“I have no father or mother. If you allow Mr. or Mrs. Bennet to attend, I will not walk up the aisle or recite my vows,” Elizabeth promised.
As it was no hardship for him, the Duke agreed.
“My Uncle Edward will walk me up the aisle,” Elizabeth informed the man.
Hertfordshire was about to make a comment about the degradation of a man in trade walking his new duchess to him, but for once he held his peace. He had no doubt his fiancée would use that as a reason not to arrive at the church.
“Be there a few minutes before ten,” the Duke instructed. “Have you been purchasing your trousseau?”
As much as Elizabeth did not want to do anythingheinstructed her to, Aunt Maddie had convinced her it was necessary. Besides, Elizabeth had ordered garments for her sisters, Aunt Maddie, and Lilly as well.
“Yes, Your Grace, we are following your instructions regarding Lizzy’s wardrobe,” Madeline responded.
He stood to leave. He reached out for Elizabeth’s hand but she put them behind her back. She did not want to be touched by this man any more than absolutely necessary.
As he rode back towards Mayfair in his coach, the Duke of Hertfordshire was conjuring up new ways he would break her spirit when the time came.
Chapter 10
As far as Elizabeth was concerned, the day of her wedding would be the worst day of her short life.
That evening Aunt Maddie had given Elizabeth the talk. While what she imparted was not quite as dire as the gleeful speech Mrs. Bennet had given where she concentrated on the pain and discomfort Elizabeth would experience, Aunt Maddie’s had been far more gentle.
Aunt Maddie had given her strategies to try and mitigate the bulk of her soon-to-be husband. Also, her aunt had not made light of the probable pain given the man Elizabeth was marrying had a selfish disdain for the feelings of others. She explained that as such, the Duke would only care about taking his own pleasure. Hence she gave Elizabeth ways toprepareherself before the man came to her which would mitigate the pain each time.
As uncomfortable a subject it was for both of them, Elizabeth understood Aunt Maddie was attempting to make an untenable situation slightly more bearable.
Once Aunt Maddie left the bedchamber, Elizabeth’s four sisters joined her. It was not lost on her that for the foreseeable future, she would not see them. It had been one of the conditions the old man had agreed to, her sisters would only be at one of their houses with her own express agreement.
Elizabeth simply did not trust the disgusting man around her sisters so she would not put them in a situation wherehe would have access to them. His condition to garner his agreement was she would only visit places, people, and write to those he approved of.
She hated having her freedoms restricted, but in order to protect Jane and her other sisters, Elizabeth had agreed.
“Lizzy, why are you not wearing your engagement ring?” Lydia asked when she spied it lying on the dresser.
The Duke’s man, Mr. Wickham, had delivered it yester-afternoon.
“Because I will only keep it on my finger inhiscompany,” Elizabeth responded. “The fewer symbols I see to remind me of having to marry the despicable ancient man, the better!”
Slowly but surely Lydia had begun to understand the truth of her parents, especially her mother. The only person’s welfare she was worried about was her own. Her daughters were pawns to be pushed around the board as she saw fit.
“I will miss you so very much,” Mary stated as she hugged Elizabeth. Mary was not normally very demonstrative which made Elizabeth appreciate the gesture even more.
She returned Mary’s hug in full measure. “As I will miss you, Mary, all of you.” Elizabeth looked from sister to sister. “I do have a request of you three younger girls.”
“Ask anything of us,” Mary spoke for herself and her two younger sisters.
“Mary, forget all of the lies Mrs. Bennet told of you being plain. You are as pretty as any of us and that woman only said that because like me, you do not look like her. Kitty, you are your own person, you do not have to mimic another to warrant love and attention. What your mother tried to tell you about drawing and painting being a waste of time is a lie. Pursue it, you have talent.
“Lastly. Lyddie, you are a witty and intelligent girl. You are so much more than your looks and being lively which Mrs. Bennet would always harp on. Yes, those things are nice, as long as you know how to regulate your liveliness and do not act in an unrestrained way. A good reputation is hard to build and maintain, but can be destroyed in one unguarded moment. Further, do not forget—it would affect your sisters too. That was something your mother never understood because she was not raised as a gentleman’s daughter. If you follow her advice regarding catching men, you will end up ruining yourself. You are but ten, treasure your childhood. None of you,” Elizabeth looked at each of her younger sisters pointedly, “should be in a hurry to grow up and seek a man to marry.”
“What Lizzy has told you is nothing but the truth. Heed her words well,” Jane said in support. “Now you three go to your bedchamber, even if she does not think she does, Lizzy needs some sleep before tomorrow.”
Starting with Mary the three youngest Bennet sisters kissed Elizabeth on one of her cheeks and then departed the bedchamber.
“Oh Janey,” Elizabeth lamented once she heard the girls’ chamber door close, “If only this was a nightmare from which I could wake. I have prayed so hard it was and I would awaken in our shared bed at Longbourn and none of this had occurred.”
“I completely understand the sentiment. I wish I could wave a magic wand and it would be so, to my deep regret, it is not the case,” Jane replied sorrowfully. “If only he would have chosen me, and not you…”
