Her tone carried a steely resolve, “Well, I refuse to be shackled to a man I do not care for, what sort of life would that be?” She scoffed. “I have met the man. He is… He is…” She sputtered as she tried to find the right words to express her distaste.
“A callous, self-loving deviant! I spent time with him as you asked, and I assure you, you do not want such a man as an in-law, dear father.”
“Foolish girl,” he cussed impatiently. “What would you know of how to properly judge character, you infuriating child?” Henry’s tone was pitched in anger at this point.
“I know enough to be able to tell when a man’s look is inappropriate!” She countered immediately. “I am not his wife yet! It tells a lot on his morals to stare at me so brazenly.”
Henry lifted a brow and threw his head to the side as he scoffed. Jane kept her fiery gaze on him. She could see the wheels turningin his head. He knew she was right. But his pride and pre-conceived notions would not allow him give in.
Just as she was about to speak up again, giving him no space to relax, Sarah’s soft voice echoed across the silent table.
"Father is right, Jane," Her sister chimed in, her tone carrying a hint of persuasion as she sided with their father's wishes. "The Marquess is a highly sought-after match, both in status and character. You should consider the opportunity he presents."
Jane's lips curled in a mixture of defiance and amusement at her sister's attempt to sway her. "Then let him be sought after by those who desire him, Sarah. I will not be coerced into a union with such a character as he is."
Their father's patience wore thin as he interjected, his tone laced with authority. "Jane, why are you ever the problematic child? Now, what is the root of your defiance? Do you not see the advantages this match could bring to our family?"
“Father, I have stated my reasons-”
“All nonsense! Your reasons are of no matter compared to the bigger picture! Youwilldo as I say!”
As his bellow echoed the room, a stubborn silence settled over Jane as she avoided his gaze, her resolve unyielding despite the pressure mounting against her.
From the corner of her eye, she saw the viscount massage his temples before finally continuing with a softer tone, "I will be expecting you to make an effort to cultivate a relationship with Graham.”
His voice boomed through the room, his words heavy with authority, "He is a man of great standing in society, not just with wealth and status, but with connections that would benefit our family. The Marquess is respected amongst the ton; his name carries weight."
As her father carried on extolling Graham's virtues, listing his accomplishments and societal worth, Jane's gaze drifted, her interest waning with each word spoken.
"While I appreciate the Marquess’ merits, but my heart cannot be swayed by such materials alone," Her tone, though softer, still carried on her steely resolve.
Her father's expression hardened at her defiance, his features a mask of disappointment and frustration. "You will do well to consider the practicalities of our situation. Graham is an ideal match in every sense; his alliance would secure our family's future and elevate our standing in society. You are being selfish, child."
Ever the obedient sister, Sarah stood by their father's side, her eyes pleading, a portrait of compliance as she chimed in again, "Sister, please consider Father's wishes. The Marquess’ proposal is indeed an honor we cannot dismiss lightly,"
Jane turned to her sister, a flicker of disappointment crossing her features. "Dear sister, do you not see that this decision should not be made out of obligation but out of genuine affection? Marriage should not be commanded; it must be freely given."
The viscount’s tone grew more insistent as he growled and interjected, "Jane, you shall put aside your romantic notions and think practically. The Marquess is a suitable match in every aspect of your reality.”
He paused and his face returned to his food dismissively. “We shall speak of this no longer. I shall not find myself enraged on such a fine day as this. You will listen to me, young woman. And that is final.”
Jane watched him stuff his face in annoyance and contemplated if it was worth speaking again and awakening the lion. She wanted to argue terribly, however, and her anger tethered on the edge of an explosion.
Aware of the delicate situation, Sarah finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper as she leaned in, "Jane, perhaps if you reason with Father at a better time, he will understand your perspective. Still, we must consider the greater good of our family."
Jane shifted eyes filled with betrayal to her elder sister. However, before she could respond, the patter of familiar feet drew their attentions.
The atmosphere in the room shifted abruptly as the butler's voice cut through the air like a sharp blade, "Announcing the esteemed presence of the Duke of Montford, my lord."
Sarah and Jane's heads snapped back to each other immediately, their expressions mirroring a mix of astonishment and intrigue, questioning the purpose behind the Duke's unexpected visit.
A powerful person like the Duke had no reason to come to see lower ranking nobles like them. They were neither family nor friends.
“TheDuke?” Their father sprang from his seat with a sense of anticipation, his voice steady but laced with curiosity, "Pray tell, did the Duke convey the nature of his visit, Jenkins?"
The butler shook his head and responded in his usual composed manner, "The Duke merely requested an audience with you, my lord, without divulging further details."
The room buzzed with a palpable tension as the mystery surrounding the man’s visit hung thick in the air. The girls exchanged another meaningful glance, their minds racing with questions and possibilities.
