Page 25 of The Duchess He Couldn’t Resist

Her mother stumbled back as if Marigold had struck her across the face. She took a shaky breath, lower lip trembling as she struggled to find the right words. Marigold was not prepared to allow her that.

“It will be my house and the Duke’s,” Marigold clartifed in case there was some misunderstanding. “You are welcome to visit, of course, but⁠—”

“How kind of you to allow me visitation rights to my own daughter.”

“You being my mother is the only reason that the Duke is allowing your presence in Verdant House as a visitor at all.”

Claire audibly fumed in a very unladylike way. All her plans to lead a grand life at the expense of the Duke in his splendid manor collapsed like cards. Marigold felt empowered, finally speaking her mind, making a choice for herself, keeping something good selfishly to herself.

“The Duke has generously paid the staff in advance, so you will be comfortable for a while.”

“So you mean to leave me here alone in this wreck of a house while you’re enjoying yourself in your luxurious manor?”

“All I am saying is that I am moving to my husband’s estate, as is customary, leaving my childhood house to the state that my mother brought it to by spending the money that was supposed to go toward its renovation.”

Marigold was even prepared to catalog the whole ledger of expenses that Claire had made with the loan, only a fragment of which went to actual repairs. Claire was overcome with wrath, reaching a boiling point.

“Never in my life did I think that I raised such an ungrateful and disrespectful child.”

Years of conditioning flared Marigold’s instincts, and she curled her shoulders inward. Her fingers tightened around the silver silk gown. She was ready to apologize and lower her head. That fragment of hesitation was all that Claire needed, and she advanced like a predator smelling blood.

“How dare you speak to me in such a manner?” Her mother raised her voice sharply. “After everything I sacrificed for you. After everything I have been through. And now that you are moving ahead into the world with my help and blessing, you discard me like this.”

Marigold felt heat crawling up to her face. Her pulse hammered.

“Now that you gain access to station and wealth, you’re abandoning your own mother?”

You are my bride, and you are My Duchess. Not your mother. She is entitled to no demands and no privileges.

The Duke’s deep voice covered her mother’s shrill demands inside her mind. Somehow, that certainty poured warmth into her body, straightened her shoulders, and reminded her that there was one last announcement to make, and perhaps this would be a good moment to do it.

“And one last thing,” Marigold said. “If you have any misbeliefs about getting some kind of allowance from the Duke, I do hope you will be disillusioned soon.”

Marigold was expecting the volcanic explosion of rage, but all she got was the stunned face of someone who had just looked Medusa in the eyes. Claire was pinned to the ground, mouth half-open mid-sentence, eyes wide, breath completely caught.

“And now, if you would excuse me,” Marigold said with defiance, “I should like to try on my new gown and slippers.”

That was all Marigold said. She placed the gown back in the lavish box, took it by the ribbon, and made her way to her room with a soft smile on her lips.

CHAPTER 8

WEDDING DAY

Brandon was standing in front of a mirror, allowing his valet to finish adjusting his cravat. He looked at himself. Perhaps he should have chosen something more festive than this dark coat and pristine linen, but that was not who he was, and he wanted to be himself on the day he was getting married.

“So just to clarify,” Owen said, “there will be no wedding breakfast.”

“There will be a wedding breakfast.”

Brandon turned and looked at his friend lounging in a chair nearby. He was wearing a dark blue suit, and he had a glass of brandy in his hand.

“Is this your idea of a breakfast?” Brandon asked.

“You just announced to me,” Owen pouted like a petulant child, “that the great Duke of Voss will not have a great reception with half the ton invited.”

“It must be devastating for you.”

“It is a complete waste of a perfect opportunity.”