The Baron's Forbidden Bride: A Historical Regency Romance Book by Amanda Stones

Author:Amanda Stones [Stones, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-08-19T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Chloe sat rigidly at the breakfast table, her hands clasped in her lap, as the palpable tension in the room tightened like a vice around her chest. There was a storm brewing, and she knew it would not be long before everything erupted and everything shifted and changed.

“Chloe,” Lord Swift finally snapped, shattering the tension. His voice was cold and controlled, though the anger beneath the surface was evident. “You were remarkably inattentive to the Duke of Fladbury last evening. Do you have any idea how important it is that you secure his interest? Have I not been clear about that?”

Chloe swallowed hard, her eyes fixed on her plate. “I apologize, Father,” she said quietly. “I was simply...”

“Simply what?” Lord Swift interrupted, his tone sharp. “Dancing with a mere baron will not provide you with the life of luxury and security that the Duke can offer. Lord Anthony James is not your concern.”

“Anthony is an old friend,” Lady Swift interjected gently, her voice a soothing contrast to her husband’s. “There is no harm in maintaining those connections, surely.”

Lord Swift’s hand slammed down on the table with a force that made the china rattle. Chloe flinched at the suddenness of his outburst, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Anthony James is not suitable for our daughter,” he declared, his voice icy. “He is a baron, nothing more. Chloe’s future lies with the duke, and she must remember her place in society. I have seen how unhappy the duke was with the way that you treated him, Chloe, and it has me worried that you might lose him completely.”

Chloe felt a lump form in her throat, the weight of her father’s expectations bearing down on her. The thought of a life time spent in a loveless marriage with the Duke filled her with dread. She wanted to lose him completely, could her father not see that? She could feel her mother’s concerned gaze upon her, but she could not bring herself to look up. Even for the much needed sympathy.

“Father,” she began hesitantly, “I understand your concerns, but must I marry someone I do not care for? Must I sacrifice my happiness for...?”

“Happiness,” Lord Swift scoffed, cutting her off. “Do you think happiness is more important than duty? Than the security and reputation of our family? You will do as you are told, Chloe, and that is final. Luckily for you, I have managed to placate the duke, but I can assure you that it will not last forever.”

Tears pricked at Chloe’s eyes, but she blinked them back, refusing to let them fall. She knew better than to defy her father openly, but the thought of giving up her heart to a man like the duke was unbearable. Lady Swift reached out and gently placed her hand over Chloe’s, her touch a small comfort.

“Lord Swift, please,” she said softly, “Chloe is still young. She needs time to...”

“She has had enough time,” Lord Swift snapped. “This is her third Season, Lady Swift. It is high time she secured a suitable match.

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