A Touch of Sin for the Elusive Duke by Scarlett Osborne

Author:Scarlett Osborne [Osborne, Scarlett]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-07-11T16:00:00+00:00

She spent nearly an hour lying in bed, waiting for the tears to dry fully. Jenny stayed by her side, only leaving to fetch her water and ice, both for her sore throat and her puffy eyes. The worry on her maid’s face was stark, but Alicia felt too numb to assuage any of her concerns.

“I wish to go to Dalwater Manor,” Alicia said hoarsely, finally coming to a rise.

Jenny nodded eagerly. “I will inform the footman to have a carriage prepared for you.”

Alicia could hardly manage to speak again and so she only nodded, making her way over to the vanity table. She sat and stared at herself for a short while, waiting for Jenny to return. Her red and puffy eyes had gone away, but her pallid skin remained, the sad look in her eyes stark. It was clear she had been crying.

I am to marry—

She could hardly finish the thought, out of fear that it would reduce her to tears once more. It was hard for her to believe that, after spending nearly an entire week dreaming about her future betrothal to her love, she would be passed off to a man she did could not stand to be around. She’d only met the Earl once and he had left such a bad impression on her that she’d even made a mental note to steer clear of him at future balls.

Alicia had forgotten all about him after her identity had been revealed to Conor. Now, she still couldn’t believe the news.

They will certainly tell me about this betrothal at dinner. I cannot…I do not think I can stand to hear it.

Jenny returned in a hurry. Alicia went through the simple motions of preparing herself to leave and when she began to make her way to the front entrance of the manor, she could hardly lift her eyes from the floor. Jenny remained silent by her side, but Alicia could feel her worry through her silence.

But Alicia could not think to speak. She had nothing she wished to say. Once she was in the carriage and en route to the Dalwater Manor, she only stared blankly at the seat before her, her father’s words running through her mind.

They were escorted to the drawing room upon their arrival and Alicia took to staring blankly at the chaise across from her instead. She heard when a few maids entered the room, with the tea in tow. She heard them leave, then Lady Clarissa’s entrance.

She did not look up until Lady Clarissa called her name. Her dear, beautiful friend wore a slight frown. “Is something the matter, Lady Alicia? You look terribly sad.”

Finally, she found her voice. “I have overheard my father speaking with my brother about my betrothal to the Earl of Casshall.”

It was the first time she was saying it aloud. Once again, it brought tears to her eyes, but she tried her best to hold it in, even as her lip shook with the force of it.

Lady Clarissa was quick to go to her side.

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