“I have never worried about that or blamed you for even a second.”
“I know you haven’t, but that doesn’t make the situation fair to you.”
“It has been more fair to me than it has been to you.”
For a moment, neither of them said a word, taking a moment to wallow in the futility of their situation. Then Rose forced a smile and broke the silence.
“It could be worse. At least he’s only a year or two older than you. We’ve both heard horror stories of the kind of men other women we know have ended up with.”
Veronica closed her eyes and nodded. “I know, but it isn’t fair. I can’t help but feel this is all Ashton’s fault.”
“Did you ever try reaching out to him?”
“A few times,” her hands moved to trace over the scar on her collarbone. “But I never heard anything back. I did, however, hear father when he told mother that he thinks His Grace hates me after what happened. I was responsible for that fire and if he married me, the ton would hate him just as much as they do me. But if this is his means of revenge, it’s just too much.”
“I’m sorry. I know you’re doing this for our sake, but please stop blaming yourself for that fire. It was an accident, and everyone with any sense knows that. We even paid for the family to rebuild the damaged rooms.”
There it was. She had tried so hard not to think about it, about how she was the reason her family lost their fortune. How she drove away the best match she could have hoped for.
How he hated her, and blamed her for everything.
Veronica shook her head. “None of this new arrangement was up to you. You don’t need to concern yourself.”
“How can I not? You’re my sister and I want you to be happy.”
“Whatever happens, I’ll find my own happiness.”
“Veronica,” she trailed off.
“It’s alright,” she plastered on a smile. “Lord Gallmore is fairly well off, so I’ll be able to live comfortably. His work keeps him busy so we won’t have to spend too much time together. Most of all, I’ll finally have a home of my own. Won’t that be something?”
“It will be lovely. I’ll come visit you as often as I can.”
“And I’ll do the same.”
The pair shared a hug then Veronica sat back with a sigh.
“Alright, let Milly know she can come back in.”
“Are you sure you don’t need another minute?”
Veronica shook her head. “It doesn’t make it any easier to keep putting it off.”
“No, I suppose it wouldn’t,” she sighed. “Very well, I’ll go get her.”
“I’m sure she didn’t go far.”
Sure enough, their youngest sister was sitting just outside the door, eagerly running back inside the second the door was open.
The trio got to work getting Veronica ready for her big day. The whole time, she did her best not to think about what came next.
The carriage ride to the church filled her with dread.
Still, it was hard to suppress the panic feeling her, especially when all too soon she found herself at the church.
I don’t want this.
As Veronica stood just outside the door, her heart felt like lead, every beat filled with nothing but dread.
