Chapter 4
“Do behave yourselves,” came the usual order from Cassian before he disappeared down the lane.
“We shall!” Elowen promised even while Octavia laughed.
Verity stood between the two of them and watched their eldest brother disappear. While Lucien was left at their side, complaining about being their nursemaid for the evening fun at Vauxhall Gardens, she wondered what on earth their viscount was doing.
Not just tonight. But lately. Ever since our uncle passed away, Cassian has become another person entirely. I had hoped after our half-mourning ended that all would go back to normal. He’s carried his title for five years now. Still rude and unbending, but at least he wasn’t impossible.
“Where do you think Cass is off to this evening?” Verity asked her siblings aloud.
“Does it matter?” Lucian asked sardonically. His long curling hair was unfashionable and wicked, just the way he liked it, and he flashed her a tired grin. “Say, you’re an appropriate enough chaperone, aren’t you?”
Octavia rolled her eyes with almost her entire body. “She’s unwed, you nitwit.”
“That’s why I said ‘enough,’ and not entirely, you smart mouth.”
“You can leave us once we join everyone else.” Verity had little patience for her brothers these days. And apparently they had the same for her. “I asked about Cass. Do you know where he is going?”
Fixing his cuffs, Lucian shook his head. “Certainly not. I don’t know anything. And, mind you, that’s just the way I would like to keep it.”
Elowen muttered under her breath, “Yes, you forgot my birthday yet again.”
“What was that?”
“Nothing.” Elowen offered a quiet smile before turning her head away from her brother.
As for Verity, she gave her youngest sister a nudge.
“You can speak as you like when you’re among us.
You know that.” She knew Elowen could be shy even amongst their own family.
It came from being the youngest of five where everyone else carried their own opinions as well.
Often Verity felt in the dark about her sister as well, which she didn’t like, but wanted to give her the space.
“I’m all right. He made amends. I’m just glad to have a lovely evening with everyone,” Elowen reassured her.
And now Octavia and Lucien were arguing about some tidbit of gossip. They were expecting to see who the Duke of Argent might be courting this evening, the insatiable rascal. As the two of them placed bets with one another, Verity paid them no mind.
It was two nights since she had agreed to marry the Duke of Wycliffe. Her sisters were confused but thrilled. Lucien teased about finally getting her out of the old maids corner. As for Cassian, he’d simply nodded like he knew it would happen, and told her to begin the needed preparations.
Weddings were quiet affairs. Having readied her trousseau through the years, especially during their frequent quiet periods of mourning for her father and then her mother and then her uncle, Verity had had more than enough time to work on her embroidery.
A few items would need to be purchased, but already she had fine dresses and could pack well with her maid for the eventual move.
The duke was prompt as well: he’d already submitted their wedding announcement in the papers and sent over the contract. She’d looked it over with Cassian. His Grace was generous, neat, and clear about what little he expected and what he might offer her.
In all, truthfully, I couldn’t have a more perfect match on paper. And then there is the problem: the mystery of why both he and my brother want me to wed him.
And also in truth, Verity had to admit to herself she had not meant to agree to the union so quickly. She meant to hold her position until either gentleman bowled over.
Except she had seen the wariness in her brother’s eyes.
As for the duke, his eyes were clear of guile.
He meant what he said. He was respectful, too.
The way he spoke made her certain she would find the truth eventually––through him, or through her brother, or some other way. That gave her all the hope she needed.
Something significant was being kept from her, Verity could tell, and she would sort it out. It would simply have to wait until after the wedding.
“Verity.” There was an elbow in her side.
She jerked, blinking at the sight of Lady Mary Pennyworth gazing at her with her retinue behind her. She glanced at Octavia who moved her elbow.
“How kind of Lady Pennyworth to offer solicitations on your betrothal, wouldn’t you agree?” Her sister said pointedly.
“Oh. Oh, yes. Certainly, thank you kindly,” Verity informed the Marchioness at once. “You are too generous.”
The older lady beamed. “What a fine duchess you shall make. I was telling my dear husband just this morning when we saw the announcement. Wycliffe is a fine match for you. I’m certain you’ll carry the family name well, as you have your own.
How good of you to set a fair course for your sisters.
Perhaps all three of you shall be wed before the Season closes! ”
As the final remark made Octavia snort, Verity started to move her sisters. “Truly, you are too kind. Thank you. I’m afraid we should be on our way to our seats before the performance begins.”
“Very well, certainly. You know,” Pennyworth turned to her husband. “I am curious what shall be said in the London Grey Truth tomorrow about the match. Surely, they will have nothing but compliments to share?”
Verity stumbled.
Oh blast it. I knew I forgot something in the final draft. I shall have to make amends. The Grey Truth would never miss out on noting such a match!
“Are you all right?” Elowen asked, helping her stay afoot.
“Yes, yes, I’m sorry. Thank you for catching me, I must have stumbled over something,” Verity muttered as her thoughts caught up with her.
They rounded the corner to the clearing where the gardens opened up for a large space to enjoy a musical performance. Tonight was a chaste event, probably why Cassian felt so comfortable leaving them so quickly.
Countless people were present, mostly the beau monde with a few acceptable faces across society included.
She could see the seats set aside for her and her siblings all set up in the middle of everything.
They would have to wade through the crowd, greeting everyone over and over again, people who surely had heard the announcement. Her body fatigued at the mere thought.
Stopping in her stride, Verity pulled free of her siblings. “Lucien? Can you see Octavia and Elowen set in their chairs? I need a moment.”
“Here?” Octavia asked with a frown. “I thought you would never let us alone in the gardens.”
“I just need a moment to myself,” Verity insisted. Her sisters knew how she craved the occasion time to herself. She raised an eyebrow before everyone grudgingly left her behind. Even while Lucien muttered something under his breath, she turned around for a side path to take some air.
One hand rested on her hip and the other on a tree. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply.
Life is suddenly changing so quickly all over again. It never seems to fade away. Will it slow down once I am wed? What changes can I expect with Dominic?
“For writing the most popular journal, I don’t know anything about him,” she realized slowly to herself.
Playing over the few memories she had of her betrothed, she confirmed he was polite. Publicly respectful. A good dancer. He smelled amazing and he asked questions without being irritating. As for answering her questions, she thought he could improve.
So long as he leaves me be and demands little of myself and my time, I shall be satisfied.
And that I can continue to reside in London, of course.
To leave behind my journal… unfathomable.
Besides, there is something afoot between my brother and the duke, and what better chance could I have to solve this mystery?
It was part of why she had accepted the offer. Something was going on with Cassian; if he was concerned, then the matter concerned their entire family.
I would do anything for my brothers and sisters.
Having lost so many people, I’ve realized how fragile this life is.
Though Cassian might assume I’m willing to be a pawn, I will solve this mystery and I will help.
This marriage will allow me to observe and influence what happens next.
Whatever he knows, I’m certain the duke knows as well.
We all have our own secrets… I have an identity to hide and secrets to unravel.
One more deep breath before Verity straightened up. She smoothed her hair and returned to the path.
Beyond the hedges, the world opened back up. Music played freely but only half of the audience listened while they talked and ate and laughed.
“Don’t be ridiculous, dear,” came the annoyed voice of Lady Monment, who was attempting to marry off her fourth and final daughter. “Every young lady wishes to marry.”
The young lady in question slouched. “But mother…”
Too tall and rather long in the face, Penelope Monment had high expectations riding on those narrow shoulders. Two sisters married other titles and the third married a German prince. Anything less than a marquess would surely disappoint her mother.
“It’s not simply about hanging on the hand of a gentleman as you like to complain of, but an opportunity for you to run your own home. Besides, it means protection. Do you think your father and I will live forever?”
Lingering nearby, Verity kept her head down and turned away while she walked slowly. She fumbled with her reticule tied to her wrist to appear busy and distracted; like she wasn’t listening at all.
Penelope sighed. “Sometimes it feels like it.”
“Hush, Pen. There is still good to be had in a marriage. You will have that protection. We will guarantee some level of financial support, as we did your sisters. And finally, it will allow you to have a family.”
“What if I end up with four daughters?”
“Then only heaven can help you.”
Verity stifled a giggle before hurrying on.