“Because it was never a love match. I married because it was expected of me. After all, it was my duty. And though my heart was untested, I fulfilled my obligations faithfully. I regret not being given another opportunity to fulfil my duty as a wife.”
Camelia frowned. “But… isn’t there a price for a marriage solely based on duty? Surely love makes life bearable?”
Iris shook her head gently. “Love is fleeting, unpredictable, and often cruel. Duty endures. It provides stability, security, and honor. I speak from experience, Camelia. Duty is worth far more than the whims of love.”
And my duty is to keep them safe from the likes of Lord Montague.
Before her sisters could press her further about the proposal, the study door opened, and their father emerged with the Duke at his side.
CHAPTER 8
“Ihave agreed to allow Camelia to marry His Grace, the Duke of Brentmere,” he announced.
His words hung heavily in the room.
Camelia’s mind reeled until she heard Margaret applaud ecstatically beside her. Her sisters hugged her tightly.
I am marrying a duke. God help me.
“You will be fine, Camelia,” Iris whispered soothingly in her ear. “We will always be here for you.”
Camelia pulled back from her sisters’ embrace, her gaze settling on their faces, each one etched with a vulnerability that steeled her resolve to shield them at all costs.
“You’re marrying a duke, Camelia!” Margaret gushed with the widest grin.
“I am,” Camelia responded softly and smiled at her sisters.
Although the dread was there, a quiet relief bloomed within her. She had ventured into that shadowed alley, unaware it would lead her to the Duke.
The Duke’s proposal was unforeseen, but it did not change her purpose. By accepting this marriage, she had secured her family’s salvation. Or would, once she fulfilled her new duties as his wife and Duchess.
That means I will share his bed.
A rush of heat surged from her core at the thought of consummating what had begun between them. Her eyes lifted, veiled by the soft fringe of her lashes, to study him as he spoke with commanding assurance to her father.
He was tall and strikingly handsome, but he exuded a magnetic darkness that both beckoned her heart and stirred a tremor of fear within her.
“It’s for the best, Camelia.” The Earl faced her wearily. “His Grace has helped us and offered to settle our debts and protect Margaret. It’s a solution we cannot refuse, and we are eternally grateful, Your Grace.”
“I understand, Father, and I agree.” Camelia stood up and approached the Duke. She curtsied before him. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
She chanced a look at him. The Duke’s eyes darkened as he peered down at her.
What awaits me in this marriage?
Excitement and fear filled her as she tried to breathe calmly in his overbearing presence.
“You will all be free from Lord Montague as promised. I will make sure that he will never set foot on your estate again,” he addressed her father, and they exchanged a look of understanding.
Lord Lempster strode towards them and sat in his armchair.
“We have a wedding to plan, Father! How exciting! I do hope all goes well,” Margaret chirped, and her family began to talk about the wedding while Camelia stood before the Duke in heated silence.
The Duke’s gaze turned back to her and never left; she sensed his burning look and felt her skin prickle in response. She trembled slightly and cussed herself for her lack of control.
“There is one condition yet to be settled,” he declared firmly, and the room hushed at once. “I will return tomorrow to discuss it.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” Lord Lempster said earnestly.
