“To who?” Scarlett sank into a chair and started clapping. “The Duke of Torrance?”
I wrung my hands, and then just said the words. “No. Lord Mark Sebastian, a friend of the duke’s, proposed today.”
“On a first meeting?” Scarlett slipped all the way to the floor. “Wait a minute. The last time someone married someone we didn’t know, we got Tavis. Nope. Turn him down.”
Well, that went a little better than expected.
Lydia jumped up and down. “My sister is engaged and not to the duke. He’s still free. I can still marry him.”
Scarlett propped her hand under her chin. “Um, Georgina and the duke would be more expected.”
“Tell our sister why that would be more expected.” Katherine clapped, rallying this foolish notion. “See, Georgie. I wasn’t alone in thinking you loved him.”
Scarlett wriggled her nose. “No. She doesn’t. But at least we know the duke. And he’d make a good brother. He’s been a good brother.”
Lydia danced, but then became winded. “If I can’t marry him, he’d make an excellent brother. He’s so good to us. And nothing but good things have happened since the duke has come into our lives.”
No lying to my sisters.
No hiding.
Just the truth. That was a motto I needed to put into action. “The engagement was a mistake. I did something pretty stupid. As soon as it looks like the chances of a scandal are gone, the engagement will be over.”
“Stupid’s not love.” Lydia’s eyes sparkled. “Perhaps you got a prince. Then you can be a princess too.”
“No, Lydia. He’s not a prince. He’s a nice man, but he and I will break off this engagement. I believe we’ll find that we are not compatible.”
Our littlest girl’s hands froze. “Then why agree? That seems wasteful and can hurt people.”
The child was very smart. There were so many ways to hurt a decent fellow as well as our family.
Nodding, I almost wished I could tell her something that didn’t sound so foolish, but the truth was just that. “Then let’s be careful when we spend time with him. I’ll need you to tell me what you truly think of him.”
“Careful?” Scarlett glared at me. “This is horrid. Women shouldn’t have to act like this. We should be able to be ourselves, not fretting to have a husband or keep a pristine reputation. Men don’t do that. They carry on and sin all the time.”
“But men made the world. Or, they run it.” Katherine laid her head back. “I hate this too. But we have to go through with this for our sister’s sake, for all of us. Mama made us promise not to court scandal. She made me promise to keep you all safe.”
“But she was wrong too,” said Scarlett. “With Papa’s health failing, she thought Tavis was our answer. He wasn’t.” Scarlett’s voice was harsh but her words were true.
Katherine sat up straight and leveled her shoulders. “You are right. And now we have to know that we, Wilcoxes, are the answer. The four of us working together can do anything. Georgina will get to know this man who proposed. If she changes her mind, I know the way in which she conducts this public courtship will be respectful. Her reputation will remain pristine.”
Lydia, smelling like a sweet spring rose, tugged on my sleeve. “Are you happy with this? I mean, I am. He’s not the duke, but is this good?”
“Lord Mark Sebastian is very nice. He loves music. I’ll get lessons.”
“Why?” Lydia asked. “You play very well. Mama made you have lessons. All three of you had ’em.”
“Well, I’m sure if she learns anything new, she’ll show us.” Katherine ushered Lydia to her side. “We will teach you.”
“But his instruction is not for pianoforte lessons. He’s supposed to teach me to sing in public. I have to sing at the duke’s ball. He’s holding one after Easter.”
“Oh, no.” Lydia wrinkled her nose. “You don’t ever do that. Lots of luck to you.”
“This is wrong.” Scarlett bounced to her feet. “So we are just supposed to get to know a potential new brother, but you don’t think the engagement will work. Well, I don’t mind not getting one if the last is any indication of the quality of men of the world.”
She covered her mouth, but her sentiment was shared.
Katherine shrank again, sinking into the blush-pink floral tapestry of the couch. “We’ll have to spend more time with the duke at James Street. I suppose that will make things better.”
