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“But it can be. Evander—”
“Evander’s family is full of complications. Some of which you do not know or understand!”
I stepped forward. “All my life, you, Mama, and my governess have told me I am to stand by my husband. Even if his life is full of complications. Did you not mean it?”
“I see all these years I have spent seeking to educate you were a waste. The book I gave to you, the story of ‘The Golden Bird,’ did you not learn about the misfortunes one goes through when one does not take advice from the wise?”
“I did learn,” I replied, and, seeing the same book on his desk, I walked to it and lifted it to show him. “From this and all the books you’ve given me. All tales, Papa, have struggles. Just as you could not protect me the first time my heart broke, you cannot protect me this time. I do not know what shall happen, but I trust I can succeed in an even happier life. I only beseech you not to be another struggle for me to surpass. Be on my side. Even if it looks unwise, Papa, be on my side and trust me.”
He took the book from me and placed it down. “Now I fear I educated you too well, for you are far too good in your argument.”
I grinned, daring to hope. “So you will give him your blessing?”
He frowned. “Can you not let him work for it more? After how shattered you were, do you not think it wise to make him grovel? At least till the end of the season?”
I shook my head. “Do you not think he has suffered enough? Cannot one thing be easy for him?”
“He has a dukedom full of wealth and power by birth,” he said, and I was sure I had won.
“And you were given your title, full of your own wealth and power, with a loving wife and children, a peaceful home—well, sometimes,” I countered. And he laughed, stepping in and hugging me.
“My dear girl, you have squeezed my heart since you were born.”
I hugged him in return. “I shall still do so, just not as close, once you accept him.”
“Oh, very well!” He huffed and sighed, letting go of me. “But say not a word to him. I shall see him grovel before me at least once more!”
“Papa!”
How blessed was I?
16
Aphrodite
There was a white-and-red tulip waiting by the window seat for me. Surely he had not placed it there himself. I knew that for sure. But still, seeing it, undisturbed and waiting for me, only further excited me. My mother sat quietly as if she did not notice it at all. Lifting the tulip, I inspected it closely, touching its petals. The first time I had received one from him, I was so curious I later sought the meaning of this beautifully strange flower in a botany book. The red expressed deep love and the white symbolized forgiveness.
“Why is he here again?” Hathor questioned, drawing my attention as she entered with our sisters. I glanced out the window to see Evander speaking with one of the doormen at the gate, who allowed him to enter.
“Obviously, he is here for Odite,” Abena replied, all my sisters now crowding around me by the window.
Evander glanced toward me, and the corner of his lip turned upward. He even winked. Devana and Abena giggled.
“Coming here a second day is a bit aggressive, is it not?” Hathor huffed, taking a seat.
“I think you are just jealous.” Abena stuck her tongue out, and Hathor glared down at her. “Odite is going to be a duchess, and you shall be a spinster—”
Hathor grabbed the window pillow and threw it at Abena’s head.
“Hathor!” my mother snapped at her. “Have you lost your mind?”
“Not at all, Mama. I merely found aim.”
“Lose it once more! You are a young lady, or have you forgotten?” my mother replied and looked at Abena, who was holding the pillow as if she saw fit to throw it again. “And you. What have I told you about picking a fight with your sister?”
“Not to.”
“Then why do you continue, my dear?”
