As the evening proceeded, Edmond, at first, assumed that he had to have gotten the names mixed up. But, then he noticed slight discrepancies in their behaviour.
When he enquired after the most recent performance they had seen at Covent Garden, Miss Anna’s answer was delivered in a melodic voice and with a sweet smile. However, when Edmond turned his attention to Mr. Hanford, he observed from the corner of his eyes that she rolled her eyes at him, then winked at her sister.
Confused at first, Edmond detected many more of these slight oddities. In fact, what he had first attributed to Miss Hanford’s ill manners, he now understood as shyness masked by a strangely, curt behaviour. Sometimes her voice would come out soft and sweet only to harden in the next instant like an actress who had only just then remembered her lines. Whenever she turned her gaze from him, the cold in her eyes immediately vanished as though she didn’t have the strength to maintain this ruse any longer, which is exactly how Edmond came to understand their behaviour.
For a reason he could not fathom, Mr. Hanford’s two daughters did their best to convince him that they were not who everyone else knew them to be. While Mr. Hanford prattled on in his usual enthusiastic manner, Mrs. Hanford observed their interaction through her by now familiar guarded eyes. Occasionally, she would place a hand on Miss Hanford’s arm, give her a slight nudge or whisper what Edmond presumed to be an encouragement to maintain their charade. She clearly was part of this ruse.
The only thing Edmond could not unravel was why the women of the family went to such drastic measures to ensure that he would choose Miss Anna for his bride. Because clearly that was the purpose of their charade.
Chapter Four − A Proposal
Allowing the evening to play before his eyes, Edmond sat back in his armchair, a glass of brandy in his hand. Although his visit had been unexpected, the staff of his townhouse had seen to everything in a matter of moments and ensured a relaxing evening. Golden flames danced in the fireplace, warming his chilled limbs. The cold March air still clung to his skin, and he downed the brandy hoping to warm himself from within.
What was the purpose of this ruse? He wondered. Were they ‘saving’ the more amiable sister for another suitor? Feeling slightly snubbed, Edmond wondered who could possibly be a more welcome suitor than he. One who is not bankrupt, a small voice whispered.
The question remained; what ought he to do? Should he walk away and find another daughter with a sizable dowry? Or should he just make his choice from among Mr. Hanford’s daughters? The man had clearly indicated Edmond could take his pick, and he would not refuse his proposal.
If he followed his acquaintances’ suggestions, his choice should fall on Miss Hanford, de-spite her strangely ill-mannered behaviour that night. From the glimpses he had caught of her true self, he could tell that she was an amiable, young lady who would cause him no trouble. She would be obliging, obedient and observant of his needs.
Yet, his mind kept dragging him back to the mischievous twinkle in Miss Anna’s emerald eyes, the way her lips curled up or even how she rolled her eyes at him when she thought he wasn’t looking. There was something to her that tempted him, and he realised he wanted to know the depth of her character. Would she be trouble? He wondered. Hearing his own laughter echo in the room, he knew that she would be. She’d be a challenge. But would she also be his match?
***
“Do you think it went well?” Judith asked, pacing the front parlour in quick strides. Occasionally, she glanced out the window, eyes lingering on every passers-by, before she would resume her wanderings about the room.
Anna sighed, “You’ve asked me this very question a thousand times in the last three days! Of course, it did!” Narrowing her eyes, she snapped, “And would you please sit down!”
At the harsh tone in her sister’s voice, Judith all but dropped down on the nearest armchair, twisting yet another handkerchief in her hands. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “It’s all I can think about.”
Anna nodded, feeling her anger subside at her sister’s honest anxiety. “I know. I feel the same way, I assure you.” As one day after the other passed following the night of the duke’s visit, their nerves were on edge. Day after day, there was no word from him. Occasionally, Anna would rejoice at having triumphed in every possible way since no communique could only mean that the duke had decided to seek his bride elsewhere. These feelings of elation, however, never lasted long but were quickly replaced by a sense of doom waiting to announce itself. “I cannot believe he hasn’t sent word yet!” she exclaimed, startling her sister with the sudden outburst. “That arrogant, pompous−”
“Anna!” Judith exclaimed, pressing a hand to her chest in shock. “How can you speak of him in such a way?”
“Because it is the truth!”
Judith took a deep breath, her gentle blue eyes seeking Anna’s green depths. “But if we in-deed succeeded, then the one you speak of in such a manner is your future husband.”
Still unable to believe the reality she suddenly found herself in, Anna crossed her arms in defiance and shook her head. “That does not make it any less true!” she insisted, well aware that she sounded like a stubborn child.
“Girls.” The door opened, and their mother walked in, her face a strained mask of indifference. Underneath, Anna detected the same anxiety that plagued both her and Judith ever since her father’s cheerful announcement. Her mother closed the door, but not before once more glancing through the narrow gap into the hall. “He is here,” she whispered.
“He?” Judith breathed, but her eyes betrayed that she knew exactly to whom her mother was referring. How could she not? It had been all any of them had been able to think about for the past three days. Finally, the moment of truth had come.
“The duke,” their mother said, her own hands unable to keep still. “He is in your father’s study right now.” She took a deep breath, then sat down beside Anna, only to rise a moment later and pace the room in Judith’s stead.
For a long while, neither one of them said a word. Silence hung about the room, the only sound their mother’s dainty footsteps echoing quietly on the parquet floor. Here and there, they caught hushed voices as people walked by on the pavement, conversing easily without their future hanging like a dark cloud over their heads. The neigh of a horse sounded in the distance, and a door closed on the upper floor.
When Anna thought she could bear the silence not a moment longer, footsteps echoed from the hall. Holding her breath, she listened as they advanced to the front door, which then opened, and her father’s jubilant voice wished his visitor a most wonderful day. The second the door fell shut, Anna let go the breath she had been holding. As her father’s eager steps drew near, she jumped from her seat, followed by her mother and sister, and pulled open the door, revealing her father’s overjoyed face.
“Wonderful news!” he beamed, striding into the room. “Everything worked out the way I had planned!”
Taking a deep breath, Anna grabbed her sister’s hand, noticing that all colour had drained from Judith’s face. Their mother looked as white as a sheet as well. “Did he make a proposal?” she whispered.
“That he did!” her husband answered, his grin stretching wider than Anna had ever seen it. He took his wife’s hand, smiling down at her, before lifting his eyes to his daughters. “To tell you the truth, my dears, I had expected a slightly different outcome, but in the end it makes no difference.”
Anna felt her sister’s hand tremble as they held on to each other, waiting for their father to deliver the verdict.
In that moment, Anna couldn’t help but hope that fortune would smile on her.
Then she noticed her sister’s silent tears as she clung to her arm, her whole body tense to the point of breaking, and guilt flooded Anna’s heart.
“Judith,” their father said, and they all froze, breath stuck in their throats. “Do not fret! Tears are not necessary. If you truly did not wish to become a duchess, then to
day’s news will not disappoint you.”
As her sister resumed breathing, Anna felt her own heart beat quickening its pace, straining against her ribs.
Then her father turned his eyes to her, and she knew the answer before he even uttered a word. “Congratulations, Anna! The duke just now asked for your hand in marriage.” Letting go of his wife’s hand, he strode toward her, wrapping her in a quick embrace. “I am pleased that you have made such an advantageous match.” He chuckled. “At times, I feared this day would never come.”
In that moment, Anna realised that the same had been true for her. Only it hadn’t been fear dwelling in her heart, but hope instead.
A hope that now lay dead at her feet.
***
After their father had returned to his study, Judith had nearly sunk to her knees, thanking Anna profusely for drawing the duke’s attention while at the same time apologising for allowing it to happen. Ultimately, their mother had sent her to her bedchamber, ordering her to rest and collect herself. Unable to argue, Judith had left, leaving Anna to their mother’s watchful eye.
“Say what you wish,” Anna urged, casting an uneasy glance over her shoulder.
Sitting down beside her, her mother took her hand. “Please, believe me when I say that I do not intend to make this harder on you than it already is. I merely wish to help you see the truth so that you will be better prepared for the future that now awaits you.”
Eyes cast downward, Anna remained silent, wondering what her mother was referring to, but afraid to ask. What could be so terrible about marriage other than the loss of freedom? Was her mother truly unhappy in her own marriage? Anna had never considered the idea. They were her parents, always had been, and while they had never appeared particularly in love with one another neither did they look at the other with resentment in their eyes. What could her mother be speaking of? Strangely, for the first time in Anna’s life, she did not feel the confidence to face a problem head-on. Right in that moment, she would have preferred to hide under the covers of her bed and pretend none of this had ever happened.
And yet, it had, she reminded herself, feeling disgusted at her own cowardice. “Do not worry yourself, Mother,” she said, lifting her gaze to her mother’s face. “I may not be aware of everything marriage entails, but I have no doubt that I will manage whatever the future holds. After all, it is just marriage. From what I have observed, few married couples spend a great deal of time in the other’s company. So with any luck, I’ll see my husband occasionally for an event or dinner invitation, but otherwise will be free to plan my days as I prefer.”
An indulgent smile came to her mother’s lips, but Anna quickly looked away, pretending she hadn’t seen it. “You met him yourself, Mother. He did not appear a great thinker or someone interested in waiting on his wife hand and foot. I doubt I shall see much of him. After all, he only chose to marry me because of the dowry father provides. He does not care for me. How could he? He doesn’t even know me. However, I truly believe that this is the upside of this messed-up arrangement. We will simply continue our lives as we did before, living side by side without interfering in the other’s dealings.”
Patting her hand, her mother nodded, the indulgent smile still plastered on her face. “Child, if you truly believe this, I know I cannot sway you. All I ask is that you do not close your mind. Observe the world as it truly is, the world and its people. For I have learnt that few people ever show their true face to a stranger. It takes time to learn who someone truly is. Do not allow your prejudice to prevent you from finding something that could make you happy, simply because you believe it never could.”
At that, her mother stood and left the room, her footsteps echoing on the parquet floors in the hall.
Anna stayed behind. She sat on the settee, eyes focused on the window and the people passing by. She wondered about their lives. Where were they going? Were they happy? Were they married? Did they have a family?
Never had Anna looked at others with envy. Never had she wished for her life to be different. Never had she given much thought about her future. Until now. Now that her future was set, taken out of her hands, Anna couldn’t help but wonder if she could choose, what would be her choice? What kind of a life would she want?
Sighing, she shook her head. It didn’t matter. She didn’t have a choice. That was the only thing she knew. Everything else remained in the dark. She knew she should go see her father, ask for details, find out when the wedding was planned. But she couldn’t move.
Anna spent the rest of the day staring out the window, wondering.
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About Bree
Bestselling author, Bree Wolf has always been a language enthusiast (though not a grammarian!) and is rarely found without a book in her hand or her fingers clued to a keyboard. Trying to find her way, she has taught English as a second language, traveled abroad and worked at a translation agency as well as a law firm in Ireland. She also spent loooong years obtaining a BA in English and Education and an MA in Specialized Translation while wishing she could simply be a writer. Although there is nothing simple about being a writer, her dreams have finally come true.
“A big thanks to my fairy godmother!”
Currently, Bree has found her new home in the historical romance genre, writing Regency novels and novellas. Enjoying the mix of fact and fiction, she occasionally feels like a puppet master (or mistress? Although that sounds weird!), forcing her characters into ever-new situations that will put their strength, their beliefs, their love to the test, hoping that in the end they will triumph and get the happily-ever-after we are all looking for.
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Also By Bree
Historical Romance:
Love's Second Chance Series
#1 Forgotten & Remembered - The Duke's Late Wife
#2 Cursed & Cherished - The Duke's Wilful Wife
#3 Despised & Desired - The Marquess' Passionate Wife
#4 Abandoned & Protected - The Marquis' Tenacious Wife
#5 Ruined & Redeemed - The Earl's Fallen Wife (Coming summer 2017!)
#6 Betrayed & Blessed - The Viscount's Shrewd Wife (Coming fall 2017!)
Middle Grade Adventure:
Heroes Next Door Trilogy
#1 Fireflies (Now Perma-free!)
#2 Butterflies
#3 Dragonflies
Paranormal Fantasy:
Crescent Rock Series
#1 How to Live and Die in Crescent Rock
Dear Reader,
Although somewhat dark, Rosabel and Graham's journey touched me greatly. We all have fears and doubts we need to overcome in order to find true happiness, and it was inspirational for me to see them find their happily-ever-after. I am certain we will encounter them again in future novels. After all, don't we all want to know what happens to our heroes and heroines after they have finally won their happily-ever-after and the book closes?
So, stay tuned.
In the future novels of this series, the previous couples will often do a short appearance and reveal a little about what they've been doing and (my particular favorite) how many children they have by then!
If you enjoyed this story, would you mind leaving an honest and fair review?
Would it help if I said pretty please with a cherry on top?
In all honesty, reviews and recommendations are so important for attracting new readers, especially for indie authors like me. I would greatly appreciate your support! Thanks so much for reading!
Here is a link that will quickly get you to the review page. (Click me! Click me! Click me!...Okay, I'll stop now!)
All the best to you,
Bree
Book 6 now available for pre-order at a discounted price!
One night, he saved her reputation.
Now, she is determined to save his life.
Tristan Turner, Viscount Elton, is haunted by a night he cannot remember.
After his parents’ untimely demise, he has done his utmost to live up to his family’s expectations. However, despite his best intentions, his reputation is far from respectable.
Wary of a life he cannot escape, Tristan wishes for nothing more but a wife who knows the best and the worst of him and loves him nonetheless. However, so far he hasn’t had any luck finding the woman of his dreams among the ladies of the ton.
Until the night of the Earl of Radcliff's mask ball changes everything.
Elizabeth “Beth” Walker is faced with a terrible truth.
Upon her mother’s death, she learns that her life began far away from the simple, hard-working existence she’s always known. Determined to discover the truth of her mother’s past as well as her own, she finds a position in the household of the Earl of Radcliff only to discover that often people are not who they appear to be. Before long, Beth’s priorities shift as the future suddenly holds more sway over her than the past ever could and her heart leads her down a different path.
Will Beth uncover the reason for her mother’s silence? Will Tristan live long enough to find the woman of his dreams? In a world where a privileged upbringing is not always what it seems and simple joys can outweigh high social standing, two people must face their past and determine who they are on their own apart from the lies their parents forced on them