“Since you have no prospects,” Howard said, “and since the Season will offer you nothing but further disgrace, I see no reason to waste more money dressing you for it.”
Her heart stuttered. “What do you mean?”
“You will not accept any more pity invites. I forbid it.”
Gwen felt the room tilt. “But the Season has only just begun. I have scarcely had the opportunity to?—”
“You have no opportunities,” he said coldly. “Your reputation is tarnished. This house is veiled with shame. Gentlemen turn away when your name is mentioned. No one will have you. I will not throw good money after a bad investment.”
Her mother rose slightly, her voice trembling. “Howard, she deserves a chance. She is young. She is?—”
“She is a devastating burden,” he cut in.
The words struck like a slap.
Gwen kept her back straight, though her breath shook.
Howard continued, “Since you have wasted the past years with childish behavior, I have made a decision. In three weeks, you will be sent to St. Agatha’s.”
Gwen gaped at him. “The nunnery?”
“Yes. A place where silence and obedience are valued. Two qualities you lack.”
Cordelia covered her mouth with both hands. “Howard, please. She is my daughter. She cannot be sent away.”
“It is done,” Howard declared. “I have no interest in hearing more on the matter.”
Gwen’s heart throbbed painfully.
A nunnery. Three weeks. No Season. No opportunity. No escape.
Her entire plan crumbled like parchment in the rain.
She had counted on time. Time to gather money from Victor. Time to plan a route. Time to take her mother with her.
Without that time, she would be trapped. Worse, her mother would remain behind, with a man whose temper frayed like rope dipped in acid.
Her throat ached. “My Lord, I beg you to reconsider.”
“Begging does not suit you,” Howard sneered. “And I will not reconsider.”
Tears gathering, her mother stepped between them boldly. “Howard, she is innocent. Whatever rumors are circulating, she is innocent.”
“Innocent girls do not behave the way she has,” Howard grunted.
Gwen felt the sting of those words and forced herself not to flinch. “I have done nothing to disgrace you.”
He gave her a cold smile. “You do not know the repercussions of your ignorance. Your very presence is disgrace enough.”
Her mother’s stifled sobs stirred hot anger within her. Her hands curled at her sides, nails biting into her palms through her gloves. “I will not go quietly.”
“You will go because I command it,” Howard said. “Three weeks.”
She wanted to scream. She wanted to strike something. She wanted to run. Instead, she stood very still, because stillness was her only shield. Stillness gave her time to think.
Three weeks.
Three weeks until she was locked away and would lose every chance she had to save her mother.
