Dorothy bit back a retort. “I was desperate, like Lucy said,” she said quietly. “I was terrified, and I grasped at anything that might offer a way out. I never imagined it would spiral as it has.”
Cecilia shook her head. “That is precisely why you must think carefully before taking such steps. Reputation is a delicate thing, and once tarnished, it is near impossible to restore.”
“We’re sorry. We know, and we won’t do it again,” Lucy said. Then she waved a hand dismissively, cutting through the heavy air of reproach. “All that is past now. There is a new matter at hand.” She glanced pointedly at Dorothy. “The Duke of Walford is to marry Dorothy. Uncle has accepted, and the ceremony is to be held in two days.”
Dorothy blinked, the words unsettling her once more. “Two days,” she murmured.
Lucy’s eyes sparkled with a mischievous gleam. “I have always wished for your happiness, dear Dorothy, but I must say, there is something to be said about the Duke of Walford. He is, without a doubt, very handsome.”
Dorothy groaned, pressing a hand to her forehead. “Lucy, please. Do not start.”
But Lucy was undeterred. “Oh, but you must hear, dear cousins! His stature is commanding, tall and strong. His dark hair contrasts strikingly with his deep blue eyes. They are like sapphires glinting in the sun... And his voice! It’s rich and smooth, and it reverberates very deep.”
“Lucy, hush,” Cecilia interjected sharply.
Emma added, “Enough, Lucy. Spare your sister the recital.”
But Lucy grinned wildly. “I’m merely stating the truth! Although I feel bad that this troubles Dorothy, I think he is a much better option than Lord Hensley. Much better!”
Dorothy groaned again. “You’re impossible... but you’re right. He is much better than Lord Hensley, sisters. But it does not negate the fact that I don’t want this! I don’t want to marry him.”
“Then what do you want?” Emma asked her, throwing both hands in the air. “Dorothy, you are twenty-one years old. When do you intend to take marriage seriously?”
“Dorothy,” Cecilia chimed in softly and sat by her side. “I know this sudden turn of events must feel overwhelming, but allow me to tell you what I know of the Duke of Walford.”
She hesitated briefly, choosing her words carefully. “My husband does business with him. Though I cannot claim to know Magnus personally, Valentine has spoken of him enough.”
Dorothy listened as Cecilia continued. “He is reserved, a confident man... in fact, maybe too confident. It’s probably why he is so successful. His presence alone can intimidate, but he is quiet, and he is no trouble.”
Cecilia paused, searching Dorothy’s eyes. “He is fact-minded and practical, very smart though distant in manner. He speaks little, yet one senses a depth beneath that cool exterior. He values loyalty above all.”
Lowering her voice further, Cecilia added, “You ought not pay heed to the swirling rumors about him. Men of such stature are often the subject of gossip, whether deserved or not.”
Cecilia gave Dorothy a small, reassuring smile. “Remember, Dorothy, I myself entered into an arranged marriage. It was not love that brought us together at first, but circumstance.” She paused and smiled, as if reminiscing. “Yet, with time, understanding, and patience, it has blossomed into something far more than either of us expected. I love my husband, and he loves me dearly.”
She placed a gentle hand on Dorothy’s arm. “You may find, as I did, that what begins as a contract can grow into companionship, and perhaps, even happiness. I think you should go into this marriage with an open heart.”
Emma settled on the edge of a low stool, folding her hands in her lap as she fixed Dorothy with a steady gaze. “So, I ask you again, Dorothy. What do you want?”
Dorothy looked away, her fingers nervously playing with each other. “I don’t want to get married,” she whispered, voice trembling. “I never wanted to marry, Emma. Not really. Not ever.”
Cecilia leaned forward. “Why?”
Emma scoffed lightly and shook her head, eyes narrowing with concern. “Dorothy, there must be a reason for you to say that.”
Dorothy’s gaze dropped again, her fingers curling tightly in her lap. “I just—” she began, then faltered, searching for words she could not bring herself to say aloud. “I have always imagined myself ending up as a spinster,” she finally answered. “I made peace with that. I wanted that.”
Emma exchanged a worried glance with Cecilia, as if sensing there was more lurking beneath the surface. Dorothy met their eyes and caught the worried shadows lingering there. She knew, deep down, that they sensed there was more to her reason than she let on. But the truth was a locked door she was not ready to open, no matter how much they pressed.
So she forced a gentle smile, softening the moment. “You need not trouble yourselves further,” she said quietly but firmly. “The deed is done. In two days, I shall marry the Duke of Walford. There will be no change to that, so there is no need to worry any longer. The path is set, and I must follow it.”
Her sisters exchanged glances, unsure whether to be reassured or more concerned, but Dorothy raised her hand as if to quietthem before any more questions could surface. “Let us speak no more of it,” she added. “There is no use in fretting over what cannot be undone. It’s all right. I will get married, and I will make sure to make you both proud.”
Cecilia gave Dorothy a gentle, reassuring smile. “Besides, Dorothy, you have two sisters who are duchesses. There is no question, no matter how small or strange, that you might wish to ask that we would not have answers for. We have walked these paths longer than you, and we will be here every step of the way.”
Emma nodded in agreement. “You will never be lost in this new life, not with us by your side. We will guide you, answer your questions, and shield you when you need it.”
Dorothy felt the warmth of their words settle within her chest, a soothing balm to the storm of nerves she had carried for so long. Truly, as she considered it, she did have two older sisters who had already navigated the world she was about to enter. With them to lean on, perhaps the unknown would not be so terrifying after all.
