“A mother for his daughters. Someone to guide them through society.”
“Ah, yes, the daughters.” Cassandra’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “How convenient that his paternal duties align so perfectly with your charitable nature.”
Why does everyone keep implying there’s more to this?
“It is convenient,” Sybil said defensively. “It means we both benefit without any… complications.”
“What manner of complications?” Anthea’s voice was carefully neutral, but Sybil caught the sharp attention in her gaze.
The sort where I forget why this is supposed to be a business deal when he looks at me like he wants to devour me whole.
“Romantic entanglements,” Sybil said firmly. “Emotional complications that lead to disappointment and heartbreak.”
“Always?” Cassandra’s voice was gentle. “Even when the gentleman in question offers marriage rather than empty promises?”
Even when he looks at you like you’re precious instead of convenient?
“Honor and sincerity can be… challenging to discern,” Anthea said quietly, and Sybil caught the flash of old pain in her friend’s eyes.
What happened to you, Anthea? What made you so careful about trusting men’s words?
“Exactly,” Sybil said, grateful for the support. “It’s far safer to maintain realistic expectations.”
“Safer,” Cassandra repeated thoughtfully. “But does safe equal fulfilling?”
“Fulfillment in my marriage is a luxury I can’t afford,” Sybil said.
“Can’t or won’t permit yourself?” The question came from Anthea, surprising in its directness.
“What’s the difference?”
“The difference,” Anthea said quietly, “is agency. One suggests circumstances beyond your control. The other suggests you’re punishing yourself for sins that were never yours to shoulder.”
“Some guilt is warranted,” Sybil said quietly.
“Is it?” Cassandra’s voice was soft but firm. “Because from where I sit, you’ve spent eight years atoning for your sister’s tragedy. Eight years denying yourself pleasure, joy, any chance at the very happiness Emmie would have wanted for you.”
“Emmie’s wishes are irrelevant now,” Sybil said stiffly. “She’s gone.”
“Yes, she is,” Anthea agreed. “But you’re alive with an opportunity at something that could be wonderful if you’re brave enough to seize it. ”
If I’m brave enough.But bravery had never been her strength where men were concerned.
“This has nothing to do with bravery,” Sybil said. “It’s about being reasonable with my expectations.”
Cassandra studied her with those knowing blue eyes. “Then why are you blushing like a schoolgirl?”
Sybil’s hands flew to her cheeks, feeling the telltale warmth there. “I’m not—the fitting is rather close in here?—”
“Darling,” Cassandra said gently, “there’s nothing shameful about being attracted to your future husband.”
“I’mnotattracted to him,” Sybil lied.
Both her friends looked at her with identical expressions of amused disbelief.
“Naturally,” Anthea said dryly. “That explains why you blush every time his name is mentioned.”
“And why you keep touching your lips,” Cassandra added with a grin.
