“Thank you,” his mother said quietly. “For donning your best tailcoat. I appreciate you making the effort.”
“Should I have come out wearing a sack?” He replied in jest. To his surprise, she smiled.
“You know I want what is best for you. I worry. You are my only son.”
Kenneth nodded. He knew she wanted his best; it was only unfortunate that the two so rarely agreed on what that was.
The carriage arrived then and after a moment, the Duke of Twilightfare stepped out. His father greeted the man warmly and it was evident they cared for one another. The duke was an older man with a beard. Short and stout, he had a pleasant countenance.
Exiting behind him were his two daughters. Kenneth squinted to see them better, but due to their bonnet, it was impossible to see their faces. They were both tall and thin. One blonde, the other with rich chestnut-colored hair. They both walked with grace, however, he noted that the girl with the dark hair seemed somewhat reluctant. She stayed back, almost hiding behind her sister.
They filed past the servants; the blonde girl’s head turned toward them as she graced them with a smile. They came to a stop in front of the stairs and his mother made her way down the steps. Both girls curtsied before her.
“It is my pleasure to introduce Cornelius Glowbrand, the Duke of Twilightfare. Your Grace, this is my wife, Judith Cragshade, Duchess of Goldclaw. And my son, Kenneth Cragshade, Marquess of Rotham.”
His mother curtsied and the man took her hand, kissing the back of it lightly. He had a very cheerful, kind face and Kenneth found himself taking to him at once. After greeting Kenneth, he stepped aside and motioned to the two girls.
“And these, are my daughters. Lady Ruth and Lady Sophia.”
The girls stepped forward and curtsied to his mother who smiled at them both. Kenneth could at last look at their faces and found them both strikingly beautiful.
However, the moment they rose and turned from his mother to greet him, his mother let out a small gasp and took a step back as if stung. Kenneth turned and narrowed his eyes, confused by her outburst. She was always the perfect hostess, and nothing startled her. However, to his shock, he found her hands trembling as she curled them into fists to keep them still.
It wasn’t until he looked back at the young women who now stood directly in front of him that he realized just why his mother had reacted in such a strong fashion.
As he took Lady Ruth’s full visage, his mouth dropped open and a gasp escaped him.
While the right side of her face was a picture, the left was hideous. A large, red burn mark stretched across almost her entire cheek, giving her a grotesque appearance.
He felt his stomach turn at the sight. He knew he should have recovered himself and maintained his composure. But just like his mother before him, he was overcome by the shock of the terrible sight. Before he knew it, he’d stumbled back, his cane falling and landing on the steps.
Gather yourself. Gather yourself. Do not embarrass her. Do not shame your family.
It did no good. He could not contain his disgust at the sight. His stomach suddenly turned, and he pressed his lips together. Horrified at his own bad behavior he locked eyes with the young woman. The expression on her face made it clear; he’d wounded her deeply. He noted that all eyes were on him then, he was expected to say something, do something to undo the terrible situation, but he simply stood. There was nothing he could do but stare into her wounded eyes and wish that the ground would open up and swallow him whole.
Chapter 5
Ruth held his gaze. She would not look away, no matter how ashamed she felt. She’d been through these situations often enough to know not to wither away and give in. She had to stand her ground and face him, even though inside all she wanted was to hideaway.
Why does Papa insist that I accompany him and Sophia to all these places? Why can he not allow me to remain by myself at home where I am safe? At least the servants are so used to seeing my visage they no longer gasp at the sight of me.
The young man before her swallowed and steadied himself. His bottom lip trembled, and his eyes were wide. If he had not been so clearly disgusted by her appearance, she would have perhaps found him handsome. Alas, the way he looked at her removed any pleasant feature from his face.
The moment seemed to last an eternity as they stood across from one another. It wasn’t until his father stepped forward, picked up the fallen cane, and turned to them, a forced smile on his face.
“Well. I am sure you must all be terribly tired from the journey. You will find you have been given the most magnificent chambers in the manor. Perhaps after you’ve had the opportunity to refresh yourself, you’d like a tour of the manor?”
It was Sophia who spoke up, her voice even and strong.
“My sister and I would be grateful for the opportunity. However, you are correct. We are both rather tired.”
“Of course,” the Duke said and stepped aside, indicating to them to enter the grand house.
Ruth walked past the Marquess who still stood in place, his eyes on her. As she passed, his father handed him back his cane and then the young man followed them inside.
She could feel him looking at her even though she couldn’t see it. Why did she have to live through such humiliations over and over again? It was not fair. It was not right. None of this was right. And yet, none of it unexpected.
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