“I just want you to be careful. Do not invoke his wrath, do not challenge him. It is well within his power to destroy us.”
Arabella read the anxiety in her father’s voice and posture. The Duke was indeed a cruel man who simply took what he wanted. Like he did this morning… Arabella shook the memory of him away and focused on the task at hand.
That outrageous man walked into their household, thinking them weak and manageable, easily agreeable and meek. The blue in Arabella’s eyes darkened.
“Oh, have no fear, Father,” she said, smiling a fake smile. “I will make sure that this experience will be absolutelyunforgettableto the Duke.”
“Arabella?”
“Yes, Father?”
“You need to promise me.”
“I do promise, Father,” her smile widens, “I will be the very picture of diplomacy. I will show the Dukeexactlywhat I am made of.”
Her father’s eyes swam with worry; her words were not the least reassuring. Good. Arabella decided that she was not in the business of reassuring men who expected her to act the way they wanted. That doesn’t mean she will not be clever about.
“Now, if you will excuse me, Father. It was a long day.”
Arabella left the drawing room and went up to her room to get ready for the night. But instead of going into her room, she slipped into Bridget’s. Exactly as she did most nights when they were little. Like they still do sometimes, not.
“So today was interesting,” Arabella said, “I got you a bonnet today and never even got the chance to give it to you.”
Bridget just lies there in bed looking at the ceiling.
“I chose it for you, and Miss Heston came all snobbish, you know how she can get, and said it was not my color. I told her that neither was hers, but that doesn’t stop her from being bold, and that she inspired me to dare. Her face turned red, and the light blue bonnet was definitely not her color then.”
Still no response. Arabella shifted closer as if trying to warm her sister.
“Are you mad at me, Brie?” Arabella asked, tears in her eyes.
Finally, Bridget reacted and looked at her little sister.
“Are you angry because Father does this unfair thing? That comparing?”
Bridget turned on her side to face her.
“Because I know it must be tedious hearing about it again and again and again. I am so sorry. You do know I hate it too, right? That I don’t do any of this to make you feel bad? I would never hurt you, Brie.”
“Bella,” her sister’s voice was calm and soft. “I know.”
“You don’t hate me?”
“How can I hate you?” Bridget gives her a rare smile. “You are my little sister. I love you.”
Arabella let out a sigh of relief. She was on the verge of crying, but now moved to hold her sister tightly.
“I love you too, Brie.”
They just looked at each other with a deep connection. Arabella’s heart settled. It was one thing to face the Duke, but to lose Bridget was what really struck fear inside her.
“Now,” Arabella said with renewed energy. “The plan doesn’t change. I will need to make the Duke reject me. But the Arabella Edition.”
“And how do you plan on doing that?” Bridget asked, agitated.
“Oh, trust me,” Arabella smiled a mischievous smile. “The Duke will regret ever choosing me.”
Bridget giggled at her determination.
