“Nonsense,” the dowager said. “I’ve been partial to pearls for years. I cannot even remember the last time I wore this necklace, and there’s no point in letting it gather dust. I want you to have it.”
A lump formed in her throat, taking her by surprise. “It’s too much. I’m not even married to him yet.”
She chuckled. “That’s why I said it’s anearlywedding present. Not one that is on time. Besides, this is the least I can do after I misled you yesterday.”
Was it really only yesterday that she found herself in Dominic’s bedroom? It felt like ages ago.
“Turn around,” the dowager said. “I’ll put the necklace on you.”
Selina turned around and faced the mirror. Her reflection stared back at her as the dowager started to put the necklace on her.
“I hope I can help you pick out your wedding dress,” she said. “We must start planning tomorrow. Dominic will arrange for a special license, of course. And I will send a driver to pick up the rest of your belongings from your godmother’s house. There’s no need for you to go back there. Besides, we will be busy.”
The diamonds brushed roughly against Selina’s neck as the dowager fastened them in place. It felt like they were choking her. “I won’t be going home with my sister?” she whispered.
The dowager looked surprised at that question. “There will not be a lot of time. Three days will go by so fast, and then you’ll be a duchess. No, I think it’s prudent you stay here. Do you need help with your earrings, dear?”
She shook her head. “N-no, thank you.” Panic was rising inside of her chest, but also twisting in her stomach. With shaky hands, she put the earrings in place and looked at herself. Covered injewels, she looked like a proper noble lady. A few minutes ago, she loved the jewelry, but now she didn’t even recognize herself.
“Is something wrong, dear?” the dowager asked.
Selina shook her head and managed a smile. “Just nervous, I suppose. Thank you for the gift. It’s beautiful. Really.”
The older lady beamed. “I will leave you to finish getting ready. I’ll see you at the ball!” She left Selina alone.
She took a deep breath and looked at herself in the mirror. “Get a hold of yourself,” she muttered. “You didn’t even want to go back to that horrid manor anyway. You have been through worse things than marrying a wealthy duke. You’re stronger than this.”
You won’t be able to survive being this gentle in such a cruel world.
Dominic’s world was cruel. She was trapped in it, and she hadn’t even realized.
She burst out of her room and went to knock on her sister’s door. “Christine! Are you in there?” There was no response.
She wrenched the door open to find it empty. Christine had already gone to the ball. What time was it? Had she spent more time lost in her thoughts than she realized? Selina tugged at the necklace, wishing it were a tad looser.
She hurried down to the ballroom to see the ball in full swing. Couples danced merrily on the floor, but the music felt too loud to her. The room felt too hot.
Someone grabbed her arm, and she flinched.
“It’s just me,” Christine said. “What is wrong? What is happening? We haven’t been able to talk once since the engagement announcement.”
Sorrow filled her. She had just gotten her sister back, only to have her ripped away after a few short days. How often would Dominic let her see Christine after they were married?
“You need to help me,” Selina whispered. “I cannot marry him.”
Her eyes widened. “What? But he said?—”
“It’s a misunderstanding!” she said. “I cannot go through with it. I’ll fix it. If he won’t listen to reason, then I need to run away.”
“Why?” her brow furrowed. “What happened? Did he attack you? I’ll kill him.”
Selina shook her head, trying to take in another deep breath, but it did nothing to calm her down. “No, no. I don’t think he would ever be violent towards me.”
“Then what is the problem?” Christine asked. “Marriage will give you security, and you will be fully accepted by the ton as a duchess.”
Selina shook her head and resisted the urge to rip the bloody necklace off. “No, it’s a loveless marriage. It’s just another prison. But it’s not too late. I can leave and find employment somewhere. It might not be ideal, but it will at least be my choice.” She didn’t need jewels or acceptance from the ton. All she needed was the ability to make a choice for once in her life.
“Don’t leave,” Christine pleaded. “Please. You can find purpose in marriage even if it’s a loveless one. If anyone can make the best out of any situation, it’s you. Why can’t you find a way to define marriage on your terms?”
