Chapter 5
CHAPTER FIVE
“Iam not certain it is wise to be seen with you in public – given the fact that people are still talking about that very strange duke who had publicly advertised his desire to be in a marriage of convenience.”
Edward chuckled as they stepped into the gentleman’s club they regularly frequented, settling down at their usual table of choice.
“The advertisement has been pulled from the papers already. Do not act as though it is such a far-fetched concept. I am sure you have witnessed stranger things,” he remarked to his friend.
Thomas Wetherby, the duke of Ravencroft sighed deeply, shooting Edward a look of accusation.
“Perhaps I am just tired of encountering all sorts of strange things in association to you. Do you know just how consistent you are for me to have seen the advertisement and simply known at a glance that you had something to do with it?” Thomas queried.
Edward waved a waiter over, replying as the man approached the table.
“I'd like to see it as a good sign that you are familiar with my form of chaos, but we are not here to speak about my matters. I asked you here to express my gratitude for your assistance with the scandal involving the future sister-in-law.”
To the waiter he instructed, “Your finest bottle of scotch please, and two glasses.”
“Right away, Your Grace,” the waiter bowed and left quickly.
“It was nothing, really. I'd say it gave me a sense of accomplishment to have been of assistance on that front. It is truly horrible, what that man did to that girl. What will you do about him?” Thomas asked, straightening up as their drink arrived.
“Well, my bride-to-be only wanted me to deal with the rumours about her sister. And you have taken care of the spreading of those malicious words, so that is handled. However, I feel inclined to punish the lout. Perhaps I will give him a few more days to relish in the thought that he has gotten away with his sins. And then, when he least expects it, reckoning shall knock at his door step,” Edward mused casually, as he poured the scotch into the glasses and offered on to his friend.
Thomas accepted it and kept it raised until Edward held his up as well in a silent toast.
“How magnanimous of you. This woman you’ve chosen seems rather special, given how you are willing to go through such lengths on her behalf.
I am as surprised about the choice to advertise your search for a wife, as I am impressed that it actually yielded results.
Jane and I were prepared to watch you become a laughing stock – or rather I was.
She was hoping that a decent woman would understand your plight and take pity on you,” Thomas snorted before he emptied half his glass in one mouthful.
“Ah, how kind of her. Remind me to send her some flowers later in the week.”
“You will do no such thing. Buy flowers for your own wife,” Thomas grumbled with a glare.
Edward chuckled, still impressed by how possessive Thomas had grown.
It was a wonder to think about now, whenever he recalled how averse his friend had been when he had first gotten married.
And now, the very same man who had been prepared to hide away from her only a year ago could not gather his bearings if they were not in the same room for longer than a few hours.
It made Edward thankful and glad that his friend had found the peace he deserved.
“Perhaps I will,” he mumbled to himself, wondering how Phoebe would react if he did so.
She put a lot of effort into appearing impassive and unfeeling but he had learned too soon how to fluster her and the expression she had worn was doomed to haunt him for a long time.
They had only met twice and he could tell already that she was full of surprises, and he felt more confident in his choice as the moments passed.
Watching her interact with her brother had been further proof the maturity he had perceived in her.
It was rare to see men who would value the opinions of others, much less from a woman, but her brother had listened to her carefully and had ultimately left the decision up to her.
And she had not undermined him in the process either.
She would make a good mother, Edward had thought then, and he still felt the same way now.
“I still find it hard to believe,” Thomas said suddenly, picking up the bottle to refill their empty glasses.
“That you would suddenly develop an interest in getting married. Have you grown tired of torturing the masses and decided it was best to settle down? Or is this your way of acquiring a victim you shall train to endure your antics?”
“You have a lot of complaints for someone who has been friends with me for decades,” Edward smirked. “What if I simply wished to fulfil my filial duties?”
“All of a sudden? I mean – you have always put your dukedom above all else in your life, so I suppose it should not surprise me that this was your next course of action. What about this woman you chose? How do you feel about her?” Thomas asked in turn.
Edward’s smirk faltered slightly. “She seems sensible. And selfless. I believe she will make a good duchess and a good mother.”
“Is that it?” Thomas voiced, looking startled.
A frown crawled over Edward’s face before he could help himself.
“Does there need to be more? I do not think I require much more than what I have attained, give the fact that I can live vicariously through you and your own duchess. Tell me, how is Jane doing these days? Is Reuben still refusing to let her out of his sight?”
Thomas scoffed and sat back, folding his arms. If he sensed Edward’s efforts to change the subject, he did not mention it, and he replied seriously,
“That was long ago. He has outgrown that habit.”
“But?” Edward pressed, sensing there was more.
“But he is still as attached to her as he was when they first met. Jane has assured me he will eventually outgrow that habit too, but I cannot help but feel... a little miffed to be vying for her attention by his side. It is demeaning.”
Edward burst into laughter, completely entertained by what he had heard.
“It is so silly,” Thomas grunted in addition as he raised his glass up to his lips and gulped the contents down.
“It is,” Edward grinned. “But you have survived much worse. You have been to war, my friend. I am sure you will find a way to handle sharing your wife’s attention with your son.
Though, he is on the way to becoming a mama’s boy, so you might have to deal with it for a while longer, eventually, you’ll miss watching him be so incredibly enamoured by her.
Or at least, that is what I have heard.”
“I look forward to seeing you face your own struggles when your marriage progresses. I will sit as you do now, and offer you pointless advice, while laughing in your face as you have at me.” Thomas swore.
“I find it hard to believe that you will have the time to do so if that ever happens – but more than anything, I am sure you have nothing to worry about. My marriage will not be anything like yours,” Edward promised with an innocent smile.
A look crossed over Thomas’ face and he parted his lips, no doubt to ask Edward what he meant, but the duke of Montford quickly distracted him my refilling their glasses one last time.
“We should toast to my wedding. It is happening tomorrow, after all. Don’t you have any kind words to say to me? Well wishes, perhaps?”
“Well, what do you want? Out of this marriage?”
Edward paused thoughtfully, and after a moment, he replied, “Satisfaction.”
Thomas frowned slightly. “Not happiness?”
“Life is fickle and short. Happiness is a fleeting notion. I would much rather be satisfied with the choices I have made, for a long time, if possible.” Edward shrugged.
“You are a strange man.”
“Is that meant to be my toast?” Edward complained teasingly.
“And so hard to please,” Thomas shook his head with a smile and held up a glass. “To you, dear friend. I hope that you are satisfied. And if there is room for more, I hope that you are happy in the days that come.”
It was kind of Thomas to wish him happiness, but Edward had long since given up on such occurring in his life.
He worked had and fulfilled his responsibilities in order to feel contented with his actions and choices.
It was more than he could hope for and his marriage would be the same, because he was not marrying to obtain an idealistic life.
It was a part of his duty and he intended to see it handled properly.
No matter what it takes.
“You look wonderful, Phoebe.”
Anna’s words seemed to echo in Phoebe’s mind as she walked back and forth, trying to calm herself. Her wedding dress fluttered and swayed back and forth around her body, while her heart shook in her chest.
She had never been so nervous in her life. She had barely slept the night before and instead of feeling tired, her thoughts were scattered, like ashes in the wind.
Not for the first time, she missed her parents dearly.
Her father was a kind man who never hesitated to tease his wife and children, always easing their concerns with a single smile.
Her mother was the gentlest person she’d ever known, her touch and words ever able to soothingly uplift their spirits.
Phoebe felt so lost on how to feel now, overwhelmed by all the emotions and uncertainly swirling within her.
“Must you do this?”
Phoebe faltered in her step and slowly turned to face Anna. Her sister had seemed much better after their talk, but now, her expression had dimmed again and it made Phoebe worry.
“What do you mean?” she asked as she approached her younger sister.
“I just... I still feel bad. Not just because I wasn’t able to perform my duty to the family. You shouldn’t – it’s not fair. You shouldn’t have to give yourself away to save us. Even if you say it is all right, I still cannot watch you do this –”
Phoebe put her arms around Anna and held her close, keeping her hold secure and warm as Anna began to cry. They remained in that position until Anna’s sobs calmed down and then Phoebe leaned away slightly.
“Please do not feel bad, Anna. At first... I was unsure if this was a good thing to do. But as this day grew closer, I began to feel something I had not felt in a while – relief. I am so relieved that I am able to do even more to help our family. I am relieved to think that the nightmare that had plagued us so recently is almost over. And if this is what needs to be done in order for you to enjoy your debut season without worrying too much about making a profitable match, whilst also easing some of Rowland’s concerns – then I would marry as many times as I need to. ” She assured her gently.
“Aren’t you scared?” Anna asked quietly.
“I am,” Phoebe nodded. “I'm nervous and worried, but that won’t stop me from doing my best, just as I have all these years. That is all I can do.”
Anna nodded, and pulled Phoebe close again, holding onto her tightly.
“I wish mama and papa were here, but I know they would be really proud of you regardless.” Anna whispered softly.
Tears filled Phoebe’s eyes and she squeezed them shut, focusing on the warmth that surrounded her as she told herself that everything would be just fine.
Seconds later, there was a knock at the door and Phoebe turned her head in the direction of the door without letting go of Anna as she called out,
“Come in!”
Rowland walked in and smiled at the sight of them, approaching them with open arms. He joined he embrace, dropping a kiss on their heads. They stayed like that for a bit, then Rowland sighed deeply, before he spoke up.
“I'd hate to interrupt this wonderful moment but... Phoebe, it’s time.”