willis walked in, a bright smile on her face.
“It is very good to have you back, Miss,” she said.
“I am glad to be back, as well, Mrs. Willis.” Anna meant that. “Did His Grace tell you…”
“That you are to be married?” she finished for her, and Anna nodded. “Yes, he informed me just now. My felicitations, Miss. May I show you to your new chambers?”
“Yes, please.” Anna rose and walked out after her. The great hall was suddenly bustling with footmen moving about in response to the butler’s quick instructions, but each one of them stopped when they saw her and bowed. A nervous flutter began in her belly because she was not accustomed to such attention. In her father’s house, the servants ignored her, likely because they pitied her.
“Does His Grace play music?” she asked as they ascended the stairs.
“No, he does not, Miss, but he appreciates it,” the housekeeper replied.
“That is very good then, for I am positively fond of music. I play the violin quite well, you see?”
“Oh.” Mrs. Willis’ expression suddenly changed to one of unease.
Anna stopped on the landing and frowned. “Is something wrong?”
The look faded from her face. “Of course not, Miss.”
Anna had learned to read expressions very carefully. It had helped her avoid conflict with her parents, and she could tell now that there was something unfavorable about what she had just said. Whether it was just Mrs. Willis that found it so or it was Ashden was yet to be determined.
Chapter 8
Oh, what a day it has been. My skin is still warm from Ashden’s gaze, and his touch... I blush every time I imagine our wedding night. I wish he would let me call him Colin.
My dearest Catherine,
By the time you receive this letter, I will be married. To the Duke of Ashden. I proposed to him because Father wanted me to marry a gentleman he chose for me. Now, I know you would disapprove of my actions because it simply is not done, but I had a very good reason.
I am not marrying for love, but I would much rather have Ashden for a husband than the man intended for me. Marcus was kind to you, and I wish to receive kindness from my husband, too.
I live in Dawnton Hall in Ashden, Hertfordshire. It is a most resplendent manor, although I am unsure how many rooms there are. Upward of twenty, I should think. You may visit me anytime you wish, Catherine. I want to visit Scotland, too, but I must wait until I am settled into my new life.
I am happy and I am well, dear Sister, and I hope you are, too.
Your loving sister,
