“It’s close enough to when we need to leave, isn’t it? Plus, aren’t you excited to wear your gown? It’s truly exquisite. You are going to be the most beautiful bride.”
“I’m glad you think so,” she said, but still didn’t move.
“And Lord Gallmore will think so too I’m sure,” Milly nodded.
Veronica froze at the second mention of her husband-to-be in less than five minutes. She had been dreading their wedding day since her parents announced that she was going to marry him.
Him and not Christopher. She couldn’t help but shut her eyes tight. Forcing down thoughts of him and the emotions his memory led to.
She couldn’t help and think about everything that led her to this moment. She wanted nothing more than to find a way to go back in time and find a way to change something, anything that would keep her from ending up here.
“Milly,” Rose said, her voice interrupting Veronica’s spiral. “Can you give the two of us a minute?”
“But why?” she whined.
“Because I need to talk to her about boring things for young ladies.”
“I’m almost grown! I can listen!”
“Milly, please.”
“Fine,” she pouted, getting to her feet. “But make sure you call me and let me back in before you put her dress on, all right?”
“Don’t worry, we will.”
Milly nodded then slipped from the room, but not before shooting them a last look just to make sure they knew she wasn’t happy.
Rose waited until the door was shut before she turned to Veronica. “Do you want to tell me what’s on your mind or do you just need a minute to get your thoughts under control before we continue?”
“Who said something was on my mind?”
Rose shot her a look. “You know you can’t lie about this with me. I’m your sister. We have been together every day of our lives.”
“Well, not my life.”
Rose rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean. We shared a room from the time I was out of the nursery until…” she trailed off for a moment. “Until today.”
Veronica averted her eyes taking a deep breath, “I think you already know.”
“This isn’t just about what happens next, is it?” Rose’s sharp eyes scanned her face.
“No? Then tell me what this is about?” Veronica was aiming to sound aggressive, to shut her sister down and end this conversation, but it just came out sad.
“You’re still thinking abouthim, aren’t you?”
“Who?” she feigned ignorance.
Rose sighed. “You know who I’m talking about. Are you still thinking about the Duke?”
“Of course I am. Especially today, how could I not? I wouldn’t be in this situation if it weren’t for him,” Veronica crossed her arms.
Rose took a deep breath, coming to sit beside her. “I know. None of this is fair to you. I don’t understand why father couldn’t find another way.”
She sighed. “We need the money. Say what you want about Lord Gallmore, but he is well off.”
“I supposed.”
“It wasn’t like I was flush with suitors. After Duke Ashton abandoned me, no one was willing to court me, and I wasn’t the only one hurt by that.” Veronica met her sister’s eyes. “I know you’ve had a hard time getting names on your dance card. Once I’m married off, you won’t need to worry about that.”
