Chapter Thirty-One
Maddie was in her spacious, private bedchamber at the Duke of Hollingsworth’s house reading the latest letter from her sister. Tears had gathered in her eyes, but they were tears of joy, not sadness. Molly had refused Cousin Leopold’s suit. Even with Mrs. Halifax encouraging the match. Her sister had decided she would take a position as a maid of all work for one of the wealthier families in the village instead of marrying their awful cousin. Maddie was so proud of Molly, she could shout.
I finally realized you were right all along, Maddie. Cousin Leopold only wanted to control us with his money and the promise of giving Papa’s estate to our children. I’d rather work hard for a day’s wage than live with his demands. You should have seen his face when I refused him. He couldn’t believe it. I told him neither of the Atwood sisters were interested in his threats or intimidation. I’m quite busy these days, but happier than I’ve ever been, and I have you to thank for it, Maddie. You have been my example all these years. You’ve shown me how to stand up for myself and taught me how important it is to make my own way in this world. Now, you must promise me that you’ll stop with the fanciful dream of someday giving me a debut in London. Why should I have a debut when you could not? You are my sister, and you owe me nothing but your own happiness.
Maddie folded the letter and wiped the tears from her eyes. She would always wish she could give Molly a debut, but at least her sister was safe. She was safe, and she had made the right decision. And refusing Cousin Leopold wasn’t the only thing Molly was right about. Perhaps Maddie shouldn’t have been trying to sacrifice her own life and happiness for her sister, but where had Maddie’s pathetic attempts at finding happiness got her? In love with a betrothed marquess who had tried to pay her off and sent her away. Over the last few days, she’d examined her feelings and had come to realize that she was, in fact, in love with Justin. Despite what a fool he’d been, she loved him. She couldn’t help herself, though she desperately wished she could. It was terribly inconvenient.
Maddie slid the letter into the desk drawer just as a knock sounded at her bedchamber door. She stood, crossed to the door, and opened it to see one of the duke’s footmen standing there. “Begging your pardon, Miss Atwood, but His Grace requests your presence in the drawing room immediately.”
Maddie pointed at herself and blinked. “My presence?”
“Yes.” The footman nodded before rushing away.
Maddie gulped. Oh, no. She wasn’t about to get sacked again, was she? She hadn’t borrowed any clothing or jewelry or tried to sneak anywhere for a dance. She hadn’t attempted to play the pianoforte, and she certainly hadn’t kissed or been kissed since she’d arrived at the Hollingsworths’ house a few days past. What in the world had she done now?
Maddie smoothed her skirts, glanced in the small looking glass on her desk to ensure her hair and cap were presentable, then hurried downstairs to the drawing room. The moment she stepped inside, she stopped short. There, sitting on a rose-colored sofa facing the double doors, were all three Whitmoreland sisters. The duke stood near the door. He’d clearly been waiting for her.
“Ah, Miss Atwood, there you are. I believe these ladies would like to have a word with you. I’ll leave you to it.” The duke quickly strode from the room, leaving Maddie blinking at Justin’s sisters.
“First,” Lady Elizabeth began, “I have a confession.”
Maddie bit her lip. She slowly walked to stand in front of her former mistress. “Yes?”
Lady Elizabeth cleared her throat. “The night you told me your story, I promised not to share it with anyone, and I didn’t. But I did manage to find a way to let my brother know who you are.”
Maddie nodded. “It’s all right, my lady. It doesn’t matter. It’s all in the past now.”
Justin’s third sister stood. “Second, I should introduce myself. I am Veronica Sinclair.”
“You’re…you are the Duchess of Edgefield, are you not?” Maddie breathed. She’d seen the duchess from afar a time or two. She was always perfectly dressed. She was also as lovely as her sisters.
“Yes, and I’m Justin’s sister,” the duchess continued. “And we have a question for you. Then, a proposal.”
“What is your question?” Maddie said in as calm a voice as she could muster.
“Are you in love with Justin?” Lady Jessica blurted.
“Jessa!” Lady Elizabeth reprimanded. “You’re not supposed to say it that way.”
“Why not?” Lady Jessica insisted. “This is terribly romantic, and I feel as if we should not be casual with something this important.”
“You make a good point, Jessa,” Lady Veronica added, tapping her cheek. “At any rate, the words are already out.” She faced Madeline head-on. “Despite our lack of finesse, we would like to know…are you in love with our dear brother, Justin?”
Madeline wanted the drawing room floor to open and swallow her. “I… I…” She was in love with Justin, but what good would come of admitting it to his sisters? She would only make a fool of herself.
“He told me he’s chosen a wife,” Maddie said. There, that should be enough to silence them on the subject.
Veronica rolled her eyes. “Oh, no. That’s a long story that I’ll allow Justin to tell, but suffice it to say, the woman he would like to be his wife is most assuredly you.”
“Wait,” Lady Elizabeth interjected. “First, you need to know that we believe Justin is madly in love with you. In fact, we’re quite certain of it.”
Madeline narrowed her eyes on her former mistress. She remained entirely skeptical. “Did he say that?”
“Not in so many words,” Lady Veronica replied, “but sisters can tell. Mama quite agrees, too, by the by. But he did ask for our help. Which is why we’re here.”
“Help with what?” Madeline ventured, still quite skeptical.
“Help with winning you back,” Lady Jessica said with a huge smile on her face. “See? Ever so romantic.” She sighed.
