“Unkind of me to say, but the truth is not always kind.”
“I fear he will attempt to cause further trouble, once he hears of
Kenneth’s intentions. And he has been trying to get into Sophia’s good graces.”
Her father unbuttoned his tailcoat’s bottom button to release
some of his substantial stomach.
“The sooner he is gone, the better. To think your sister, who is so
level-headed usually, has fallen in with two such unsavory characters.” They pondered this for a moment and then her father winked at her.
“Well, I suppose I ought to find Lord Rotham and have a word with
him before we speak to His Grace. And you, my dear, ought to get ready for dinner.”
Her stomach spun at the thought of it. What would dinner be like?
Sophia was so outraged that her sitting across from her would be awful. The Duchess and Lord Cragshade would surely be upset and so might the Duke.
Ruth shuddered as she stepped to the armoire. She would have to
select a gown that would make her feel comfortable and confident. Both, she was sure, would be badly needed.
* * *
Two hours later, Ruth exited her chamber in a striking Pomona green gown. It was cut in an empire style. Golden satin ran under her chest and shimmering golden tulle gave the gown sparkle and brought out Ruth’s eyes. The bottom third of the dress was embroidered with flowers and star shapes, something she was sure took the seamstress days to complete. It swished as she walked.
“What a sight.” Her blood froze in her veins when she heard the Duchess’ voice behind her. She turned and saw the woman before her, dressed in one of her elegant round dresses, a fine silk shawl draped around her shoulders. Her eyes were wide as she approached.
“I see you are dressed as though you expect to be my successor. Well, rest assured, you shan’t be. Not if I have anything to do with it.”
“Your Grace, I am sorry to have caused you distress, I…”
The woman raised a hand, shaking her index finger in front of Ruth’s face.
“Do not dare speak to me, as I am indeed in distress. I will not have you bask in your false belief of success because of my husband’s foolishness in giving in to your father and Kenneth.”
“Your Grace, I do not bask in anything. I do not even know what my father and your husband discussed.”
The lady sneered at her. “Well, it seems my husband is willing to see past your inferiority and defect to please Kenneth. My son, it seems, has suffered some sort of mental injury. He wishes to take you for a wife instead of your sister. He will not. Hear my words, Lady Ruth. He will not. Sophia is the only one I am willing to accept.”
Ruth did not know what to feel. It seemed Kenneth had succeeded in arranging a formal courtship for them, an event that filled her with joy. And yet, she could not express it as the lady that stood before her so strongly opposed the union.
“Your Grace, I assure you I came here assuming the same, that it would be my sister. However, it was not meant to be, and I will promise you this, I care for your son. If I am fortunate enough to become his wife…”
“No creature as hideous as you will sully my home, nor take my title. You will not be his wife, for this is not the end. Mark my words.”
At last, the Duchess turned away, strutting down the hall and around the corner, leaving Ruth shaking where she stood.
She was about to continue down the hall when she noticed the door to Lord Cragshade’s chamber stood open, and the man was peeking at her from the doorway. The two stared at one another but neither spoke. She had nothing to say to him.
Ruth carried on toward the staircase. Gingerly, she stepped onto it, her gown’s train making it more difficult than usual to take the stairs without stepping on it.
The Duchess’ words rung in her mind, as did those of Sophia and Lord Cragshade. Theirs were painful words and yet she understood they were just that. Words. Words of people who could not be happy for her and Kenneth because of their plans and ideals.
Perhaps with time, Sophia would forgive her. Perhaps the Duchess could accept her. As for Lord Cragshade –