by Dayna Quince
He didn’t know how long they stood there like that, but eventually, she pulled away and dried her eyes. He called a carriage for her and watched from the front door as it carried her away into the darkness. There was much to talk about, but he would let the shock wear off before they discussed anything more.
He climbed the main stairs deep in thought. He still couldn't wrap his mind around her and how she made him feel. He wondered if he would feel this way even if his father hadn't said anything about wanting them to marry. He didn't understand it, any of it. It was as if he’d stepped into a dream. No woman had ever made him feel this off balance. He always knew exactly what he wanted, the right decision to make. But when he thought of her, his mind became muddled. He had trouble looking past the vision she had become.
He didn't feel in control and that bothered him. It should have been simple. Couples married for practical reasons all the time—the transfer of property, the urging of a will. But that's not exactly what his father was asking of him. Was it?
He reached his room, and his valet helped him out of his coat. The window was open to let in the cooler evening air, providing some relief from the summer heat. Chance finished undressing and dismissed his valet. He poured himself another drink from the decanter he kept in his room and slid under the sheet. Tomorrow he needed to focus on what he could do for his father, but it was going to be difficult if he couldn't get Obedience out of his head.
Even when she had sat with them throughout the afternoon and dinner, her unease was palpable. Was it all because of him? And when he held her as she cried, he felt things he had never felt before, sort of a possessive protectiveness. He needed to know more. He wouldn't be able to make a decision about her until he crossed the line from childhood friends to potential lovers. It went against his code of honor to do so, but it was his only option to get some clarity. A single kiss may hold all the answers he was seeking.
Chapter 3
When Obedience woke, her eyelids felt stuffed with cotton. She had succumbed to more tears last night when she returned to her room, but not as many. Chance had been comforting, and when she remembered the feel of his arms around her, her stomach felt tingly and pleasant. That is until it growled, begging for sustenance.
She completed her morning ablutions and entered the breakfast room. The cheery chatter of her mother and sister did not cease when she entered, and Obedience was content to head to the sideboard and fill a plate without their notice. She sat in her usual chair and scooped a pile of eggs onto her fork. She sighed with pleasure as she brought the steaming nourishment to her mouth.
“Obedience?”
Drat. The eggs wobbled precariously on her fork as she turned to look at her mother. A soft plop filled the now silent room as her eggs fell to her plate. “Yes, Mother?”
“Eggs are a bit extravagant, don’t you think, dear? I’ve seen very little results of your slimming diet and wonder if maybe I’ve been too lenient.”
Obedience wanted to groan.
“From now on, only tea for breakfast, fruit for lunch, and a leaf of lettuce with a slice of tomato for dinner. That should be sufficient for nourishment and shed those unwanted”—she waved dismissively at Obedience’s chest—“curves you’re so enamored with. The attention you receive because of their indecent size is disgusting and a terrible distraction when it is Patience who should be receiving the attention for her elegant charms and grace.”
Obedience could only stare. She heard her mother quite clearly, but she simply could not fathom the woman.
“Enough about Obedience, Mother. Let’s return to my splendid idea.” Patience pulled their mother’s attention away.
Obedience was eternally grateful. A footman approached to remove her plate, and she glared at him. He froze and looked back and forth between her and her mother. Obedience stood and took her plate back to the sideboard. With her back to her family, she scooped three big bites of eggs into her mouth and swallowed. She set her plate down and picked up a sausage, quickly stuffing it into her mouth as well. She swallowed her mouthful and returned to her seat. She took a sip of tea and was thankful her mother was none the wiser. Inside, she felt like a dog begging for scraps. It was humiliating to have to sneak a bite of food in her own home. Her mother and sister chattered on like noisy birds until a name caught her attention.
“Lord Willowton is a perfect candidate. Not only will I gain a titled husband and still be close to home, but I will further our families standing in society.”
“I beg your pardon?” Obedience interrupted.
Her mother turned to her in displeasure. “Obedience,” she said sternly. She had a way of saying Obedience’s name as if it were something distasteful. “How many times have I told you not to interrupt your sister when she is speaking? We are discussing important things, things that are of no concern to you.”
“But you mentioned Chance?”
“LORD WILLOWTON.” Her mother glowered at her. “Have I raised you like an animal? Did I not give you the same courtesy of a governess as I did with your sisters?”
Obedience looked down in shame. “I’m sorry. It's just that... I’ve known him the longest out of anyone here and—”
“Mama,” Patience interrupted and took their mother’s hand. “I have another splendid idea.” She beamed. “Obedience can introduce me to Lord Willowton.”
“Well... Perhaps this is an instance where you can be of some use, Obedience. Your odd relationship with the duke and his son can help your own family for once.”
“Oh?” Obedience looked up. Her mother smiled, but it was reluctant. “What do you need Lord Willowton for?”
“Can you not see it, you obtuse girl? We shall garner an alliance between Lord Willowton and my precious Patience. Wouldn’t your sister make a lovely duchess?”
There were no words Obedience could summon. She looked to her sister, who smiled at her expectantly. “Um...”
“You will introduce them. In fact, why don’t we invite Lord Willowton to tea this very afternoon? Obedience, will you send him a note? Oh, never mind. I can see you are quite lost on the subject. I shall do it myself.” Her mother stood from the breakfast table and left them as Patience clapped and giggled with excitement.
“I’m going to be a duchess!” she cheered.
“Wha–what do you mean? You can’t marry Chance. You don’t even know him.”
“He is the heir to the dukedom and of marriageable age. What else is there to know?”
Obedience scowled. “He will never marry you.”
Patience was unaffected. “Nonsense. Everyone knows his father is dying. He has to marry soon, doesn’t he?”
Obedience was beginning to feel sick. She could not stand the thought of Chance being married to someone as shallow as her sister, not when she harbored her own infatuation with him. But when she looked at her sister, she could believe that Patience fit the bill of an ideal wife, in looks at least.
“How did everyone know about his health when I didn’t know until yesterday?”
“The good doctor told Farmer Jacobs, who told Mrs. Moffet, who told Bessie the scullery maid, and she tells Mama everything.”
“Oh.” Suddenly Obedience had no desire to eat or even remain at home for another moment. Normally, she would seek refuge at Willowton Park, but after all that happened yesterday, she didn’t feel ready to face them yet. She stood from her chair.
“Where are you going?” Patience looked up from her tea.
“I have to leave.” She began to move toward the door.
Patience narrowed her eyes. “Oh no you don’t. You owe it to the family. It is your duty to remain here and help me. Lord Willowton must see that I would be an ideal duchess.”
Obedience scoffed. “What do you mean I owe the family?”
“Darling, please. You are far too strange to gain yourself a proper husband. You are a burden, and as such, it is your duty to help me find a husband who can support Mama and you for the remainder of your days
. That husband is Lord Willowton.”
Inside Obedience was seething but miraculously she spoke in a level tone. “I won’t help you con him into marriage. If you think you are so fitting to be his duchess, then surely your exemplary charms should be enough to woo him.”
Patience narrowed her eyes again.
“Good day, little sister.”
Obedience left swiftly and found her way to the stables, despite being blinded with fury. Was she a burden? She didn’t know, but she was tired of feeling inadequate in the eyes of her mother and her sister. She entered the cozy atmosphere and sighed in relief to find the stable empty. She climbed into the loft and settled into the cozy hay. As a child, she used to come here often, especially after her father died. It was always warm in the loft, always quiet and safe. The smell of the dry hay was soothing. It crunched softly as she lay on her stomach with her head resting on her folded arms.
She closed her eyes and tried to silence her mind, but when Patience’s voice refused to silence, she thought of Chance. She pictured him in her mind and focused on his smile. She pictured him in the garden, sunlight shining on his golden hair, and his eyes and lips smiling at her. He was so handsome when he smiled. It made her feel as if a light were filling her up inside until it spilled from her. She suddenly wished she was really with him, but a shadow of doubt overcame her. What if he did find interest in Patience? No. She shook her head against the sleeve of her dress. Chance may be a sophisticated gentleman now, but he wasn’t stupid. He would see through Patience’s thin charms and know what she truly was.
Obedience spent the rest of the morning out and about. She didn’t stray from the grounds but avoided entering the house at all costs. When she did return before luncheon, she entered through the kitchen, hoping to avoid her family.
“Oh, there you are.”
Obedience froze just inside the door. Her mother was standing with the housekeeper and looking very pleased.
“We have been invited to dine with the duke tonight, an honor only you have been granted until now. Patience talked with me about your opinions this morning after I left, and I want you to know that you will not, under any circumstances, ruin this for your sister. I have let you do as you please as long as you haven’t caused the family embarrassment. I have been quite lenient with you, and we all have suffered for it.” Her mother stepped forward.
Obedience held still as the servants backed into the shadows, and her mother filled her vision.
“If you do anything to sabotage our evening, I will punish you greatly. Think about that this afternoon as we prepare. I expect nothing but your finest behavior.”
“Yes, Mother,” Obedience said nervously.
Her mother stepped even closer, the tip of her slippers disappearing under the hem of Obedience’s gown.
“I will have you sent away, Obedience. You will spend the rest of your days as a shadow figure, a companion to some terrible old woman. If you have a shred of intelligence in you, you will be sure that Lord Willowton falls madly in love with your sister. Do you understand me?”
Obedience stared into her mother’s narrowed eyes. Her tongue felt like a stone in her mouth. She nodded, and her mother turned away without another word. Looking around the kitchen, she found no sympathetic eyes. In fact, not a servant remained. She took a deep breath with emotion burning in her chest. She slowly walked to the servant’s stair, hearing giggles coming from behind the door of the pantry. She was even a joke amongst the servants. She turned her back on them all, the careless eyes that bore witness to her humiliation, and ran up the back stairs.
Hours later, Obedience presented herself in the front hall just as the carriage pulled up. She felt empty and emotionless as her mother looked over her plain hunter green evening dress. Her mother said nothing, which meant that she approved of her appearance. Taking her cloak from their butler, Danson, she followed her sister into the carriage and kept her mouth closed and her eyes on the window the entire trip to Willowton Park. They debarked, and Obedience felt the first jolt of anxiety the evening would bring when Chance greeted them in the drive. He was dressed formally in evening attire. Pristine Nankeen pantaloons that hugged his lean muscular legs beautifully. She couldn't pull her eyes away from him as they entered the foyer, and she saw him in the light. His waistcoat matched his pantaloons and snow-white cravat. His hunter green coat finished the ensemble along with his shining Hessian boots. He was elegance incarnate. A true gentleman of sophistication and style. She felt so drab in comparison.
“Good evening, Lady Wickenham, Miss Wickenham, Miss Patience.” He nodded to each of them.
Obedience barely smiled in return. They followed as Chance escorted Lady Wickenham inside the drawing room, asking all the usual polite questions. Patience looped her arm through Obedience’s arm and smiled so widely that it looked painful. Obedience looked over at her in surprise but did not pull her arm away. She hadn't recovered the wits that had slipped away at the sight of him. She already felt her cheeks warming as she watched him move about in the snug breeches. How was she to behave naturally around him?
When they entered the drawing room, the duke was sitting by the fireplace in his special chair. Obedience steeled her nerves before meeting his gaze. Out of everyone here, he would be the hardest to hide her true emotions. He greeted her mother rather coldly. She hoped it would be attributed to his now eccentric personality. He barely spared Patience a glance before greeting Obedience and smiling warmly. He looked into her eyes—really looked, and damn it if he didn’t see everything she didn’t want him to see. He frowned and looked as though he was about to speak.
“Ergh, um…” Chance cleared his throat. “Please do excuse me. Would you like something to drink?”
Chance met three pairs of feminine eyes, two looking like he spoke spun gold, and one looking completely surprised he could speak at all. Obedience was really doing a poor job hiding her emotions. She was clearly upset by the looks of it. He would have his work cut out for him, keeping his father in line. The way his eyes sizzled when he looked at Lady Wickenham, he was surprised his father hadn’t shouted “OFF WITH HER HEAD” the moment she entered.
Obedience looked very uncomfortable. Her cheeks were a becoming shade of pink, and he had to stop himself from boldly staring at her. She had an understated beauty. Her simple dress, free of fripperies and jewels, only amplified the shine of her onyx hair, the soft pink of her lips, and the vibrant blue of her eyes.
“Sherry?” he suggested when no one responded. Lady Wickenham and Miss Patience nodded. Obedience continued to stare at him as if he had sprouted another head. “Right, then.” He mentally shook his head as he strode to the decanter and returned with three glasses of sherry. Lady Wickenham and Miss Patience smiled their thanks to him and took their glasses, the latter batting her eyelashes annoyingly. He turned to Obedience, who was doing her best to be invisible and offered a glass to her. She shook her head no, so he picked up her hand and wrapped it around the crystal. “You look like you need it.”
A huff of breath came out of her. Maybe it was a laugh because she smiled a little as she looked up into his eyes. He kept his hands wrapped around hers for a moment. Her fingers felt like ice.
“You have no idea what you’re in for tonight. May I suggest you start drinking as well?”
His smile broadened. “What makes you think I haven’t?”
She laughed again—a quiet, breathy laugh not meant to be heard beyond them. He felt it like a caress across his stomach. He pulled his hands back and folded them behind his back. “Take a sip.”
She did, never taking her eyes from him. For some reason, he found it highly erotic.
“Obedience, my dear, why don’t you share Lord Willowton with the rest of us?”
Obedience looked around Chance to find her mother staring at them with a wide smile and eyes as hard as marble. Chance turned with a flawless smile, somehow pulling Obedience to the group without even touching her. They made a half circle in fron
t of the duke with Chance at his side.
Internally, Obedience winced in pain. Judging from the way Patience had now grabbed her elbow, leaving indents from her nails, it was Obedience’s turn to draw attention to Patience. She searched her mind for something positive to say as the awkward silence stretched.
“Patience looks lovely in blue,” she blurted.
Everyone looked at Patience’s dress, which was white with a pink sash.
“Blue is a pleasing color,” Chance responded politely. “You are all blessed with stunning blue eyes, I must say. A family trait it seems. They remind me of the bright blue of the sky in summer when not a cloud dare touch it.”
Lady Wickenham and Patience gushed over his words. Obedience stood still as a scarecrow, her cheeks flushed with pleasure. She took another sip of her sherry to hide it.
Gable entered and announced that dinner was ready. Obedience heard the duke mumble “thank God” and hid a smile. Chance took the duty of pushing his father’s chair, leaving the women to follow. They entered the dining room and took seats at a round table. Obedience could tell her mother was surprised by the informality. Lady Wickenham sat beside the duke, Obedience on his other side, with Chance sitting between Obedience and Patience. The footmen entered to serve them. There was silence while the plates were filled.
Her mother was the first to break the silence, asking Chance about events in London. Obedience looked down at her plate with longing. Everything looked delicious, the duck moist and steaming, the potatoes soft and dripping with sauce. Looking up to see her mother’s attention focused on Chance, she took a few quick bites. Looking up again, she caught her mother’s freezing glare before it melted and returned to Chance. Obedience sighed and set her fork down softly.
“Is it not to your liking?” The duke’s voice halted all conversation, and all eyes turned to her.
“It’s delicious, sir,” Obedience responded shyly.
