"Yes, Your Grace," Victoria said softly, surprised that she had managed to speak at all around the lump in her throat.
"Don't you think it's a beautiful gown? You wore that gown just for me, didn't you? Just to make me look at you?"
"Yes, Your Grace." She hadn't. She hadn't even chosen the gown herself. But she knew this was the only answer he would accept.
He smiled at her. It wasn't a kind smile. She felt as if she was a deer staring into the eyes of a wolf. "I have a beautiful young wife all to myself," he mused. "I'm going to teach you all kinds of things tonight…Victoria."
Victoria had never been so repulsed by the sound of her own name. She considered opening the door of the carriage and hurling herself out of it. But it would have done her no good. She would have been caught and returned to the duke at once, and then, on top of everything else, he would have been angry. It was better to cooperate with him, she thought, and to hope that things simply wouldn't be too horrible.
Though it was hard to imagine how they wouldn't.
When they reached Stormwell Manor, they were met by a group of servants, including a maid in her forties. "This is Elizabeth," the duke said. "She's yours. She's going to help you get ready now, and then I'll come to you. Go on, Elizabeth."
He turned away, not even bothering to welcome her to her new home.
If Victoria was honest, she didn't mind the lack of a welcome from him. It meant that she could get away from him for a little while. And though she dreaded what lay ahead, at least this respite would be a good thing.
Elizabeth took her to her chambers. There was a warm bath waiting for her, and the sight of it nearly made her cry.
"I hope everything is to your liking," Elizabeth said gently. "Your nightgown is here on the bed. Would you like me to stay and assist?"
"No—I'd like to be alone for a few moments, if it's all right," Victoria said.
Elizabeth nodded, understanding in her eyes. "Of course," she said. "I wish I could tell you to take your time, Your Grace, but I don't think the duke will be that patient, so I would move quickly if I were you."
She pressed her lips together, looking as if she would have liked to say more, but she must have decided that it wouldn't be a good idea. She turned and left the room swiftly.
Victoria undressed and lowered herself into the bath. The moment the water touched her skin, a dam seemed to break inside her and she found herself in tears.
It was too much. She couldn't face this.
She looked over at the window, wondering if it would be possible to open it and escape, to run away—but then, where would she go? The only possible answer was to Cressida's house, but she didn't know how to get there from here. She would be wandering around the countryside at night, and she was wise enough toknow that such a thing would likely be even worse than whatever the duke had planned for her here.
How had these become her only choices?
It felt as if she had only been in the bath for a few moments when a knock came at the door.
Victoria panicked. Surely she could have more time than this?
"Your Grace?" It was Elizabeth. Her voice sounded tense. "May I enter?"
Victoria wondered what would happen if she were to say no. "Of—of course you can," she stammered.
The door opened. Elizabeth came in. She looked pale and stricken. "Your Grace—she said. "I'm afraid something has happened."
Victoria looked over at her, startled. "What do you mean?"
"It's the duke," Elizabeth said. "He—he's dead!"
CHAPTER 2
Two Years Later
"It's your turn, Victoria."
Victoria smiled at Edwina across the card table. "I'm aware," she said. "You'll just have to give me a moment to make my decision, that's all."
"Edwina is always impatient," Lavinia said with a laugh. "You're a generous soul for inviting her to play with us at all, Victoria."
