For a moment, Sibyl ached over their easy affection. She craved that terribly, even as it was the most unimaginable thing.
“AndI,” Alicia spoke up, shoving through the throng, “shall outright cut off a certain part men like to boast about if you hurt my sister.” She flashed a wicked grin at the Duke. “Sibyl deserves the best life, Your Grace, do you understand?”
Sibyl finally looked at her husband as he declared, “And she will receive it. She will be taken care of properly.”
She averted her gaze, for she knew safety and money were things he could easily give her. But she had grieved the life she wanted once; it would kill her to do it again.
This is purely a convenient escape from ruin, she reminded herself again, fearing it would not be the last time.
She hugged Alicia to distract her from her threats, whispering her thanks in her youngest sister’s ear.
Alicia was soon tugged back, replaced by their parents, who still frowned with disapproval even now.
“Well, Mama,” Sibyl said, trying to take control of their judgment before it could come first. “You did remark that I was not married to a duke like my sisters, and now I am. Do be happy for me.”
“How can I be?” her mother sighed. “You will be provided for, yes, but what will the ton think, my dear?”
“Lady Wickleby,” the Duke interjected in a commanding voice. “Your daughter’s name shall not be besmirched under my protection. My name carries far and wide, and that will ensure her safety.”
Sibyl watched as her mother gathered herself, sniffing before nodding. “I apologize for thinking otherwise, Your Grace.” Her eyes fell on Sibyl. “Do be a good duchess, Sibyl.”
“I wi?—”
Sibyl did not even get the chance to finish before her parents scurried away, her father ever-silent at her mother’s side.
Her heart broke a little to watch them retreat so quickly. All they ever cared about was their public image, even when they had three daughters who had done what was required to escape scandal.
“Oh dear.” The new voice had Sibyl turning, only to come face-to-face with Lord Averby. “A bride should not look so sullen on her wedding day. Your parents must be quite a force.”
Sibyl managed a smile, glancing between the Marquess and her husband. “If you have heard anything about them, you might know they are indeed a force to be reckoned with.”
“Everybody has heard about the Wicklebys.” Lord Averby winked at her.
Sibyl did not know how to take the comment, so she just laughed awkwardly, the sound too forced.
“Your Grace, I am Nicholas Loughton, the Marquess of Averby, though you may refer to me as your husband’s best friend.”
“Simply afriend,” the Duke quickly corrected, scowling at him. “An acquaintance, even.”
“Yes, keep telling yourself that.”
Sibyl decided she rather liked the Marquess, for she had never seen anyone else hold their ground beneath the Duke’s hard stare.
“Regardless,” Lord Averby continued, turning back to her, “you look stunning, Your Grace, and I hope you receive a…” He sighed. “Well, I would say awarm welcomein Stonehelm Hall, but little is warm about its master.” He cocked a teasing eyebrow. “So I do hope you can bring a measure of light to this man’s life. He is ever so gloomy.”
Sibyl laughed, despite her nerves and the weight of the day. “That is a tall order, Lord Averby.”
She was rewarded with a short chuckle as he turned to the Duke. “I like your wife already, Gabriel. I shall come and visit you both soon. Do keep me entertained, You Grace, by keeping my friend on his toes.”
“All right,” the Duke sighed, stepping closer to Sibyl. “It is time to leave. Are you ready?”
Sibyl nodded, and before she could look back at her family, or even bid Lord Averby a proper goodbye, he was guiding her outside the church and to the carriage. He opened the door for her, dismissing the footman standing nearby, and his hand brushed the small of her back.
They both started at the easy contact.
Sibyl fought the urge to glance back at him and merely stared down at the carriage floor for a brief second before settling in.
Once both of them were seated, she frowned at the closing door. “Rosie and?—”
