“I thought we agreed that I would not have to marry a woman I did not love. And you agreed Lady Ruth was ....”
“I must agree with your mother after all. I did not consider what life would be like for both of you out in society. It would be cruel to subject her to such a public display. And while I do recall telling you that love is a possibility, but not a certainty for us. It was not for me. I would much prefer if you found yourself in love with your future wife but if you do not – well. Unless you wish for Lawrence to inherit upon your death, you must wed. And if the current situation does not offer up a suitable bride, then we must engage a matchmaker to find one who does.”
Kenneth shook his head and excused himself, no longer wishing to partake in this never-ending topic. As he walked away, he could not deny the anger roiling in his stomach. They acted as though only Lady Sophia would do. As if her sister, who was equally as accomplished, far more intelligent, and just as lovely, counted for nothing. Because of a scar.
He stopped, realizing just how protective of her he felt. Just how attached he’d become to her. Yes, in his heart, Kenneth Cragshade already knew that the woman who should be his Duchess was none other than Lady Ruth. But would she agree? Could he ask this of her, knowing how much she disliked being the center of attention?
* * *
Kenneth strut across the lawn in search of Jack who’d inexplicably disappeared when at last he spotted him standing in a rather peculiar position behind a bush.
“Jack!” He called out. At once, his friend spun around and placed a finger on his lips, shaking his head. Kenneth frowned but kept his mouth closed as Jack waved him over.
“What is it?” He asked quietly.
“Listen,” Jack said, his voice just above a whisper. He pointed with his stubbly chin toward the other side of the hedge. Kenneth peeked through the leaves and to his surprise, found Lady Sophia seated beside his cousin. They were alone. That in itself was alarming, as it was highly uncouth for a young woman to keep company with a man in such a fashion. Especially when no circumstances were forcing them into such a position as had been the case with him and Lady Ruth.
Kenneth leaned forward and tilted his head so he could hear better.
“… talked about amongst the high society, indeed. I knew of your sister before I ever met her.”
“You did? But how?”
“Well, the story of the Duchess who died in a fire is well known among theton.As is the fact her daughter survived but was left disfigured. There is a nickname bestowed upon your sister that I will not repeat, as it is rather unpleasant.”
Kenneth’s nostril’s flared as he remembered the ease with which his cousin had uttered the terrible nickname to him just days ago. He had no qualms about using it then.
“That is awful,” her sister said, upset.
Lawrence sighed. “Well, yes. But such is our society. Your sister, I’m afraid is… a curiosity.”
“Lord Cragshade, please do not speak of her in such a manner!” Lady Sophia said with horror and jumped up.
Jack reached over and pushed Kenneth down behind the bush, so they were out of view. On the other side of the hedge, Lawrence rose.
“I did not mean to speak in such a rude manner, Lady Sophia. I only said what others have told me. Please, sit.”
Once they were settled back in their seats, his cousin continued speaking.
“Lady Ruth is spoken about at times, and unfortunately always as this: A walking spectacle. People wonder what she might look like, what she might be like, having gone through an ordeal as she did. She’s speculated and talked about often at balls and dinners. For a lady so rarely seen, she’s quite famous.”
For a moment, nothing was said, and Kenneth wondered what was going on. He rose a little so he could look through the leaves.
Lady Sophia was seated in such a way that he could see her profile. Her blonde hair was hidden almost entirely under a pale-pink capote, a few ringlets were allowed to fall in such a way as to frame her pale face. Her bottom lip was red where she’d bitten it and a silk shawl lay draped around her shoulders. However, what drew Kenneth’s attention more than anything was the fact that from this angle, she looked so very much like her sister, and yet, they were so different.
When Lady Sophia spoke again, it was with hesitation.
“Do they ever speak of me?”
Lawrence chuckled, the sound of it made Kenneth shiver.
“They do. They speak of the younger sister who is a true beauty but forced to be a recluse as well. I dare say if you came to London for the Season you would find yourself without a shortage of eligible bachelors. You’d be the belle of the ball, I declare!”
Beside him, Jack rolled his eyes. “What a louse. He’s only flattering her because he has a motive of some sort, I’m sure.”
“Of course, he does. He’s being incredibly attentive to her.”
Jack nodded toward the two who continued to converse, with Lady Sophia’s voice sounding as though she was full of despair.
