Billionaire Flawed 1(309)

Lady Ashmeer let out a sigh of relief at the prospect of a solution, even though she still had no idea what it entailed.

Your daughter and I shall be married. Before he could continue, Lady Ashmeer applauded. I will sacrifice any chance I have of marrying for love for the sake of everyone involved. When society realizes your daughter is betrothed to me, all the rumors will disappear, and life will return to normal again, the Duke continued.

Lord Ashmeer was not immediately as convinced as his wife. You would do that to protect everyone? Give up the chance of marrying for love, and instead marry a woman whose reputation has been tarnished? he asked, quite astonished at the Duke's sense of duty.

Indeed, Lord Ashmeer. That is my intention, and nobody will prevent me from that line of thought. Perhaps you would give me your opinion, that we may begin proceedings.

Lord Ashmeer was a little lost for words, and, for the first time, his wife spoke. My Lord, thank you for your kindness. As Alice's mother, I have been unable to sleep for days. She has disappointed me in the extreme. On behalf of my husband and I, I would like to accept your more than generous offer.

Then it is settled, Philip concluded.

Lord Ashmeer pulled the bell rope and Thomas appeared. Thomas, please would you ask Alice to come to us, at once. Thomas nodded and set about his task.

The occupants of the room looked at each other in silence as they waited for Alice. When she walked into the room, Philip stood up and bowed. She curtsied. Alice looked pale and she had black rings under her eyes. Eleanor had tried to life her spirits, but nothing had worked. She stood in front of the Duke in a somber brown dress with a closed collar.

Alice, this is the Duke of Norfolk. He is the elder brother of Reymond Edmonstone. He has come today to talk to us about a solution to the problem you have caused us. Alice looked at her feet and shuffled from one to the other. We have found a solution that is agreeable to us all. It will protect your reputation and that of Sir Edmondstone. Additionally, it will prevent the names of both families from being drawn any further into the mud. Alice looked at the Duke. Her faith in men had been badly dented, but as men went, he seemed charming and handsome. You and the Duke will marry, her father stated abruptly.

Alice's jaw dropped open. She had always imagined her marriage to be a happy affair, one in which she married for love. Now, that was a distant dream. Yes, father, she said resigned to her fate.

My Lord, perhaps you any my daughter would care to walk in the grounds and talk? Lady Ashmeer asked.

Yes, I think that is a good suggestion. We have much to discuss.

Philip took Alice's arm as they walked on the lawn and down towards the lake.

Miss Alice, what do you have to say for yourself? Perhaps you could offer me an explanation as to your indecent behavior with my brother.

Alice's body had recovered quite quickly from the incident with Reymond, but she was having nightmares, and wasn't able to close her eyes for any length of time, without seeing terrible images. My Lord, it pains me greatly that you have been put out by my actions. I have nothing to add to what anybody else has said. I will marry you and be a good and faithful wife to you.

Do you think it will be as easy as that? Because of your foolish actions, I am forced to marry a woman I don't know and obviously do not love.

I understand, my Lord, but you will in time come to love me. Of that I am sure. I will do everything in my power to right the wrong I have done to you.

Very well. Let us plan our marriage and live our lives as God chooses, but I will never forgive you for putting me in this unenviable situation, is that clear?

Yes, my Lord, perfectly. Alice looked down the hill to the lake and wished she could go back to the day when she, Georgina and Sophia had gone swimming. On that day she hadn't had a care in the world, now her mind was laden with poisonous thoughts.





Georgina and Sophia kissed Alice when they arrived at Stanley Hall for tea. They hadn't seen each other since the incident at the Ferguson's. Two days after the ball, when the malicious rumor had started, Lord Ashmeer had placed Alice under arrest. She was told to stay in her room and speak to nobody until the incident was resolved.

They sat on the terrace, and looked down to the lake. Georgina was wearing a blue muslin day dress, with a matching bonnet and Sophia was wearing a bright green dress which had a high waistline and dainty puff sleeves. Alice was again wearing a somber brown dress.

A marriage? Sophia exclaimed. I do like weddings. They are such grand occasions, and to marry a Duke. Alice, you will be a Duchess, think of that. My friend a Duchess.

Well, I don't think it will be a grand occasion at all, Sophia, Georgina said angrily. What could possibly be grand about a forced marriage? If that man hadn't done what he did to Alice, none of this would have happened. I think you should tell your father, Alice. You should tell him what really happened.