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“He is eighty years old.”
“You must take comfort in knowing that he will die soon,” Betty replied. “You only have to endure a few years with him, and then you will be comfortable for the rest of your days.”
“I have heard whispers that he still retains a mistress across Town.”
“Most likely, but you do not need to concern yourself with that.”
Emmeline’s lips parted. “You cannot be in earnest.”
“Just consider yourself lucky that he is warming someone else’s bed,” Betty remarked with a flip of her hand. “Trust me, you will understand precisely what I mean when you are wed.”
“He just wants me to bear him a son.”
“That is what most men want,” Betty said. “That, and a dutiful wife.”
“I am not sure I can do either.”
Betty placed a hand on her shoulder. “What you are feeling is just nerves,” she explained. “It is commonplace for every bride to feel them.”
“I don’t think I am feeling nerves.”
“You are,” Betty declared. “I had the same reaction when I discovered that George and I were to be married.”
“You had an arranged marriage?”
Betty nodded. “George’s father was tired of his wild ways and decided that he needed a bride. He contacted my father, and they drafted a contract without my knowledge.”
“How terrible.”
“But it wasn’t,” Betty contended. “Our union may have started out as a marriage of convenience, but we have developed mutual affection towards one another. I even look the other way when I hear rumors of his dalliances.”
“I don’t want that for my life.”
Betty lowered her hand to the side. “We have arranged the most advantageous marriage for you. You shall be the envy of theton.”
“I don’t believe that to be true,” Emmeline remarked. “When I was at the ball, I discovered that gentlemen are placing bets at White’s about how long I will stay alive after I wed the duke.”
“Those are just some gentlemen wasting their money. I wouldn’t give it another thought,” Betty said.
Hesitantly, Emmeline asked, “What if I don’t marry the duke?”
Betty’s eyes sparked with displeasure. “We have been over this; multiple times, in fact. Your reputation will be ruined, and you shall most likely remain a spinster for the rest of your days. Furthermore, we will not let you be a strain on our household. You shall have no choice but to seek out employment, and quickly.” She maintained her gaze. “Is that what you wish, Emmeline?”
“No,” she replied with a shake of her head.
“Out of all the ladies of Society, the duke selectedyouto be his bride,” Betty said. “You should be immensely grateful for that.”
Emmeline slowly bobbed her head. “You are right,” she lied. “I suppose it is just nerves.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
A yawn slipped past Emmeline’s lips, and she brought her hand up to cover her mouth. “I believe I just require a good night’s sleep, and I shall wake up with a new outlook on life.”
Betty smiled approvingly. “I am most relieved to hear that,” she said. “George suggested that we lock you in your bedchamber until the wedding, but I felt that wasn’t necessary.”
“I appreciate that.”
Taking a step back, Betty asked, “Would you care to go shopping tomorrow?”
