Page 68 of Once Upon a Devilish Duke

“Oh,” Marianne blushed. “That is his name, short for Phineas.”

“I see his parents were inventive with his name too. Makes me wonder what his parents’ names are.”

Marianne laughed. “I’m not sure I want to know.”

“So, shall we talk dresses?” Rose asked.

“I was thinking something bold, like green or blue. I am so sick of pastels.”

“All I have are pastels. I do have a lovely silver gown that sparkles under the candlelight. I have yet to wear it.”

“Oh yes, you must. With your golden hair, blue eyes, and a silver dress, you will be the envy of everyone. A true English rose.”

She had never considered herself anything other than ordinary. Too tall and lanky to be considered a catch. “Plenty of women have blonde hair. I am not unusual.”

“You doubt your beauty? Not all women wear silver gowns,” said Marianne. “You should wear your pearls in your hair, as I believe there are some on your gown as well.”

“Good idea. I will make sure Elsie gets them ready.”

Marianne’s face turned pensive. “Will you do me a favor?”

“Of course.”

“Will you sit next to Edward? I will be sitting with Phin, but I know Mother is still mad at Edward as well.”

“If I must,” she joked. She really didn’t mind sitting next to him and actually felt bad that his family wanted to distance themselves from him. If only they had known how deeply he felt their reproof.

“It seems you are the only one he is talking to at the moment.”

“If you count good morning and good night.” She joked even though it was far from the truth.

“Oh, I thought I heard you both talking in his office yesterday.”

What exactly had she heard? Alarm rose, but then she remembered that they had talked about Mr. Barlow. “Yes, it was about the solicitor’s visit. They have threatened my brother with something. The duke seemed sure that it would do the job, but my brother is stubborn. I cannot see him giving up so easily. Especially if he is in debt.”

“Well, you know Edward. He will terrify your brother into submission whether he likes it or not.”

“Your brother has been very kind to help me. Lord Anthony as well. I do not know what I would have done without them. The duke’s solicitor sounds like a man who knows the law and is cautiously optimistic about the outcome.”

“Do not worry. Your brother does not stand a chance against the mighty Duke of Warrington.” Marianne’s tone was sarcastic.

“I wish it did not have to be this way.” And she did. It was one thing for her brother to ruin her father’s legacy, but then to try to ruin her out of spite and greed was quite another. She and her brother rarely got on once they were older, but as younger children they had been each other’s playmates. It was after he went to Eton that he began to change. As the years went by, he only got worse. She grieved for the childhood brother and the horrible person who had replaced him.

*

“The opera, my dear, is the place to be seen,” the dowager said to Rose as they ascended the stairs behind Lord Dunstan and Marianne.

Edward had been quiet in the carriage, which was not unusual for him, but he had also holed himself up in his study all day. She had not even seen him at breakfast. Was he avoiding her or everyone? She was surprised he was there at all, considering the falling out he’d had with his mother and sister.

“Have you heard about this opera, Your Grace?” she asked.

He looked shocked that she had spoken. “A little in the papers.”

“I have hardly seen you in these last two days. Is everything all right?”

“Of course. I have been busy.”

“Come now, you are always busy, but you almost always come down to breakfast.”