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Betty’s lips curled into a smile. “I just read an interesting article in the Society page about whether Lord Oliver is even capable of remaining faithful to one woman.”
“That is just someone’s opinion,” Emmeline said, jutting out her chin.
“Where did we go wrong with you?” Betty asked. “Were we too indulgent?”
Emmeline pressed her lips together for a moment before responding. “I assure you that has nothing to do with this.”
“Well, you will be happy to know that the duke will not be suing George for breach of contract,” Betty revealed.
“That is a relief.”
“But your uncle is not pleased with your decision, either,” Betty shared. “I daresay that we can never forgive you for what you have done. You have embarrassed us terribly amongst theton.”
Coming to sit across from her in an upholstered armchair, Emmeline said, “And for that, I feel awful.”
“Do you?”
“I do.”
“Pray tell, why would you give up a future that most could only ever dream of?” Betty asked.
With a straight back, Emmeline replied, “I didn’t love him.”
“Love. Not this again,” Betty scoffed. “There is no place for love in a marriage.”
“I disagree.”
“Do you love Oliver?” Betty asked knowingly.
Emmeline’s gaze shifted to her lap to avoid her aunt’s piercing gaze. “I hold him in some regard,” she admitted.
“Oliver will break your heart and destroy any chance of happiness in your future,” Betty predicted.
“I don’t believe that will happen.”
“Charlotte wasn’t fooled by Oliver’s charms,” Betty said, “but you have never been quite as clever as Charlotte was.”
Emmeline’s eyes snapped up to meet her aunt’s. “That was a rather cruel thing to say.”
“I am only speaking the truth.”
Before she could respond, a maid walked into the room with a tray in her hands and placed it on the table in between them. “Would you care for me to pour, milady?”
Betty shook her head. “No, I shall see to it, Anna.”
The maid walked out of the room as her aunt began to pour two cups of tea. After placing the teapot down, she extended a cup and said, “What is done, is done. You are now a married woman and you must deal with the consequences of your actions.”
“I understand,” Emmeline replied as she accepted the cup and saucer.
“How did you convince Lord Oliver to marry you without a dowry?” her aunt asked over the rim of her teacup.
“He didn’t care that I don’t have a dowry.”
“No?” Betty asked. “That is interesting, considering he frequents disreputable gambling hells.”
Emmeline took a sip of her tea. “He has informed me that he has made a small fortune from gambling.”
Betty laughed cruelly. “I can’t imagine it being comparable to the Duke of Billingham’s fortune.”
