“But—why?”
“He has his own reasons. Suffice to say, he is in need of a wife, and one for whom courting Society’s notice has no particular allure.”
“But why—”
“If you feel as though you could become his wife and provide him with an heir, then I can make the arrangements for a wedding to take place. In the meantime, of course, the duke would provide for your accommodation and everything else you require.”
Aurelia’s jaw hung wide.
It was as though an angel had fallen from the heavens and handed her everything she ever could have wanted, but she didn’t know how to trust in her mysterious benefactor.
He wanted her to be a duchess? The idea made no sense when there were plenty of other, far more eligible ladies in London.
Aurelia wavered only a heartbeat before finally accepting Mr. Arnold’s offered hand. Whatever this was, running from it would hardly improve matters.
He helped her into the carriage with brisk, professional ease, and the moment she settled onto the seat, they lurched forward. London blurred past the window, and with each turn of the wheels, she felt the odd, breathless sense that her life had stepped onto a path she had never planned—and couldn’t quite step off again.
“Ah,” Mr. Arnold piped suddenly. “Here we are.” The carriage came to a stop beside a smart building, a sign hanging from it. “If you come with me, Miss Dufort, then we can get everything sorted in a jiffy. That is, assuming you agree to the proposal and the conditions attached.”
“Conditions?” Aurelia shivered as she stepped into the cool spring air. Although the days had warmed with the sun, the nights were still cold, and evening fell quickly. Already, the sky was becoming obscured with thick, navy clouds. “And what happens to me if I refuse?”
“Why, nothing.” The solicitor gave her a kindly smile as he opened the door, ushering her inside. The entryway was narrow, but it opened out into what appeared to be a small saloon and an office affixed with a brass plaque titledArnold. “In here, my dear. I know this must have come as quite a shock.”
Aurelia clutched her carpet bag to her side as she sat upon the seat offered and looked around. Mr. Arnold’s study looked like any other, with a bookshelf filled with large tomes and a collection of folders. His walnut desk dominated the space, and he sat on the other side of it, gesturing to the letter she still held in one hand.
“For your peace of mind, I recommend opening that,” he pointed out. “As you can see, it is a letter from the gentleman himself, outlining his intentions and verifying that his interest in this arrangement is legitimate. If, after reading that, you wish to proceed, there are a few things I would like to clarify and establish before the wedding takes place.”
It was a good thing Aurelia was sitting down, or her legs might have given way underneath her. With shaking fingers, she broke the seal and spread the paper.
Miss Dufort, the note ran.
I have been made aware that your circumstances may benefit from an advancement, which I would be pleased to offer in the form of my hand in marriage. If you are amenable, I would be eager to bring about this union as soon as possible. Mr. Arnold holds the details; I hope you will give this offer some consideration.
With regards,
Sebastian Hale, His Grace the Duke of Ravenhall
Aurelia blinked slowly. The letter came in and out of focus. With the duke’s own seal and words behind the offer, she could hardly dismiss it out of hand as being erroneous—yet what was he doing applying for her hand in marriage inthisway?
What was he doing applying for her hand in marriage at all, in fact?
“He knows my circumstances are… less than ideal?” she asked numbly.
“Of course! He could not have known you were dismissed—I discovered that fact by chance today when I came to speak with you. But he knows in general of your situation. You see, I made him aware. It is my job and duty to know what occurs in London, and I take my duty seriously.”
“I—” She didn’t know what to say. “So you knew that I was the Duchess of Fenwick’s companion?”
“I did.”
“And, knowing that, you proposed the match to the duke?”
“I did.” He beamed with a ceremonious sort of pride and reached across the table to pat her hand. “The duke has his requirements, and I believe you will suit them well enough. And, if I may say so, I believe that your situation means you will be amenable to the match, even under these unusual circumstances.”
In other words, he knew she wasdesperate.
And that was the crux of the matter, wasn’t it? As bizarre as this situation was, she had no choice. If she didn’t agree, this samesmiling man would gladly turn her out on the streets for another candidate, and she would be left to find her own way.
It wasthator become theDuchess of Ravenhall.
