Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 116547 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 583(@200wpm)___ 466(@250wpm)___ 388(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116547 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 583(@200wpm)___ 466(@250wpm)___ 388(@300wpm)
“I am sorry. That was impolite of me,” she replied. For the first time, her whole body shrank back.
Rising, I moved to sit on the bench at the end of the bed, closer to her. “You are forgiven. Now, what is it you wish to plot?”
Immediately, she brightened, and I could see I would like her, as she so clearly wore her expressions and feelings for all to see.
“I have already spoken to my mama, and we will be going to every remaining event of the season, where you and I shall enchant the last two dukes left in town.”
That was far too simple to be called a plot.
“How will we do that?”
“With our female charms.”
She could not be serious. “Is that not what all young ladies do? What charms do we have that they do not?”
“Reputable family, title, wit, and beauty. The two of us together will surely gather attention, and many will also come to congratulate and inquire about the union of our siblings. I expect no less than an unyielding two weeks of everyone’s full attention should we play our parts correctly. Along with my mother’s efforts, that will leave us the toast of the ton.”
“You do not think yourself a bit naïve in your efforts?”
“Not at all.”
Such confidence…From where did all of their family find it? Feeling the need to tease her, I asked, “Are you not worried my beauty will outshine yours?”
“You’re not half as pretty as Aphrodite. If I can withstand her, you are not of any concern. But thankfully, you are still above measure and, thus, will not hinder me either.”
Was that an insult? I felt as though I had to keep a sword in one hand and a shield in the other just to endure a conversation with her. But it was much more engaging speaking to her than to the other ladies I had met. She was at the very least upfront with her thoughts and feelings. “Hathor, while this has been all very entertaining, I should tell you honestly that I have no desire to wed anyone, least of all a duke. I came to London for my brother’s sake, and now—”
“And now, what? You shall languish in pretty gowns at the estates of others all your days?” she asked, eyebrow raised. “What do you desire if it is not to be wed?”
I did not know. “Surely ladies such as ourselves can aspire to something else.”
“What is else? Your brother’s life has been set, Verity. You must now see to yours. And there is no greater priority than securing a husband. Aphrodite, in a sense, is now all but the ruler of Everely, and while it will forever be your home, it is not your place. When you return, I doubt it will be the same as you left it. Which is why you must make a home for yourself.” She looked upon me, baffled. “Have you truly put no thought into the trajectory of your life?”
“I have!” I sought to defend myself. I was quite unprepared for this but I would not back down. “Are you aware of what marriage truly is?”
She frowned, not understanding. “A union between two people—”
“No. It is a contract between a man and his property. We are the property. And I simply do not wish to be married off to some nobleman solely interested in me for my dowry and family connections.”
“Very well, then marry a nobleman for love.” She said it as though it were the simplest thing in the world.
I soured at her, now slightly annoyed. “You might not know this, given your family’s abundant success in this matter, but love matches are rare for ladies like us, Hathor. How could they not be? We are presented to society and then over the course of a few introductions, balls, and walks are meant to trust we shall be loved? Noblemen will say anything to secure what they wish.”
“And how do you know this? How many men have you known to make you such an expert?”
My hands tensed. Perhaps I did not, I did not know many men, but I had seen much of their ways through my father. “I merely mean that marriage can often be dangerous to women and you ought not see it as some fairy tale.”
“Your view of men is rather villainous.” She frowned as she looked me over. “But your view of me is rather unpleasant.”
This may have been why other ladies disliked me, so I quickly added, “I do not mean to offend you—”
“You have not,” she said calmly, which was rather perplexing coming from her. “I do not believe you are altogether wrong, Verity. I am not ignorant of the many women who have suffered in some way. However, my mama has always told me a good marriage is the greatest of all blessings. And I believe her, as she has proven it by example.”