Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 116547 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 583(@200wpm)___ 466(@250wpm)___ 388(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116547 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 583(@200wpm)___ 466(@250wpm)___ 388(@300wpm)
“Who are you calling cow-handed?” Hathor’s head poked out from over the rails, looking down at us.
“It seems you both desire nothing more than to cut up my peace, so shall I return the favor?” the marchioness asked calmly.
“Good night, Mama!” Hathor and Abena said in unison.
As Abena rushed back up the stairs, I couldn’t help but giggle.
“Pay them both no mind. They are grieving.” She smirked, shaking her head as we reached the hall.
“Grieving? What for?”
“The loss of their sister,” the marchioness replied, opening the door to my room. “I should not say loss but the marriage of their sister. Hathor and Abena both love Aphrodite greatly and will miss her even more so. Since they cannot be sad at her marrying, they merely redirect their thoughts and energy.”
“I can imagine that being the case for Abena given her age, but Hathor?” I thought it very obvious she envied her elder sister. It was at least something I found relatable.
“Do not let Hathor’s sharp tongue and theatrics fool you. She is very much soft of heart,” she replied as she moved to close the curtains, again something I thought strange for a lady to do. “Now, on to you. This was Aphrodite’s room. The servants have already brought up most of your things. But should you need anything more, merely say it and I shall see it done.”
“Your lady—Godmother,” I corrected myself upon seeing the look on her face. “You have done more than enough for me already.”
“I have barely even scratched the surface, my dear,” she stated, frowning and leading me to the bench before the bed. “Verity…I tell you to call me Godmother, not simply because of your brother but because I am sure that is what your mother would have wanted.”
Had my mother lived long enough to declare her such, she meant. But my mother did not even live five minutes after my birth, I was told. The thought of it all made my throat ache, but I did not want to look woeful before the marchioness, so I simply nodded.
She took my hands into hers.
“You may never have known her, Verity, but trust me when I tell you that she loved you ferociously. She wished you to be brought up kindly and protected at all costs. Watching over you and your brother were the only things she desired of me, and I fear I have failed you—”
“You have not,” I replied. “You have saved me from much pain in the past. I am grateful. I am well now, and that is all that matters. You need not worry yourself over me, truly.”
“You are well. But are you happy?” she asked suddenly and I paused, one part stunned the other part concerned about what she saw in me. I did not want her to perceive me to be the same pitiful little girl she had rescued all those years ago.
I quickly fixed my lips to give her a wide smile. “Of course! My brother has gotten married! And to the woman he’s always loved, no less. Who would not be happy at such a blessed event?”
She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it once more and offered a gentle smile, placing her hand on my cheek before nodding. “I cannot wait to see whom it will be that stirs your heart as well.”
I laughed. “I wouldn’t give it much thought, Mar—Godmother.”
“Oh dear, not one of you seeks to give me respite. First Aphrodite, now you.” She sighed deeply. “Whatever do you all believe the purpose of presenting yourselves to society is for if not to secure an advantageous marriage?”
“Are you not tired of weddings, Godmother? You have had two within the year.”
“Quite the opposite in fact, I am invigorated for both you and Hathor.”
“Truly, there is no need!” I could feel my heart beginning to race at the thought.
“There is every need, my dear, every need, and I shall hear nothing more to the contrary. Now I shall leave you to rest. Sleep is a lady’s secret weapon. Good night.”
“Yes, Godmother. Good night.”
She gave my hand a tender squeeze before rising and walking to the door, taking her leave.
I fell back onto the bed, stretching out and rolling onto my side to calm the panic in me. What on earth did she have mind to do?
It was true, securing a good marriage was the reason at the very core of the season. But it was not my purpose. I came merely to aid my brother.
Whom could I marry anyway? The thought of one of those stuffy and pretentious young lords as my husband reminded me of my father in the worst way.
No. I could not live my life in such a manner again.
Glancing at a trunk across the room, I realized none would have me anyway if they knew the truth. Pushing myself off the bed, I walked over and knelt before it as I opened the lid. I had to dig to the bottom before I finally came to the small jewelry box.