“Well,” Aubrey said in a hushed voice, leaning closer to Sera. “It’s well known that he has been traveling the continent for the last several years. But what isn’t known is why he left in the first place. Several years back, he was one of the most sought after bachelors. Not only did his black hair and green eyes cause women to swoon at the sight of him, but he had a very respectable fortune.”
“Had wealth? You mean he doesn’t anymore?” Sera asked, confusion tingeing her voice.
Aubrey’s mouth fell open. “You mean you don’t know?”
“Know what?”
“His money is gone.”
“All of it?” Sera asked, shocked by the information.
Aubrey nodded. “Yes. In the last few years his father squandered almost everything they had.”
“How is that even possible? With such a fortune I would think it would be difficult to spend it all in a few years.”
“He gambled it away. Some of the gentlemen’s clubs have very high limits, and after several bad bets, it was easy to lose it all.”
“Who would do such a thing?”
Aubrey just shook her head as they sat there in silence, contemplating Sera’s future.
“I know how you feel about love, but are you considering buying a marriage now?”
Sera sighed. “I know that the chances of a good match based on love are now non-existent. I just can’t reconcile myself to that kind of life. I want a family of my own, but I’m torn over if having children to love will be worth having them with a man I don’t love.”
Aubrey squeezed her hand sympathetically before letting go.
“It’s not right. One vicious lie and my life is ruined. I’m sure Lord Devericks will suffer little over this scandal. Men always seem to suffer much less of the repercussions.” She shrugged. “But I know life isn’t fair.”
“I’m so sorry. I wish there were something that could be done to save you from this. I can’t bear to see you hurt,” Aubrey said, a honeyed curl coming loose from her coiffure as she leaned in to hug Sera.
“I know. I do too.” Resigned, Sera stood and walked over to her writing desk. She gathered two sheets of foolscap, a quill, and ink before returning to her seat. “We might as well make a list of eligible fortune hunters.” She paused a moment before they both started laughing. “I know this isn’t a time to laugh, but I can’t help myself. ‘Eligible fortune hunters,’ as if they were desirable.”
“It’s ok. We’ll get through this. Just because we make the list doesn’t mean you need to act upon it.”
Sera nodded a bit numbly. “You’re right. So, where to begin?”
“Lord Nimbly?”
“No.” Sera said, shaking her head firmly. “Not only is he a fortune hunter but he is a rakehell. He would never be faithful to me.”
Aubrey was quiet for a moment.
“I know, I may be expecting too much from a loveless marriage but I won’t have my husband with other women. He is getting my money and in return I will ask for his fidelity.”
“All right. Let’s see… how about Lord Fosterson?”
“He’s a bit on the older side, but that isn’t something I can be picky about,” Sera conceded.
“Perhaps that might be a good thing. You might become a wealthy widow sooner than you expect.”
Forcing a smile, Sera appreciated her friend’s attempt to raise her spirits. “One could only hope.” Writing down Lord Fosterson’s name, she said, “I think Lord Stanton should be included. Not only would his children be beautiful, he seems rather gentlemanly.”
“Agreed. He would be an excellent choice,” Aubrey said, hesitating before she continued. “Have you considered Lord Devericks?”
Sera’s quill paused halfway through writing Lord Stanton’s name. “Actually, no. I hadn’t really thought about it.”
“Any particular reason?”
Sera set the quill down. “No. I guess I didn’t think of it because we have never met. I do not know his character, and if I must tie myself to someone I don’t love, I want to know that he is someone I could at least like and respect.”
“You might want to consider him.”
“Why?”
“Well…” Aubrey trailed off, looking slightly uncomfortable.
“Oh, I see. You think that if I married him the scandal would be lessened. That my reputation would be restored.”
Aubrey nodded. “Yes. There have been many situations where this has happened and the results were much less lasting. Remember Lady Tewelton? She was compromised by Lord Hendricks, but once their engagement was announced, the gossip stopped.”
“You’re right. I should at least consider him. Perhaps there will be a way for me to meet him.” She paused, weighing the odds. “On second thought, probably not. I can’t imagine he would be too happy to see me since we’re involved in a scandal. If I were him, I wouldn’t want to see me either.”
“You never know. He is probably looking for an heiress.”
“True. It is something to consider.” She nodded, writing his name on the list.
“Sorry to interrupt, my lady, but this just came for you,” Westly said, bringing her a sealed letter.
“Thank you.” Sera accepted the letter with a nod of gratitude.
“Who’s it from?” Aubrey asked after Westly had left the room.
Breaking the seal, Sera glanced to the signature at the bottom of the page.“Lord Devericks,” she said in surprise.
“What does he have to say?” Aubrey leaned forward.
Scanning through the letter twice, she glanced up at Aubrey, who looked like she was about to rip the note out of her hand. “He has the same idea. He has made an offer of marriage and proposes that we spread the word that I accepted his proposal last night at the ball. Would you like me to read it to you?”
“Yes!” Aubrey pounced at the opportunity.
Clearing her throat, Sera read the letter aloud:
Dear Lady Sera,
I have recently been informed about the gossip surrounding us. To start off, I am deeply sorry for the rumor and any repercussions you may be facing because of it. If it were possible, I would find a way to stop these events from happening, but unfortunately, there isn’t much to be done.
I realize that my letter to you is rather unconventional, but I find that we are facing an unconventional situation. To spare you any more unwanted grief, I chose to write you concerning my proposition instead of paying you a visit.
While the damage to your reputation has already been done, I would like to extend an offer of marriage to you. If accepted quickly, your reputation could be repaired. I suggest that we tell others that you were accepting my proposal at Lady Berkley’s last night, and what was seen as a compromising situation was in fact, an engaged couple rejoicing in their love and future together. I realize this may be difficult as we have never met, but I feel confident that we can accomplish this task.
If you decide to accept my proposal, I can speak with your father directly and ask for your hand in marriage.
In time, I hope that we can form a friendship and find contentment from these unfortunate circumstances.
I look forward to hearing your reply.
Sincerely,
Quinton Devericks
“I must say I’m impressed by his sensitivity. Most men wouldn’t have cared how you felt. What do you think?” Aubrey asked.
Sera thought about it a moment. “It’s a good plan. No one would hold the impropriety against us if they thought we were engaged at the time.”
Aubrey nodded in agreement. “There would hardly be a scandal anymore. You would be able to return to society immediately and enjoy the season.”
“Yes. I just don’t know. I hate that I have to make this decision now. There isn’t even a day to think over a choice that will affect the rest of my life.”
Reaching out, Aubrey took Sera’s hand again. “I know. It’s difficult. No one should have to make this choice. And it is only yours to m
ake. Whatever you choose, I will stand by you.”
“I know. Your friendship has meant more to me than anything else. I just wish I knew more about him before deciding whether or not I should marry him. What if he is like his father and squanders all of my money?”
“I don’t think he is.” Aubrey shook her head. “I’ve heard he has settled with most of his father’s creditors and has dealt fairly with them.”
“Well, at least it shows he has honor.” And honor was a quality she held in high esteem.
“Yes. Try to remember, he was the biggest catch a few years ago, there must be a reason for that besides his fortune.”
Sera nodded. “I need a bit of time to think this over.”
“Of course. I’ll leave you to make your decision.”
Both standing, Sera reached out to hug Aubrey. “Thank you so much for coming.”
“You know you can always count on me. Send me word when you make a decision.”
“I will.”
Sera slumped into her chair once Aubrey left. She knew it was the wisest choice to agree to this marriage with Lord Devericks. No scandal would be attached to her name, and her children would never have to face the taint of having a loose woman as their mother.
At least he was honorable. That was something in his favor. He had done what was necessary to settle his father’s debts.
But why had he been on the continent so long? Had something happened to cause him to leave and for his father to gamble their fortune away? It seemed too coincidental that both things had happened around the same time.
Aubrey had said that women found him very attractive. It wouldn’t hurt to have a handsome husband to look at for the rest of her life. Her children would certainly thank her for securing their good looks.
Resting her head on her hands, she wanted to cry. She was basing this momentous decision on that fact that he was handsome and honorable in one instance. Hardly enough information to give her hope about their future together.
But was there any other choice? If she wanted marriage, she needed to decide on a fortune hunter now. And what better choice than the man who had supposedly ruined her?
Honestly, she should be grateful to him. She hadn’t expected him to offer for her.
This was her chance. He was titled and she had money. She would be able to keep her friends and have children.
But would it be enough? Would she truly be satisfied in a marriage without love?
She didn’t seem to have a choice. She would have to marry Lord Devericks and hope that she found contentment.
Standing up, she walked out the door to tell her father of her choice. She just wished it felt like happy news instead of a death sentence. In a way, it was. Her dreams had died.
Two days later, their engagement was set in the eyes of the ton. There had been many moments during the announcement of her engagement that she had worried about her decision, but there was no going back now. A broken engagement, especially after her previous scandal, would be even worse than before.
No. She would marry Lord Devericks.
Her father had been pleased with the arrangement. At least as pleased as he could be considering her fiancé was not the Duke of Wathersby, and that she would not be a duchess.
While no one besides Aubrey had come to visit her the previous day, they flooded her doorstep en-masse once her engagement was announced. Not that she received any of them. She just couldn’t face the smiles and congratulations yet.
She hadn’t even met her fiancé for heaven’s sake! When he had arrived to speak with her father, she had been ushered out on a last minute shopping excursion.
Tonight was the first time they would meet each other, but since it was at a public affair, there was no room for awkwardness or their plans would be ruined.
“Ready for this?” Aubrey asked, walking into Sera’s receiving room.
Sera nodded, smoothing the shimmering ivory silk of her ball gown. She was grateful Aubrey had offered to arrive with her at the ball. All eyes would be on her tonight, and she was happy to have someone at her side through it all. “You look wonderful,” Sera said, admiring how the rose silk of Aubrey’s gown made her skin look flawless.
“Thank you.” Aubrey reached up to her hair, touching a pink rosebud that secured her coiffure. Her friend shined, and Sera hoped that she would catch the eye of one of the gentlemen tonight.
“Well, let’s get on with it. The sooner we’re off, the sooner it will be over.”
“Don’t worry, after tonight everyone will have something else to talk about.”
Sera donned her matching pelisse, smoothing the material once again. “I know. I just don’t like it. I hate that I have to pretend to love someone I’ve never even met.”
“I know.” Aubrey nodded sympathetically. “You can do this though.”
Her father was waiting for them in the carriage. Once they were all settled, they began the short journey to the ball. They were arriving fashionably late so that everyone would be in attendance for their performance.
“It will be all right,” her father tried to reassure her.
Sera nodded numbly, trying to make her father feel better, but she knew it wouldn’t be all right. How could it be? She would be making a mockery of love and marriage, and there was no hope of ever having those things now. “Let’s go.”
Ascending the steps, Sera let out a pent up breath.
“Lord Winters, Duke of Dorchester, Lady Sera, and Lady Aubrey,” the announcer called out to the packed ballroom.
Like a wave cresting over the room, their voices were extinguished one by one. Holding her head up high, she walked slowly in the room. A serene smile on her face, almost as if she hadn’t a clue that she was the center of attention.
Please let this end soon, she thought, scanning the crowd.
But it was only just the beginning.
CHAPTER 3
Hearing his fiancée announced, Quinton turned toward the door like everyone else to watch the Duke of Dorchester and his daughter walk into the room. He remembered Lord Winters from their meeting the previous day, but he didn’t recognize Lady Sera.
Wrapped in a pink gown with matching roses in her dirty-blond hair, his soon to be bride was announced directly after her father. While not exceptionally beautiful, she did have several features that he considered pleasing. His sigh of relief was immediate. He hadn’t thought to inquire about the woman’s looks until after the bargain had been struck. The dread he had been feeling, not knowing if he would be able to bed the woman, had loosened in his gut.
Marrying her wouldn’t be nearly as bad as he had feared.
The moment his fiancée moved out of the way, her friend, Lady Aubrey, walked in after, glowing in a shimmery ivory dress. His breath stolen, all he could do was stare at her. This was Lady Aubrey?
She had to be the most beautiful woman he had ever set eyes on. Her hair couldn’t have been described as blond; it was more a silvery gold that captured the candlelight. She was slim, with curves in all the right places, forcing any man to see her as the woman she was. He could probably wrap his hands around her entire waist.
This woman would be visiting his wife in his home once they were married. He would always be in close proximity, always tempted by her beauty, but never able to act upon it.
He cursed. What had he done so completely wrong in his life that he would be tortured so acutely? There would never be anyway to have her. She was the best friend of his soon-to-be bride.
Why couldn’t he have met her sooner? Why did he have to see her now when there was nothing he could do to have her?
“Beautiful isn’t she?” Lord Harold said, coming up beside him.
“Breathtaking,” he replied, looking at his fiancée’s friend. “Are you ready to play your part in this farce?”
Harold nodded, watching the two women. “Don’t worry, Quinton. I’ll make sure she knows who you are. No one will realize I’m introducing you.” His blue eyes twinkled wi
th mischief.
Quinton rolled his eyes. Only Harold would make light of such a situation. Of course, he wasn’t the one marrying a stranger.
He tried watching his fiancée, but his eyes kept trailing back to the beauty in ivory. He had to get ahold of himself. It wasn’t going to do anyone any good if he kept up this infatuation with Lady Sera’s best friend.
The noise level in the room had risen once again after Lord Winters broke off from the women. “It’s time,” Quinton said.
Harold nodded, walking toward the two women. It only took a moment for the noise level to drop again. The room seemed to strain toward the small group, stretching to hear any tidbit of conversation.
Harold bowed toward the women. “My ladies, we feared you would not be able to join us this evening. Lord Devericks has been pining to see you Lady Sera.”
Quinton barely heard his friend as he watched the two women jerk in surprise. Both sets of eyes, his fiancée’s, a pretty speckled green, and her friend’s, a deep blue, the hue of the deepest lake, looked toward him in surprise before the emotion was quickly masked.
“I am glad to find that you are both looking well this evening. I hope that I will be able to secure a dance with each of you,” Quinton said, charm flowing naturally from his voice.
He could tell they were both pleased by his offer. It was expected that he would dance with his fiancée, especially to cement their relationship in the eyes of society, but it went far and beyond the call of duty to pay attention to her friend as well.
He extended his arm to the lady in the rose gown and asked, “Will you do me the honor?”
There was a gasp behind him and the two women looked a bit stunned as if they weren’t sure what they should do. Finally, the lady nodded, accepting his arm.
Walking to the floor, they lined up for the dance.
“What are you doing?” she hissed.
Quinton was a bit confused. “I’m dancing with you. It seemed appropriate,” he whispered, making sure only she heard his words.
She shook her head. “You are supposed to be dancing with Lady Sera, not me. Everyone was expecting you to ask her first.”
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