Page 2 of Once Bitten, Twice Mine

“No,” Diya sighed. Her situation wasn’t as dire since her older brother kept their family’s sizable fortune afloat. “None of Edgar’s friends are inspiring any devotion.”

“His Cambridge friends will likely come to the wedding.”

“But solicitors are so boring.”

“As if you need any excitement.”

“I may not need it, but I want it.”

What Diya wanted beyond all else was a great love story. Her parents also had a fantastical love story as star-crossed lovers when her father was stationed in India with the British army.

“Security is important.” Caroline might not have ever dreamed of finding true love, but that didn’t mean her current situation didn’t sting.

Diya linked her arm in hers. “Without a doubt, really you are the smart one. Mr. Andrews is handsome and kind. Most importantly, he worships the very ground you walk on.”

Caroline smiled, exactly how she was trained. There were no cracks in her armor.

“He’s going away on business again after the party.”

“Really?” Diya frowned. “You’d think his firm would give him some time off this close to the wedding.”

“Once he makes partner, he won’t have to travel as much.”

“That will be helpful when it’s time for you to raise children.”

Caroline nodded as her throat closed. Children were part of her responsibility as well, but that was far more difficult to face. At least she was marrying a man with enough money that meant nannies, governesses, and boarding school were all in her future.

“There’s my favorite niece.”

Caroline’s spine straightened as it did every time her uncle and the current Viscount Blythe addressed her. Slowly, she and Diya turned to face him.

“I’m so glad you were able to make it this evening, Uncle. Father wasn’t sure if you’d be able to make it.”

“As if I would miss my favorite niece’s engagement party.”

“I’m your only niece.”

“Then it’s lucky that I like you so much.” He gave her a smarmy smile before turning his attention to Diya. “Good Evening, Miss Evans. I was sorry to have missed you at the house this summer.”

“Oh yes, I was quite disappointed to have missed it as well.” Diya removed her arm from Caroline’s and looked at her. “My mother just walked off the dance floor holding her head; I’d better check on her.”

Caroline could have kicked her for such an awful excuse as she scampered off, leaving her alone with her uncle. He wasn’t necessarily a bad man, but he was rather severe. And annoying.

“When your father wrote me about your engagement to the Andrews boy, I was surprised.”

“We care for each other. We have for years,” Caroline said, clenching her jaw.

“Oh, I know the boy has been in love with you for most of his life. I was surprised you finally said yes.” His voice lowered. “However, I took a look at the estate’s books today, and now I know exactly why this wedding is happening.”

Caroline’s eyes narrowed. “You can’t take the estate. You have no control over it.”

Her father had been cut off financially after the elopement, but he inherited this estate and the surrounding land from a distant aunt who had remained unmarried.

“I can make this problem go away.”

She didn’t want to ask how because she knew the cost would be too high. Marrying Edgar would solve their immediate need of five thousand pounds with continued access to more. She wasn’t sure which books her uncle saw, but chances were they only showed the simple debts and not what the long, wet winter had done to their roof. She should walk away.

“What do you want in return?”