The Nabob's Daughter by Jess Heileman

Author:Jess Heileman [Heileman, Jess]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781732985155
Publisher: Vagabond Publishing
Published: 2021-06-30T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26

HONORA

* * *

Judith held tightly to my trembling hand, setting our pace as we hurried up the stairs in silence.

“I am sorry you had to witness my father in such a state,” she whispered as we neared the second story. “He used to not drink beyond his capability to handle himself. But since Mother’s death and the loss of our fortune, I fear it has become far too regular an occurrence.”

I nodded, though I said nothing. I was still processing what had just occurred. I should be thrilled with my triumph; after all, Lord Denhurst had just expressed his utter dislike of me, which meant I was close to accomplishing my goal. But nothing about it felt worth celebrating. The words he had spoken were relevant to the person I was without my charade—not only to the person I pretended to be. On top of that, to think I had driven a grown man to such a state was not something I could take pride in, no matter the reasoning.

I could sense Judith watching me, but I kept my gaze straight ahead, trying to appear unaffected.

“Would you like me to wait with you a while?” she offered as we neared my room.

I shook my head. “I think I shall go to bed directly. I am quite exhausted.”

She frowned, and I fought the desire to allow her to comfort me in my weakness. I needed no more connections to this place where I was not wanted.

“I shall see you tomorrow,” I said, walking into my room. I refused to look back at her, closing the door behind me.

I stood there, staring at the carpeted floor and listening to Judith’s footsteps retreating down the corridor.

“Are you well, miss?” Alicia’s familiar voice brought my emotions too near the surface.

I took a deep breath and met her concerned gaze. “I suppose all things we strive to accomplish must come with a sacrifice.”

“And what sacrifices are you speaking of?” Alicia asked, moving to my side.

“Besides my pride, my self-identity, and my desire to be accepted?” I masked my hurt with a strangled laugh.

“If they only knew the real you.”

“It would not matter to them. Nothing will compensate for my impure blood.”

Alicia did not appear as though she knew how to respond to that. “Here, let me help you undress.” She began unfastening my dress. “You are shaking. Are you certain you are well?”

I gave an empty nod, relieved to feel my breaths coming more easily as she finished assisting me and helped me into my nightdress.

Alicia gently pulled the pins from my hair.

“He hates me,” I said, as my loose curls fell one by one around my face.

Her brow creased in concern. “Who hates you?”

“Lord Denhurst. He made it quite clear in his drunken state this evening that he wishes he had never contacted my father about the marriage.”

“Is that not a good thing?” she asked, echoing my own logic.

“It is, it’s only that—”

A rapid knock at the door stilled my words. Had Lord

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