A Virgin for the Heartless Duke (Brides of Innocence #1)

Prologue

“Ido not like this.”

Agnes sighed, closing her eyes for a bit, as Prudence’s constant walking to and fro was rendering her slightly dizzy.

She understood the unease and apprehension that kept her from staying still for more than a few moments, but she still wished the girl would concede that prancing about was not the answer.

“Prudence, I’m sure everything will be fine,” Agnes spoke calmly, hoping her sister would listen and calm herself.

When she opened her eyes, she saw that Prudence was not only still marching about, but her thumb was pressed against her bottom lip – an anxious habit Agnes had tried and failed to get her to let go of.

“Prudence –”

“I should be in there. I should be by his side, caring for him – just as I have been for months now. He should not be by himself right now,” Prudence said, stopping long enough for Agnes to read the clear expression of worry on her face.

“He is not alone. He has his physicians with him, and they are trying to help. That is why we are out here – you know that,” Agnes softly stated.

Prudence whirled around to face her elder sister, unable to keep the fear in her eyes hidden as she pointed at the door to their father’s chambers.

“We’re his family. Where were they when he first fell ill? They all wanted nothing to do with him when his illness began to manifest outwardly, and now they show up under the guise of being ‘helpful,’ and he is with them, by himself. As far as I am concerned, he is alone.”

It… it was a reasonable thing to say. After all, Prudence had been the one taking care of him for the months he had been ill – just as she had said.

It had been a mutual decision taken by the sisters when their father’s health had begun to decline.

As the eldest, Agnes took over his business and managed his affairs in his stead while caring for her younger sisters as she always had.

Prudence, the second born, handled matters concerned with their father’s well-being, as no one else was willing to come in contact with the Earl due to his hideous skin infections that had manifested soon after he became sick.

Everything they had done was to shield Imogen, the youngest of the sisters, from having her life interrupted in any way. She was young, soon to make her debut into society in two years, and they did not want anything to taint that.

Agnes looked to her side, where Imogen stood, her perfect face bearing the weight of concern that contrasted greatly with her usual bright demeanor and felt her heart ache.

Please, God… I hope nothing bad happens.

“Imogen,” Agnes smiled a little when her youngest sister looked up at her, “If you wish to return to your music lessons, you can. You will not be faulted for not wanting to witness Father in this state.”

Imogen shook her head, causing her pretty black curls to bounce and spill over her shoulders.

“He is just as dear to me as he is to both of you. And I have a right to be present for him in his times of need.”

It was a brave thing to say, and Agnes wanted to praise her but was stopped by Prudence, who finally ceased her trotting to comment,

“The physicians have never stayed in there this long without consulting us after a few minutes.”

“Now, Prudence, be patient. I have said many times that patience is a virtue every lady must possess.”

The words sounded easy as they fell from her lips, but Agnes’ heart felt heavy with worry.

Something was amiss; she could feel it, but she did not wish to let her sisters sense her thoughts.

It had always been her duty to shield them from every bit of sadness and suffering, and she would continue to do so.

The door opened, and the physicians walked in with blank expressions. Agnes’ lips parted to ask about their father’s condition, but before she could, she heard her name.

“Agnes… come to me, my daughter.”

Agnes glanced at her sisters and smiled reassuringly before stepping into her father’s room.

“Close the door and come sit by my side,” he hoarsely instructed.

She did as he asked without hesitation, settling into the chair by his bedside. Looking at him was a difficult task because he looked so sullen and small, as though he had shrunk into himself, but still, she kept her gaze fixed on his, her mind alert and focused on his every word.

“Agnes… I do not have… much time left. Your sisters… you must protect them, and to do that, you need to… sacrifice yourself and marry… A match has been made between… you and the wealthy Duke of Forestwood.”

Agnes’ heart dropped at the thought of marriage, but she accepted it as her duty, not allowing her attention to falter in the slightest.

“I wish… I could have protected you all… till the end. But I am happy to find my love… your mother, once more. I have made arrangements. Prudence will go to our countryside house… to care for your grandmother – you know Prudence is her favorite. Imogen will remain… here, in London, to prepare for her first season at the new townhouse.”

Scarcely had Agnes properly grasped the implications of his words did her sisters burst in with refusal heavy on their tongues.

“Father, no! You cannot do this!” Imogen cried.

“We will never be apart. You cannot –”

“Be quiet,” their father ordered, and they fell silent immediately. He sighed deeply and went on, “Staying together will not protect you… it will not ensure that you survive without me. Agnes… Only by her marriage to the Duke would you stand a chance to be reunited.”

Agnes leaned forward in an attempt to appeal to him to change his mind,

“But, Father –”

“Roger,” he called out to his butler, and the man stepped through the doorway. “Bring in the footmen and maids.”

Roger nodded and came into the room fully, followed by three footmen and three maids. The Earl of Lockheart gave his daughters one last look of fondness and shifted his gaze back to the servants.

“Take good care of my dear girls.”

“Father –” Agnes tried to plead but was stopped as a hand wrapped around her wrist and tugged her away from his side. “Wait – no –”

She tried to struggle but was distracted by the panicked screams of her sisters as they were pulled out of the room and in different directions.

Agnes fought at the hands on her and managed to escape the room but stopped in the corridor, torn on who to go to as Imogen was being dragged to the left and Prudence to the right.

Someone gripped her arm and tried to drag her forward, and she screamed, promising from the very core of her soul.

“Imogen! Prudence! I-I’ll do it! I’ll get married, and I will come and find you both. I promise!”

She didn’t get to hear them and did not know if they believed her or responded to her decree. But she never forgot it.