After a second, she laughed drily.
“My mother kept telling me that Edmund was not a duke, unlike my sisters’ husbands, but he would do well enough. I suppose now she might be satisfied, although I am certain she will not be.”
“Then I will challenge your mother on anything she says or does.” Gabriel stood up, not looking away from her. “We will marry within the week, and when the time comes for Lord Kerrington to move into this house, you will have a place to go. I will take care of everything, S?—”
He stopped himself from saying her name again, trying not to let his heart soften.
With a curt nod, he retreated from the drawing room and left Kerrington House, hopefully for the last time.
Chapter Four
“So, let me get this right,” her mother said. “You are to wed the Duke of Stonehelm, within days of your husband’s death.”
The parlor at Kerrington House was packed two days later, and although Sibyl was trying to focus on her family around her, all she could think about was the following day.
Her three days were almost up, and she was still uncertain of her next steps.
“Yes, Mama.” Her voice was flat, sounding as distant as she felt.
“But you do not know when?”
“Within the week, Mama.”
“Butwhen? And what happens after tomorrow?”
“I do not know, Mama.”
“Do you knowanything?” her mother snapped, jolting her into focus.
“Mama, do not be so vicious!” Alicia interjected. “If His Grace has promised to take care of things, then I am certain he will.”
“She must have security, Alicia! I am her mother, and mothersworry.”
“Well, you are not worrying. You arepestering.”
“It is fine,” Sibyl interrupted their bickering. “Mama, you are right. I do need security. Your worries are my own as well, but I have taken the option I was given. I am grateful either way.”
“I am just concerned,” her mother said, her voice softening for once. “Not to mention, you ought to observe the mourning period. Return to Wickleby Hall, gather yourself in the countryside, escape the ton even.”
Sibyl’s head spun, for if she disappeared, the chaos Lord Kerrington had threatened would burden her family.
She could not let that happen. She could not pass on that burden to them, even if the idea was tempting.
“His Grace’s proposal would still be there, I am certain,” her mother continued. “But as your mother, I urge you to retire to the country. Our family cannot go through?—”
“I know, Mama!” Sibyl cried. “And that is why I must stay, do you not understand?”
“Barbara, Sibyl is not a little girl anymore,” her father spoke up, placing a hand over her mother’s. “She can make her own choices. The circumstances of her husband’s death were… questionable; therefore, she must focus on her next steps. She must considerallher options. However—” He glanced at Sibyl. “I do partially agree with your mother. There is no reason to rush into another marriage so soon. Why can’t you just come home?”
“Then again,” Alicia cut in, “when Sibyl returns home, it will be grand! We shall both suffer! How about it, Sibyl? Breakfast times with criticism of the menu, and dinner times that ratchet up the tension, and more suitors to dance with once you come out of mourning.”
“Alicia!”
Despite her mother’s reprimand,Sibyl gave her sister a grateful smile.
“Yes, I am certain moving back home is exactly what Sibyl needs right now,” Alicia finished.
“Which is why I already agreed to His Grace’s proposal,” Sibyl added.
