Chapter 7
Camelia’s heart pounded as the door closed behind the Duke and her father, leaving her with Margaret and Iris in the study. The daylight streamed through the windows, exposing Margaret’s pale, curious face and Iris’s wide, fearful eyes.
Me? The Duchess of Brentmere?
Her chest tightened with a swirl of emotions. The memory of the alley would linger like a shadow, but never in her wildest dreams had she thought it would lead to marriage.
“Camelia.” She felt Iris’s soft hand on her wrist.
“Yes, Iris?”
Since her husband’s passing, Iris had spoken little, but when she did, her words carried a rare warmth and wisdom that lingered. Camelia met her gaze, finding in her sister’s eyes a kindness and understanding that steadied her heart.
“Was this your plan, to protect our family?”
Margaret gasped.
How could I answer her?
Camelia found herself having to choose between the unvarnished truth and a carefully crafted lie. She was no liar by nature, yet the truth threatened to wound them. She hesitated, torn between honesty and mercy.
“Camelia, where were you this morning?” Margaret asked with an arched eyebrow. Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her as she looked up at Camelia with troubled eyes. “And how in heaven’s name did you convince a duke to marry you? And to save us?”
Iris leaned forward, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yes, tell us, Sister! One morning, you’re gone, and now you’re back with a duke claiming you as his Duchess? How did it happen?”
“And not just any duke, Iris! But the Duke of Brentmere. The dreamiest, most mysterious of them all!” Margaret giggled, while Iris laughed quietly and tried to hush her.
I can’t tell them the truth—not about Whitechapel, not about the alley.
Camelia’s throat went dry. Her mind raced for a response that wouldn’t betray her shame, but she felt her skin heat at the thought of the Duke and the scandalous time they had spent together.
Why would he choose me out of all the eligible ladies in the ton?
“Sisters, there is no secret. I… I merely took a walk in the garden, as I said. I needed to clear my mind and consider how to settle Father’s debts.
The Duke happened to be passing through the gardens to see Father, though we spoke very little at that time.
I informed His Grace that it was not a good day, and I assumed he left.
That was when I hurried inside to inform Papa and found Lord Montague already there.
Had I known of the proposal beforehand, I would have told you both without hesitation. ”
She waited with bated breath for her lie to sink in.
“But your conversation seemed… unusual, as if more happened between you than a simple exchange,” Margaret said, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
“Unusual, indeed,” Iris murmured softly, squinting at Camelia as if she knew the truth.
“And you’ve never met him before?” Margaret probed, leaning forward with anticipation.
“You both know I have not attended the Seasons since…”
“Since Mother’s passing,” Iris finished softly, and a gentle hush settled over them.
“It is still utterly romantic, the way he swooped in and saved us all from the villainous Montague.” Margaret’s brow furrowed, her voice laced with skepticism. “Although, what is his relation to Lord Montague?”
“I’m curious about that as much as you are,” Camelia admitted, then quickly softened her tone.
“Still, let us focus on the good.” She took her sister’s hands firmly in her own.
“Margaret, you were about to be forced into marrying that monster. I heard vile things about him, and I would rather die than see any of you with someone like him! I am simply grateful that you are safe.”
Margaret’s eyes filled with tears.
“I would do anything for you two!” Camelia let out a small sob as they all embraced.
“But that is not your job, Camelia,” Margaret said shakily.
“You cannot protect us all,” Iris added.
They held each other, and Camelia was glad that she hadn’t ruined herself. She would have to thank the Duke for saving her from her own humiliating plan.
“But a marriage to a duke you hardly know?” Iris pulled away, her eyes wide with interest. “Are you certain about this? Did you… Did you promise him something?”
“No!” Camelia gasped, her cheeks flushing.
They can’t know how far I was willing to go.
Yet the thought of him, of his dominance, and the raw intensity of his desire, sent a shiver through her, igniting a heat she had never known before.
“I made no promises to him. I hardly understand it myself, for I have spoken to him but little.”
She had done far more than merely speak to him.
Her breath hitched at the memory of his rough hands against her soft skin, the searing, deep kiss, and the way his eyes had roamed over her body, as though she were his to unravel in every sinful way.
“You’re blushing!” Margaret jabbed a finger at her with a delightfully unladylike laugh.
“I am not!”
Camelia could not help but smile as her sisters burst into more laughter.
No matter the reason behind his proposal, I will thank him for saving my family.
“Camelia, you must be certain about this,” Iris cautioned, drawing her attention. “Marrying without love… it is no small thing. It is… difficult.”
Love was the last thing on Camelia’s mind, especially where the Duke of Brentmere was concerned. He seemed the type of man who thrived on command and the fear he inspired.
She shivered at the memory of his piercing ocean-blue eyes.
Margaret, ever bold, tilted her head. “Do you ever regret it, Iris? Not re-marrying after… after your husband’s death?”
Iris’s expression remained serene. “No…”
“Why not?”
“Because it was never a love match. I married because it was expected of me. After all, it was my duty. And though my heart was untested, I fulfilled my obligations faithfully. I regret not being given another opportunity to fulfil my duty as a wife.”
Camelia frowned. “But… isn’t there a price for a marriage solely based on duty? Surely love makes life bearable?”
Iris shook her head gently. “Love is fleeting, unpredictable, and often cruel. Duty endures. It provides stability, security, and honor. I speak from experience, Camelia. Duty is worth far more than the whims of love.”
And my duty is to keep them safe from the likes of Lord Montague.
Before her sisters could press her further about the proposal, the study door opened, and their father emerged with the Duke at his side.