No expectations? What am I, a doll? A signature on a contract so soon ignored?
There were many things that Verity could do. Their mother had passed when she was eight, so she had taken on the role as the lady of the house for her two older brothers and two younger sisters. She ran the house and supported her siblings. She couldn’t paint much, but she could embroider and was a fine archer and rider.
In fact, to no one’s knowledge but two other women, Verity was the proud writer and owner of London’s most notorious gossip journal.
If only that was something I could list in my acknowledgements.
“No expectations?” She repeated, crossing her arms. “If you have no expectations and no care, then you don’t need me! Purchase yourself a doll and paint a smile on her face to call her yours. Simply because you don’t have expectations for a spouse, doesn’t mean that I don’t,” she added heatedly.
Because there were many things in this world that Verity believed in. Strength and family and patient, for starters. Innovation and the power of the pen, too.
And Verity believed in love. Though her parents lacked a happy union, Verity believed it possible. She wanted an adoring husband and children she could love as well.
Her plan was threatened with her brother and the duke taking lead on her life, and Verity wasn’t ready to go down without a fight.
Blinking, the duke took a step back at her impassioned words. He offered no other reaction to her huffing besides him saying, “Thank you for your clarity. That is preferred above all else.”
She waited. And waited.
The tension between them grew until her heart ached from beating.
Finally, she asked, “And?”
“And I shall see you at the Hampstead ball tomorrow evening,” he reassured her. “We may talk then.”
Her mouth dropped open, cheeks flushing, as she watched him climb onto the barouche. The duke offered her a nod before disappearing down the lane like nothing had happened.
“He left,” Verity said with a scowl. She started back toward her house, needing to move and do something with herself. “I cannot believe he left! That is unacceptable. It was like he didn’t even hear what I said.”
Reaching the front door step, she paused. Fix her hair and her dress and her smile. The less she gave away, the better it was for everyone. The more honest she was, the more risks she created.
I shouldn’t have let myself talk to the duke this way. Or Cassian, for that matter. I should have been calmer and bettercomposed. But how was I to know this was what they would bring to my attention?
Verity snorted at her memory of his parting words. A ball? There wasn’t a chance in high heaven that would remedy this odd situation.
This matter was not settled. A wedding couldn’t come out of nowhere. She would get to the bottom of this, Verity reassured herself. This was her life and she would not live her days out as a pawn.
CHAPTER 3
This would be Dominic’s fifth ball of the season. As he left the receiving line to find a quiet corner, he could feel the eyes of the Ton on him.
He pondered if his days of managing marriage-minded mothers was finally coming to an end.
I should be relieved that so many families wish to have my hand in marriage. I could perhaps take any of them. What would happen if I stole away with a young lady now, ignoring gossip and the Ashbourne family?
“Your Grace, what a delight to see you this evening!” Lady Hamhearst beamed with her two daughters in hand.
He offered a courtly bow while they all curtsied. “Good evening, Lady Hamhearst, Lady Hamhearst, and Miss Lucille.”
This ball was one of the few occasions of the year when everyone was desperate to arrive early so they wouldn’t miss a thing. He regretted being timely now, seeing the hall fill up in pastels and giggles.
Now that they had finally reached the cusp of spring, he knew he should be grateful for the sunlight and occasionally warmer weather for his daily rides.
I wish I was out riding right now. I didn’t need to bring my carriage. It only seemed appropriate. And the word on their stables is rather unreliable, so I will not risk my steed.
“Your Grace?”
Dominic realized his gaze had been wandering as his thoughts went in every direction. Every single way beyond the three ladies standing in front of him. All of them looked rather put out.
