Page 14 of Raising the Duke’s Unexpected Twins

Never. It will never happen. He would be far too smug about it anyway.

“Is that so?” Fiona asked. “How very interesting.” She was thoughtful for a moment. “Well, then he continues to be honorable.”

After a moment’s pause, Danae burst out, “Do you think that your marriage to a duke will help us as well?”

“Oh, for goodness’s sake, Danae! Could you ever say anything that is appropriate to the moment?”

“What’s wrong? It is a valid thought and question.” Danae always seemed unperturbed by Emma’s scolds, and that served only to further Emma’s annoyance.

“Well…” her mother began slowly, “it is very true that one of my daughters being married to a duke will help Emma’s and Danae’s marriage prospects. But we mustn’t act as though we expect anything from him. Both the duke and Cordelia have been forced into this situation, rather against their will, and so we must treat the circumstances with the respect they deserve.”

Cordelia nodded. “Yes, I couldn’t bear to feel myself being beholden to Nicholas in any way. He does not owe us anything. Our marriage will be for the sake of the twins only.”

“Nicholas, is it?” Danae practically preened with delight.

Cordelia coughed. “His Grace, I mean.”

Danae giggled, and even if annoying, it lightened the mood for the moment.

“So, it seems that our problems are solved for the moment,” Cordelia said. “However, I would appreciate if we could speak of anything else right now. I have much to ponder in the next few days before I go to retrieve the twins. And you all know, and as Mother said, this is not the way I expected my life to go. But this is far better than watching us scrimp and scrape to be able to take care of the twins.”

“Very well. We shall speak of something else,” Emma said, beginning a new topic.

Cordelia only listened with half an ear, chewing idly on a piece of cake and drinking another full cup of tea. Her mind was racing with thoughts of what this odd future meant. She had only thought about the children, and the husband was just to be an afterthought, a sort of mysterious figure who let her do as she pleased. It was not meant to be Nicholas, who would most assuredly not allow himself to keep to the background.

When it was time for bed, her sisters bid her goodnight, but her mother asked her to stay for another moment. When the door closed, Fiona drew her into an embrace. Cordelia felt tears rush to be released, but she bit them back. Strength was her only way through this.

“Mama, I hope you are not disappointed in me. I know that I will not have a marriage like you and Father, and so it is barely a marriage, but it will keep the twins safe. It will give them a good life.”

Fiona stood back from her and held her hands, smiling at her. “Your father would be so proud of you, my dear Cordelia. You have always been very sensible and proud and strong. You are sacrificing your own happiness for the sake of two young children who have just lost their parents. If the duke is willing to marry you for their sake as well, then perhaps there is a chance that this marriage could surprise you.”

Cordelia’s eyes widened, and she moved away, not even wanting to consider that. “Mama, I do not respect the man. He is a teasing cad, and he thinks only of his own handsomeness and which woman will turn his way next.”

“And yet, he has asked you to marry him to keep you in comfort and to help the children have a future.”

Cordelia bit her lip. No. She had to keep her distance from the duke, and anger at him was all she had. It was the only thing providing shape to her at the moment, keeping her upright while it seemed the world was crashing down around her.

“I only mean to encourage you.” Her mother approached her and kissed her on the cheek. “I hope you sleep well this evening. Let your mind rest. You have been through a lot.”

Cordelia watched as her mother left, closing the door softly, and then she sat down on the sofa once more. She had earlier been ready for bed but now she wasn’t sure she would ever get to sleep.

“Cord,” a voice said as they opened the door, and Cordelia turned to see Emma dressed for bed. “I wanted to tell you something.”

“Save your scolds for Danae, Em. I think I have had my fill of conversation this evening.”

Emma sat down, a hurt look on her face. “I did not come to scold. I only came to tell you that Mother has done something, something to help with the children.”

“What is it?” Cordelia asked in fear.

“She had hoped it would encourage you and keep you from having to search for a husband so suddenly, but she finally consented to selling father’s watch.”

Cordelia gasped. “No,” she breathed. “It has lain on his nightstand all these years.”

“I know.” Emma’s eyes were watery as she spoke. “But I thought you should know. We all wish for your happiness, Cord.”

Cordelia rose, a new fervor rising in her. “We will get it back for her, Em. I swear it. I will not let her lose the last personal item of our father.”

Emma stood as well, reaching for Cordelia’s hand. “I agree. Family sticks together.” She smiled. “I think the duke has no idea what he is in for. My sister is a secret firebrand. He will rue the day he argues with you.”