Edmund nodded thoughtfully, but it was difficult to discern Lady Lydia’s reaction.
“I can tell you have thought about what happens next,” Edmund mused. “But what will become of my sister at the end of all this? Say that you do find the mother, and thetonknows the truth. Lydia would still be married to you.”
“The marriage will come to an end, and the rules of the annulment shall be in the public record. Lady Lydia’s name will not be destroyed, and she will be free to marry again. I do not see another way to fix this matter. Anything else and Lady Lydia’s name will be ruined beyond repair,” as he said this, he turned his attention back to her and closed the distance between them. She did not recoil.
The closer he came, the more he could see the details of her face. The bright, pure blue of her irises, the strands of hair all tucked together, the slender neck, the high cheekbones, the bow of her lips. Every element seemed crafted perfectly, and together, they formed an exquisite young woman.
If he was the type to be moved by such beauty, he might even have felt a stirring of the heart.
“Lady Lydia… I do apologize for what happened. You were only looking for your grandmother, and instead you stumbled into a situation that confused us both. You do not deserve to haveyour reputation left in tatters by something that occurred in my house. I’m afraid there is nothing more we can do to fix this. Either we get married, or we are both ruined forever.”
Lady Lydia stared at him for what seemed like an eternity. Her eyes glistened. They were filled with pain. He could feel the enmity radiating from her. She had been placed into an impossible position. Even in this way, when he saved them from scandal, he was still condemning them to a time of unhappiness.
But he had thought about this a hundred different ways, and this was the only path forward he could see.
“I have done nothing wrong. I don’t see why I should be made to suffer,” Lydia complained then turned on her heel and rushed out of the room. The Duchess of Stonewood immediately chased after her while Edmund’s other sister, the Duchess of Winthrop, had a pained look on her face.
Edmund and Agatha came to stand beside Victor.
“I’m sure she will come around. It was big of you to stop by today, and we shan’t let this scandal continue. She will marry you. It’s the only thing that can be done,” Edmund said.
There was a sense of finality in his words. Victor’s life was about to change dramatically. Lydia’s words echoed in his mind, for he felt entirely the same way. He had not asked for this child. He had not asked for this scandal. Yet now, he had to salvage his reputation and marry Lady Lydia.
Whoever the mother of this child was, he would find her and would uncover the truth, no matter the cost.
Chapter Eight
“Iwish to be alone,” Lydia said.
She was staring at her reflection in a small mirror. Her face was pale and drawn. It was difficult to conjure a smile. She never imagined that she would hate the idea of getting married. Whenever she envisioned her wedding, it always brought about a sense of joy and wonder. Now, there was only dread.
The door opened despite her wishes, and Rose entered the room. Lydia cast a gaze at her friend.
“Did you not hear me?” she said with an edge to her voice.
Rose was carrying a box. She laid it on the bed.
“I did, but a package arrived for you, and I thought some company might do you some good.”
Lydia let out a dry, bitter laugh. “Once again, people believe they know what is best for me. I might expect it from Edmund who sometimes still sees me as a child but not from you Rose.”
Rose came towards her and took her hand.
“Lydia, you know I only want you to be happy, but this is an impossible situation. And at least this way you can remain in London, and we can still be friends. If you became a nun, you would be isolated. You would lose everything you love.”
“But I would have my dignity,” Lydia said sadly. “I suppose you have not spoken to Edmund?”
“I did.” Rose glanced away, a crestfallen look coming upon her face. It was clear that the outcome was not what Lydia desired.
“He is just like mother and father.”
“In what way?” Rose asked.
“He broke his promise,” Her mother and father had promised to return from their research trip which ended up being their last journey and their final goodbye.
“Edmund is only trying to do the right thing, Lydia. He is trying to protect you. And let us not forget the special condition of the marriage.”
“So, you are on his side?”
