Page 88 of Winning Her Duke

That last part was, of course, not common knowledge and was only shared with Gia after she’d noticed how frequently Lydia had been ill in the mornings.

Gia couldn’t help but be happy for them. It was clear they were in love.

And, yes, she may have taken more than a few moments to wonder as to the chances that her father would find two wonderful women to love in his lifetime, while others never found anyone.

And yes, she selfishly meant herself, which was why she’d kept the thought private. And even more so because Gia had in fact found love, only the object of that love was at present missing and had no plans to marry.

In truth, her father was adorable in the way he doted over Lydia and would excitedly declare that he was to have an heir. Obviously, there was no proof to his claim that the child was a male, but Gia hoped he would get the son he’d always wanted.

As the days went on, and the wedding plans were coming together, Gia contemplated how these changes would affect her life.

At first, she thought the pending nuptials would give her leave to return to Elmhurst after the wedding and allow the new family their own space in London.

But soon other thoughts filtered through her mind.

How long would they want to support her? She could sell more of her horses to cover her expenses, but the truth of the matter was, she would be a burden. Perhaps not a financial one, but the dreaded spinster daughter.

Her father had brought her to London to marry her off so she would no longer be his responsibility. How had she not realized the reason? Yes, she believed he wanted her to find a love match, and he wished for her happiness, but she was supposed to move on.

And if her new sibling was a girl, instead of the heir her father expected…

Gia rubbed her temples as she contemplated how having a spinster sister would hurt the girl’s chances to marry well. It would be many years until that came to fruition, but each year she remained unmarried it would be all the more difficult to marry.

She barely slept the night before the wedding, stressed as she was by her situation. She knew neither her father nor Lydia would push her from her home, but she did need to consider her options.

She had already invested a great deal of time into the Season and had no desire to have to do so again next year. She could possibly fan the flames of interest with one of the men who still visited occasionally. Though she hadn’t felt even the smallest amount of attraction or affection for any of them. Not when she’d had Hale to distract her.

But Hale wasn’t here and she didn’t know when he would return. And if he did, what would it matter? He didn’t wish to marry. And though he’d proposed after they’d made love the first time, it was clear it wasn’t what he truly wanted.

He’d asked her to marry him out of duty rather than any true interest to be married. He’d told her on more than one occasion why he had no interest in marrying. He hadn’t wanted a cold marriage of convenience. But would it have to be like that for them? He was her best friend and lover.

He was also a man.

She’d experienced how easily men could pretend to care for her in the hopes of getting what they wanted. She hadn’t thought Hale was toying with her. He’d not pushed for anything until she was ready. He cared for her, didn’t he?

What if his seemingly unyielding patience had all been part of the game?

It seemed they were well suited in all things including their lack of plans for their futures. She had been of the same mind, with no desire to marry.

Until now.

Just because Gia’s circumstances had changed didn’t mean Hale was interested in changing his plans. There was also the matter of their difference of opinions in where they wished to live. Despite his extended stay in the country currently, he preferred town life. While she felt suffocated under the rules of society in London.

She put on her best smile during the wedding the following morning and kept it there throughout the breakfast despite the comments tossed her way.

“Surely the newlyweds will want their privacy when they return from their honeymoon. Do you have a relative you could visit?”

“The Season is not over yet. There’s still time to find a husband, dear.”

Gia stepped out into the garden to get some air. Only when she was alone did she feel the need to cry. And it was becoming more and more obvious that she would be alone for the rest of her life if she didn’t do something drastic, like marry. As soon as possible.

“Here you are,” her father said as he came up behind her.

She felt ridiculous crying about her own issues on such a joyous occasion.

“What is this?” he asked, proving she’d done a poor job of hiding her tears.

“I’m so happy for you and Lydia, Papa.”