Duchess in the Attic: Volume 1 [Parts 1 to 2] by Mori

Author:Mori
Language: eng
Format: epub

4. Marriage

Over the three days leading up to the marriage ceremony, not once had Opal met the duke. While this union had sent a shockwave throughout noble society, rumors quickly spread that Opal had seduced a younger man and was pregnant with his child. Others claimed that the duke, struggling to maintain his vast plot of land, was likely in need of money. In any case, there was no end to the theories.

Hubert McLoed was indeed young for his title, but he was still a whole seven years older than Opal. I’m turning nineteen soon, but how could I possibly coerce a man who’s twenty-six? Opal thought, giggling as her lady-in-waiting informed her of the wild speculations currently circulating. But the theories that mentioned the cost of maintaining Hubert’s lands weren’t entirely false. It seemed the duke had been skillfully keeping his debts under wraps.

No matter the reason for their marriage, Opal couldn’t help but tremble with nerves as the ceremony quickly approached. What did Hubert think when he accepted this marriage proposal? Opal’s house could apparently pay off all of Hubert’s current debts, and already her father had donated very generous amounts of cash to celebrate this joyous occasion. Is he—or House McLeod—grateful to be free of such a burden?

He didn’t seem eager to marry Opal because of her tattered reputation. He hadn’t offered her flowers or sent her any sort of gift before the wedding, and those actions were very telling. One of her ladies-in-waiting had stated that once Opal was married off, her ill reputation would no longer precede her.

Maybe everything will be okay, Opal thought. I’m sure he’s a kind man.

Her father’s words from last night echoed in her head, “Only a select few know this information, but McLeod keeps a mistress within his manor. As his wife, you should approach that situation to the best of your abilities.”

At first, Opal was shocked to hear this. But she reminded herself that over the past three years, she’d been told quite a number of shocking things by many ill-mannered men. She managed to maintain her composure. Perhaps it couldn’t be helped—he was a single man. But would he still keep his mistress even after getting married? Such a thing would implicate Opal as a lacking wife.

The more she thought about tying the knot, the more afraid she became, but as the music of the church echoed throughout the place and the bride was encouraged to enter, she knew that she couldn’t flee. She could only strengthen her resolve.

Walking at her side, Opal’s father looked unusually joyful. In front of her was the groom, standing by the alter, his back to her. Not once did he turn around to catch a glimpse of his bride. This only made Opal even more nervous about marrying him, but she mustered up her courage and stepped forward.

When she finally stood next to the groom, she was slightly out of breath, and her fingertips had grown cold. Still, the groom refused to even look at her once.

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