A Snowbound Courtship by Monroe Holli Jo

Author:Monroe, Holli Jo
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781958270073
Publisher: Brillig Press
Published: 2023-11-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11

That evening, Jo excused herself from eating dinner with the family. Between Charlotte’s questions, Georgiana’s skepticism, and Anna-Maria’s advice, Jo was exhausted. She did not wish to spend the evening speaking of her future or imagined past with Fitzroy.

Once in her room she closed the door, sat on the bed, and sighed. She should be happy. Her reputation was safe, she was to marry a man of high standing, and would escape from her cousin’s household. But she could not be completely at ease. Fitzroy was a stranger and, despite his promise to be a good husband, she was unsure of him.

What would their marriage be like?

Each time she asked the question, all she could conjure was sitting on the floor in front of the fire and listening to him read. The memory made her smile, as did the thought of him keeping her steady on the horse. But neither of those circumstances were likely to occur during their marriage.

If she had accepted Mr. Wallace’s offer, she would know her future, where she would live, and what to expect from her husband. But she had not chosen Mr. Wallace. She had spent the entire day convincing her family of her long-held affection for Fitzroy. Tomorrow they would go to church and the news would begin to spread throughout the neighborhood.

There was a tap at the door.

“Yes?” Jo called.

Instead of her maid, Georgiana walked in.

Jo smiled carefully. “Georgie, I am too tired to attend dinner.”

Her sister slowly closed the door and came to sit beside her. “Jo, I won’t let you do this. I will not let you sacrifice yourself.”

The anguish in Georgie’s voice took Jo by surprise. She grabbed her sister’s hand with both of hers.

“Oh, Georgie, dearest, what nonsense.” Jo forced herself to smile. “I am to be a viscountess!”

Georgie pulled her hand away. “Enough pretense! You don’t care for the title or that man.”

“As I have said––”

“Do not insult me by repeating this fiction of a secret courtship. You could not have kept such a thing from me.” With each word Georgiana’s agitation grew. She jumped from the bed and paced. “I do not know why or how he coerced you but I will not sit quietly while you tie yourself to a libertine.”

“Will you lower your voice? Or do you wish the entire household to hear you insult your future brother?”

Georgiana put her fists on her hips. “I will yell the house down if it will keep you from this marriage.”

Her protectiveness would have been endearing if it weren’t so frustrating. Jo threw up her hands. “I don’t need you to protect me from my decision. I am marrying Mr. Fitzroy and you should be grateful.”

“Grateful?”

“This marriage will save us from Cousin Richard’s rule. Don’t you see? Fitzroy’s wealth and position will ensure advantageous marriages for all of you.”

Georgiana shook her head. “You wish to uproot us? You think I would be happy with a London fop?”

“You can marry whomever you choose.”

“But you are not allowed the same privilege?”

Jo sighed.

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