“Have either Henry or I given you that feeling? I will never forgive myself if we did.”
“No.” Louisa gave her a small smile. “You are the best sister I could have ever asked for. And more than that, you are my friend. But we cannot continue as we have been. You and your little family need a space of your own to fill and grow into. And I look forward to having a place of my own.” Was that another lie? She honestly wasn’t sure. But Louisa was certain that the duke was just the type of man she could marry without worry. His stuffiness guaranteed she would not feel affection for him. And if she did not hold affection for him, her heart would be safe.
“But it won’t be your own,” Violet continued. “It will be the duke’s. And if he doesn’t have an affection for you . . . I am merely concerned, Louisa.”
“I know you are. And that is why I love you so much.” Louisa leaned forward, giving Violet a quick hug before pulling back. “But I have made my decision. I am going to marry him.”
Violet looked down at her lap, heaving another sigh before her mouth cracked into a faint grin. “Does he know about Prince?”
A laugh burst out of her. “I had not even thought to mention Prince to him. But how could his grace not love him?” Truthfully, it did not matter much what the duke thought of her dog. Prince was non-negotiable.
Violet shook her head, her smile wobbling at the edges. “I cannot believe this is happening. You are leaving.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears and Louisa reached forward, holding Violet’s fisted hand. Violet was all that was joy, love,sweetness, goodness, and emotion. Louisa was her opposite in almost every way. Yet during Violet’s first season, they had formed a quick and unlikely friendship. Thick as thieves, some might say. And then, to Louisa’s joy, Violet and Henry had fallen in love. Now her friend was her sister. What could be more beautiful than that? Louisa had her friends and family, so having love in her marriage was not as important as Violet seemed to think it was. In fact, it made things less complicated.
“I will not be far,” Louisa continued. “We will both be in London during the season and the duke has assured Henry I am free to come and go as I please. It really is the best of all situations. I have my freedom, a home to manage, and a duke for a husband.”
“You do not care for titles.” Violet sniffed.
“No. But it sounds lovely, does it not? Duchess.” Louisa lifted her head, jutting out her chin, which sent both girls into a fit of giggles. She gave Violet’s hand a small squeeze. “I shall be visiting so often you will be sick of me.”
Violet shook her head. “That is entirely impossible. You live with us now and I have never been sick of you a day in my life.”
Louisa’s eyes fell to the mattress. “My biggest complaint is that my wedding is going to be a huge affair. I would much prefer a small ceremony in a chapel out in the country.”
Violet reached over to the night table, grabbing her handkerchief and swiping at a stray tear on her cheek as she fluttered her lashes to bat the rest of her tears away. “Have you told the duke that?”
Louisa shook her head, taking the kerchief and wiping another tear off Violet’s cheek. “As if he would care to hear my concerns. As a duke, I’m sure there are expectations involving the ceremony.”
“This is your wedding, Louisa. You should make your wishes known. Start this marriage off by letting him know you haveneeds and desires. As your husband, he is responsible, at the very least, to listen to said requests.”
A knock sounded at the door, interrupting them.
Louisa scowled. Who could need her? “Come in.”
The familiar brown hair of Louisa’s maid appeared as she opened the door. “Your mother says you need to get ready soon.” Miriam’s wide eyes relaxed as they dipped to the floor, her next words a bit more timid. “Your mother says youaregoing.”
Louisa almost laughed. Of course her mother would know she would attempt to get out of it. “Very good, Miriam. Thank you for letting me know. I shall need your assistance in a moment to get ready.”
Miriam bobbed her head, turning to leave before she spun back around. She wrung her hands. “I have time now.”
“Is there a rush?” Louisa asked.
“Your mother did say we should hurry. Mustn’t leave a duke or duchess waiting after all.”
Violet chuckled, standing. “I shall leave you ladies to it.” Her eyes softened as her neck bobbed with a swallow. “At least consider voicing your opinions about the ceremony. This could be the first test of his grace’s morals as a husband.”
Louisa waved her off. “Yes, yes. I shall try to assert myself.”
Violet cracked a smile as she walked toward the door. They both knew that assertion was not one of Louisa’s weaknesses.
As Miriam tugged and pulled Louisa’s hair into place, she thought of her choice again. It wasn’t one she had made lightly or rushed into. Louisa remembered well those long-ago days her mother had spent locked in her room, unable to get out of bed.
That would not be Louisa’s fate.
The carriage was mostly silent as they made the short jaunt to the edge of town. Louisa had seen Stonemoore before, but only in passing.
Her mother looked out the window, her chin held higher than usual. “How kind of the duke and his mother to invite us to tea. It really was a splendid idea. We are to be family in only a few short weeks.” While attempting to hide it, Louisa could tell her mother was nervous.
“Do not fret, Mother. We are peers as well.”
