Sarah, her expression grave, bit her lip once more, a silent plea for understanding in her eyes. "I mean no harm. You know I’m not one to judge lightly. But have you truly not heard the whispers that trail behind him?"
Jane shook her head, her curiosity piqued, awaiting further revelation. With a heavy sigh, Sarah hesitated briefly before taking a deep breath and beginning to unravel all she’d heard.
"Colin is not the man you believe him to be, sister. The tales speak of cruelty and violence that shadow his every step. He’s been known to lash out on one too many occasions."
Jane's breath caught in her throat, her sister's words painting a chilling portrait of the man she was betrothed to.
"They say he carries the weight of a monster from his days of war, a darkness that haunts him still.” As she delved deeper into the grim details, Sarah’s voice, though steady, revealed her fears.
“You have heard of how some men fall into madness after the war. I fear your husband is likely to do the same. I cannot bear to let you get tied to such a man for life.”
Jane listened in stunned silence, her world tilting on its axis as this new reality of her impending union unraveled before her.
Despite the ominous tales that surrounded him, Jane found herself reflecting on her own experiences with him; she'd seen him as the intimating and commanding man that he was. In a moment of introspection, she realized that the rumors weren't far from the truth, however, she had always felt a sense of security in the man’s presence, a feeling that had eluded her with quite a lot of men.
In a hushed tone, she finally broke the heavy silence, her voice tinged with uncertainty, "And you are absolutely certain about what you've shared with me?"
Sarah's gaze held firm, her conviction unwavering as she affirmed, "Yes, I am certain. These rumors have spread far and wide. I am quite surprised you do not know of them as a matter of fact."
Jane responded with a thoughtful hum, her mind grappling with the stark contrast between the perceptions of others and her own experiences.
As she mulled over her sister’s words, she couldn't help but mull over how perceptions could be deceiving. Sarah's previous misjudgment of the Marquess echoed in her thoughts, leading her to question the validity of this societal gossip.
With a furrowed brow, she contemplated the complexity of human nature, realizing that the truth often lay beyond the veil of hearsay and speculation.
In that moment of quiet resolve, her eyes met Sarah's, a glimmer of determination shining through her gaze. With a gentle smile, she reassured her.
"Do not fret, dear sister. Though my time with Colin has been brief, my heart finds solace in his presence. I trust him, and my path is clear.” She laughed, “After all, I would choose him over Graham without hesitation. This is settled."
Sarah seemed surprised, and for a moment, she seemed about to protest. Finally, her expression softened, her skepticism giving way to slow understanding as she nodded in acceptance.
"I may harbor doubts, but your conviction speaks volumes. I shall stand by you, sister, supporting your choice with unwavering loyalty. No matter what the ton might say."
Jane's heart melted at these words, and the sisters exchanged warm smiles of appreciation and encouragement.
"I expect that you two would be done with the arrangements by now."
As their father’s stern voice filled the room, a tension gripped both sisters, prompting them to sit up with a new found alertness. His gaze bore into them, brimming with impatience as he eyed them.
Without pause, Henry directed his attention to Jane, his tone filled with reproach, "Remember, the Duke's trust in you to oversee such a grand event is a significant honor.”
He scoffed before adding, “Quite an important event like this isn’t one I’d ever have expected you to handle, yet here we are. Now, you must do your best."
Jane felt a surge of irritation at his words, but Sarah's reassuring touch served as a grounding force, offering silent support, keeping her from snapping in the face of his pointed remarks.
She drew a steadying breath, choosing to deflect his criticisms with grace. "I understand, Father.”
As he continued to speak relentlessly, Jane felt the weight of his expectations pressing down upon her.
"You must prove yourself at all costs," He declared, his voice a stern reminder of the burden she carried. "Do not bring disgrace upon our family with any misstep in this crucial task."
The heavy silence that followed his admonition hung thick in the room, suffocating any semblance of ease. His gaze then shifted to Sarah, his eyes piercing as he delivered his next decree.
"And now you are the only one left unmarried and still a disappointment, eldest daughter," He pronounced, the weight of his words heavy with his ever standing belief in tradition. "Iwonder if there is any I could convince to take you despite your shortcomings."
Jane's jaw clenched, a mixture of defiance and resignation warring within her as she absorbed his distasteful words.
However, Sarah, ever the embodiment of grace under pressure, met his gaze with a calm resolve that belied the storm brewing beneath the surface.
