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Betty interjected, “Which means he won’t live much longer, and you will be a rich widow. Just think of the freedom you will possess.”
George nodded. “It’s true,” he responded. “We spoke at great length about your jointure, and I ensured that you will be well taken care of upon his death.”
Emmeline sighed. “There must be another option for me.”
“Frankly, there is not,” George said. “The duke is gracious enough to marry you without a dowry. Need I remind you that your dowry went to help pay your father’s debts after his untimely death?”
“No, you don’t,” Emmeline muttered.
“The duke’s solicitor approached us after he saw you at the opera,” George reminded her. “If it wasn’t for that, we would not be in this equally beneficial situation.”
“It doesn’t seem beneficial,” she said. “I feel like a lamb being led to the slaughter.”
Betty frowned. “No marriage is perfect, but if you can just bide your time until the duke dies, you will be free to live however you see fit.”
“What if he lives to be a hundred?” she asked.
“That would be most unfortunate,” Betty remarked, “but it is quite unlikely.”
George adjusted his white cravat. “The duke is already halfway in the grave. He just requires an heir.”
“What if I am unable to produce a son?”
Betty gasped. “You must,” she declared. “Your entire future depends on it.”
“I don’t think that is something one can plan on,” Emmeline pointed out.
“The duke has sired boys before with his mistresses, so we know that he is capable of producing an heir,” George said.
Emmeline pressed her lips together. “How grand.”
“You are looking at this the wrong way,” Betty pressed. “Marrying the duke will open doors to you that were previously closed. You will be welcomed at every ball, soirée, and social gathering thetonoffers.”
“I care little about that,” Emmeline admitted.
Betty let out an annoyed sigh. “What is it that you do want, Emmeline?”
“I want to fall in love and marry a man of my choosing.”
“What the duke is offering you is better than love,” Betty asserted. “He is offering you a chance at living comfortably for the rest of your days. I must say that security is more important than love.”
George spoke up. “As for marrying a man of your choosing,” he began, “what man would marry you without a dowry?”
Emmeline remained quiet, knowing her aunt and uncle had made valid points.
“If you don’t marry the duke, then you will be forced to take a position as a companion or governess,” Betty said, her tone hardening. “And your parents would not have wanted that life for you.”
“I don’t want to become a governess,” Emmeline admitted.
“I should say not,” Betty declared. “You are the daughter of a viscount, and you deserve much better.”
“But I don’t think I can marry the duke.”
George and Betty exchanged a look before her uncle spoke. “The duke intends to marry you on your twenty-first birthday. I suppose you shall have until then to decide your fate.”
“The banns have been posted,” Betty reminded her. “Furthermore, the wholetonknows of your pending nuptials. If you decide not to go through with the wedding, then your reputation will be in tatters.”
“We can’t force you to marry the duke, but we truly hope you do,” George pressed. “He can give you a life that we can only dream of.”
