A Lady By Any Other Name (Marston Series Book 3) by Cassandra Morann

Author:Cassandra Morann [Morann, Cassandra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-10-22T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

“For stony limits cannot hold love out,

And what love can do that dares love attempt.”

“I’m not sure why you like such a tragic and trite story,” said Callista, closing the volume of Romeo and Juliet Thalia had requested her sister read from that night.

“It’s not trite,” defended Thalia. “It is a tale of innocence lost and a love too pure for the world.”

“A love Romeo freely gave to Rosaline before he ever gave it to Juliet, only to have his head turned,” said Callista. “And I’m sure if they would have survived, he would have found another lady to fall for in due time.”

Thalia lowered her gaze to the pillow in her lap. She tugged at a loose thread. “A love is not lessened by giving it away; the play even tells us this. And we are not promised only one love, but I do believe we all are given a last love. Whether that is ours because of destiny or decision, I’m not sure it matters.”

“Quite right,” Callista nodded. “But that is entirely enough philosophy for me this night. I’m off to bed, Sis.”

Thalia nodded. “Thank you for spending the time with me.”

Callie leaned down and kissed Thalia’s forehead. “What else am I to do? The country is dreary when the season is in full swing.”

Thalia gave a pained smile. “Sorry for that.”

“It’s not your fault,” said Callista. “I blame our brother utterly for this turn of events, though I cannot say I would be entirely comfortable giving you into the hands of someone we don’t know.”

Thalia tugged hard at the thread and felt it further unravel. “But I’m already a scandal. If I don’t marry someone, it could hurt your chances to make a good match.”

Callista snorted. “Good God, if that’s any part of your decision making, you can just let that go. If I ever marry, which is no guarantee, it will be on my own terms, and never what society would expect. As for Joel, well, he’ll find some pretty, empty-headed girl to fill up with babies, I imagine, and they’ll both be blissfully happy. So do not worry for us, Thal. Make your choices for yourself.”

“You think I could say no, then, to the offers Rowan is lining up?” asked Thalia.

She was torn between being flattered that a bevy of country gentleman were lining up with eager bids to win her hand and being offended that they thought they could buy her like a prize heifer. Rowan was trying his best, of course, but it was nothing that Thalia wanted.

“You could spit on their boots if you wanted,” shrugged Callie. “Or marry the first one you see. Or keep them all on a leash until you get every prize and bauble you wish, then wed the least objectionable. Thalia, your only constraints are the ones you put in place yourself.”

Thalia wrapped her arms around herself. “And…Kellan?”

Callista heaved an immense sigh and leaned against Thalia’s bedpost. “If Kellan is who you want, then get him.

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