Deena’s mouth suddenly felt dry. So much had happened in so little time, but her mind never stayed in the present. Her last night with Austin and the sudden proposal left her confused and bothered.
Deena gulped. When Austin did not occupy her mind, Penelope did. She had sent letter after letter to her beloved friend, butstill received no response and heard no news about her and her unborn child’s well-being. Deena could not ignore the sharp pang of guilt in her heart.
It’s all my fault.
“Have you heard me, darling?” Deena was so lost in her thoughts that she hadn’t noticed the way her grandmother approached and held her hands.
“Yes, Grandmother, the wedding will take place in two days.” She offered her a small smile, but her grandmother saw right through her.
She lifted a frail hand and brushed away a stray curl. “You are a strong woman, you know that?”
Deena was taken aback by her sweet words.
“Thank you, Grandmother. I…needed to hear that.”
She gave Deena’s hands one last squeeze before continuing. “ The special license has been arranged. Selina is on her way with your gown. The quiet ceremony will take place here in the family chapel, and we’ll make an immediate announcement afterward. No delays, no fuss, and no room for the gossips to twist it further.”
“Is Aunt Dee getting married?” Deena and her grandmother froze.
They turned simultaneously to find Percy grinning and looking up at them expectantly. Dominic stood behind him, tall, pensive, and brooding.
The dowager smiled indulgently. “Yes, your Aunt Deena is getting married, darling.”
Percy’s mouth formed a perfect circle. “Are you marrying the King of England?”
Deena laughed, and it felt unnatural. “Sort of, sweetheart.”
Percy beamed at her. “Will you live in a castle?”
“Something like that,” she managed, pressing a kiss to his small forehead while her eyes stung.
Dominic cleared his throat. “Percy, love, time to go with Miss Elise. She’s waiting to take you to the nursery.”
Percy pouted but listened to his father. “Bye, Aunt Dee. Don’t forget to invite the King to my birthday.”
“I won’t,” she promised, voice thick with emotion.
The nurserymaid appeared, took Percy’s hand, and led him away. His small footsteps echoed down the corridor until they faded.
Silence settled over the three remaining adults.
The dowager strode briskly towards the door. “I’ll leave you to it. We have a wedding in two days, children. There’s plenty to do.”
She swept out, cane tapping a brisk rhythm with her walk. Deena stared at the door as if she’d return and save her from her brother’s broodiness. She wanted to say so much to him, but she could not bring herself to speak without crying.
Dominic paced the drawing room before he broke the silence. “How are you feeling about this, Dee? Truthfully.”
She swallowed. “I don’t know.”
He waited, but she remained silent. Dominic walked briskly to her and hugged her tightly. Deena was surprised, and she struggled to breathe, but she did not complain. “If you say no to this marriage, I will make a plan for you, Dee.”
“No, Dom. This is the right thing to do, for me and for us.” Her voice broke with emotion, “I just…hate that I’m dragging Austin into it, too.”
Dominic squeezed her once before letting go of her. “He offered, Dee. No one forced him.”
“He offered because he feels responsible. Because he’s your friend.” She looked up at her brother, eyes glistening.
Dominic’s expression softened. “All that matters is that you’re safe and, despite his reputation, I trust that Austin will protect you, no matter what.”
