AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My grandmother sees them and mistakes them for sentiments I could never feel.
“I know you must be overwhelmed with happiness. Despite all of your failings and stubbornness, you are sitting where so many young women would kill to be. You were born with so many natural gifts, darling. I’m glad you didn’t let the less than desirable traits set the scene for your life. You’ve made the right decision.”
She trails the back of her hand over my cheek and it burns with shame. She looks around my sprawling, opulent bedroom and smiles in satisfaction. “You’ve been blessed with so much abundance. And tomorrow you’ll marry the most eligible man in Winsome.” I smile demurely, gratefully. Just like I was supposed to.
“I’m so glad you’ve come to understand that we know what’s best for you. Your acceptance and submission has been a joy to watch. Today, you’ll begin the next phase of your journey.”
My throat convulses under the strain of swallowing down a wail that was rolling around in my chest. I cough and reach for the glass of water on the vanity in front of me.
“I have allergies,” I explain and her lips turn down in concern.
“You should take something. You need to look perfect. Those pictures will be printed in every important magazine in Texas.” She runs a hand over my hair and my eyes flutter closed to hide the agitation her touch makes me feel. She sees it as a sign of pleasure and when I open my eyes, she’s wearing a pleased smile.
“What we do is hard. Not everyone can carry the burden of leadership. It takes sacrifice and strength that most people couldn’t fathom.”
I’ve sacrificed everything that matters. I sold my soul to try and atone for what I’d done.
I have embraced my new life. I eat their overly salted casseroles and drink weak and too sweet iced tea with the church ladies. I thank them for their concern. I have a good life. I’m adored, revered, and envied.
It’s selfish to want more. But I do. And I’m going to have it. Just as soon as I get through with today.
My makeup artist puts a swipe of gloss on my lips and starts to pack up.
“I’ve left you tubes of everything for touch-ups. You’re beautiful, thanks for hiring me for today.”
“Get a move on, we’ve got other people waiting to get in here.”
“Of course.” She flushes, and gives me an apologetic look before she rushes out of the room.
In the mirror, I can see Bridgette pause, her hands suspended with the shirt she was folding still clutched in them.
“You don’t have to be rude to everyone,” I say under my breath. Duke and I are going to become the new lord and lady of this manor and I don’t want a staff that’s afraid of me.
“You have a lot to learn still. I might come and stay with you for a few weeks to help you get settled in. Duke is going to expect you to maintain the household in a way he’s accustomed to.”
“We’ll be fine. Duke and I understand each other. We won’t need your help.”
She raises an eyebrow in surprise.
“Well, look who went and got a backbone. Good. You’re going to need it.” My grandmother glides out of her seat and across the room. “Keep to our schedule. Your father will be here to escort you down in an exactly one hour from now.”
The mention of my father makes my stomach turn. But this is the last time I’ll have to do what he says.
When the sun sets today, I’ll be the mistress of my own home. With
a husband who, for all his faults, doesn’t have the same talent for discipline that my father does.
We aren’t in love.
But, we might be able to be partners.
I had been repeating this to myself every time I looked in the mirror for the last year. I believed every word.
So why is there a wave of panic wrapping itself around my rib cage so tight I can’t breathe?
“Hey, can I come in?”
Phil sticks his head in the door and I can’t help the pinch of pain when I see him.
