To Jane’s surprise, her father said nothing more, clearing his throat as he walked to the pews to sit next to his wife.
“Now that the minor details have been settled, shall we proceed?” the duke asked, handing Jane the daffodil flower that had fallen from her hair.
Her reservations were still echoing in her head, but she had agreed to endure whatever their marriage would bring for three months. If that was all she needed to do in order to gain her freedom forever, then perhaps it would be worth it.
Jane nodded and together, they walked to the altar. On her way, she had caught Penelope’s gaze and done what she could to assure her friend that she was all right.
Soon, she was facing him, Thomas Wetherby, Duke of Ravencroft — who would be her husband in a few moments. The ceremony began, but Jane could not focus on anything other than the man by her side, captivated by his overall presence.
Now that they were in the light of the church, she could see his face clearly. The scars were as prominent as she had supposed, but rather than fear, her heart twisted in sadness at the sight of them.
His form was quite intimidating still, as he towered over her effortlessly and his broad shoulders and strong arms spoke of his undoubtedly powerful body. His dark eyes watched the priest closely and ever so often, this jaw would twitch, as though he was getting impatient with the procession.
Thomas glanced at her suddenly and Jane jumped, lowering her eyes as she blushed, trying to give no indication that she was in fact thinking of his warm touch.
The ceremony ended in a blur, with Jane reeling from the fact that she was now married and a duchess.
“We must leave right away,” Thomas told her as they walked off the altar.
Jane had not wanted to attend the wedding breakfast either, but she hoped to get a chance to say her goodbyes at least. Particularly to Penelope who still seemed distraught.
“Might I have a moment? I wish to bid my friend farewell properly.” Jane requested hesitantly.
His eyes slid behind her, to where Jane was sure Penelope was approaching them from and he nodded curtly.
“Make it quick,” he instructed.
Jane nodded in gratitude as she turned around and ran into her friend’s arms.
“My goodness, I was so worried! What happened? Did he —”
“No,” Jane said quickly. “I fell off my horse and he found me… he tended to my wounds too. I am fine, I promise.”
Penelope glanced over Jane’s shoulder darkly before she whispered,
“But why are you here? Is he forcing you —”
Jane shook her head. “It was my decision. Do not worry about it. We do not have much time right now, I only wished to assure you of my well-being.”
Thomas cleared his throat from behind her and Jane stood straighter. Penelope was clearly displeased and Jane was worried her friend would bring up her irritation, but instead, Penelope held her hand and spoke.
“If you need anything — anything at all — do not hesitate to send for me. All right?”
Jane nodded and pulled her friend into a tight embrace.
“I will. Thank you.”
They stepped apart and a hand wrapped around Jane’s wrist, tugging her backwards slightly.
“We must leave now.”
Jane nodded, sparing one last glance to her friend before she allowed her husband to lead her out of the church.
It was only when they were seated in the duke’s carriage that she realized her parents had not come to say goodbye. At the end of the day, they had gotten what they wanted and they didn’t care what came after.
The unfairness of it hurt her greatly and it took a lot of effort for her to fight back tears.
Thomas said nothing more to her the entire ride to his estate and in the silence, Jane couldn’t help but wonder if she had made a mistake.
