Page 39 of From Unwanted to Duchess
Frances shook her head. She hadn’t taken James for the violent sort. After all, he hadn’t joined in the ruckus after their night at the theatre, but had been more determined to get away from there.
“Has he a temper, then?” she asked.
Marianne shrugged. “Not more or less than most other men. His father used to say that he didn’t have the temperament to be a duke, but I think he does. Most dukes I know are very reserved, and James is the most reserved of them all.”
Frances would’ve laughed if it hadn’t sounded so strange. “Yes, indeed, he is very reserved. I suppose this is why he never married.”
“No, it is because of the incident with his brother and the duel,” Marianne said. “He has been determined to never fall in love because of it. He thinks his brother was killed because he was foolish and in love, fighting for the love of a woman who didn’t want him.”
Frances rolled her eyes. “Well, that is foolish. Just because his brother chose an unsuitable lady doesn’t mean that every woman would be like that.”
“Yes.” Marianne nodded. “I have told him that, as have Charlotte, Evelyn, and Aunt Eugenia. He will not listen. In fact, I think this is the perfect arrangement for him. A loveless marriage, based on practicality, that will give both of you what you desire. Him, a wife he can show off to Somerset Trust, and you, the freedom you want. Although, as I said, I noticed some interest in his interactions with you.”
“Marianne…” Frances rubbed her forehead. “You confuse me. One moment, you tell me that he has sworn never to love and never to marry because he thinks love is foolish; the next, you tell me that you think there is something between us.”
“Well,” Marianne raised her hands, “I am only telling you the facts as I know them, and I’m telling you how I feel. They do not need to be the same. But tell me the truth—is there no part of you that feels attracted to him?”
Frances felt her cheeks flush, and she looked away.
Marianne laughed. “The answer is written all over your face. You do like him.”
“Not enough to marry him,” Frances countered. “In any case, if I agree to this, it will only be for practical reasons, as you said. For the financial benefit and the freedom. Nothing more. I am not such a green girl as to believe in fairytales.”
“That is often how marriage starts,” Marianne said, and finished her tea. “Anyhow, when do you have to give him your answer?”
“Three and a half hours from now.”
In fact, Frances had glanced at the clock every now and then, for the hour would be upon them soon.
She knew that James was already here, sitting in the upstairs drawing room with her aunt.Of course, Aunt Eugenia had been informed of his proposal and had strongly nudged her into agreeing.
And while she sat there, staring at the tea that had long since grown cold, Frances already knew the answer. In fact, part of her had known the answer the moment James had explained himself.
She knew what he wanted and needed, but she knew what she needed too. It was just bringing herself to accept that this would be her life that took her some time.
But as Marianne left, and the minutes ticked by, she knew what she had to do: she had to accept. There was no other choice.
