CHAPTER 19

Henry would not meet Verity's eyes over the breakfast table. But then he would not meet anyone's eyes because his face was buried so deep in the latest issue of the scandal sheets. The tense atmosphere surrounding them made it hard for Verity to breathe, much less talk or eat. She had barely sipped her tea at all.

She knew a storm was coming, she could almost feel it crashing down on her, yet it still came as a shock when Henry slammed the paper down on the table. Because he did it with such a violent force. His eyes blazed with anger as he glared at Verity. Instantly, she sunk lower into her seat because she was too scared of what was to come.

"What were you thinking, Verity?" he snapped loudly. "How could you do this to me after everything that I have done for you? After all I have said to you? You have really done it this time. Being seen alone with Lord Philip in the gardens is madness."

Verity's eyes popped wide as Henry slammed his hand down on the table once more.

"Look at what you have done now. The scandal sheets are speculating on the impropriety of a jilted spinster daring to aim for the title of marchioness."

Verity felt sick. She wasn't daring for anything. She was simply talking to someone who made her happy. But of course, her brother would not want to hear that.

"Must I remind you, Verity, of the potential damage to your reputation and this family's standing in society? You need to focus your attention on making a more suitable match. These foolish dalliances will only jeopardize all of our futures."

Verity sighed heavily. She needed to say something, anything to make her brother understand that she wasn't trying to do anything bad.

"I wasn't alone with the Marquess of Eilendale," she reminded Henry. "Louisa was with me as well. She was present the entire time."

"That does not matter."

"I am thoroughly exasperated at being constantly judged and scrutinized for my every move, Henry." Verity threw her hands in the air in frustration. "I am tired of the double standards that allow men to behave freely while women must adhere to strict rules of propriety."

She knew that she should not get heated, but at the same time she could not keep these feelings inside any longer. She had been struggling with all of this ever since the scandal sheets had started to target her, and she needed to vent. But Henry wasn't going to go easy on her. That wasn't in his nature.

"It does not matter what you think is right and wrong. It does not matter at all. You simply need to do what is right or it affects all of us."

"You are not listening to me, Henry. You are not hearing what I am saying."

"I don't need to hear what you are saying." Henry shook his head hard. "It's absolutely ridiculous."

"So, you agree then, that you don't care about my opinion at all?" Verity shot back. "You agree that my happiness truly does not mean a thing to you?"

"This is not about your happiness, it's about our future as a family. Stop being so selfish."

"That is enough," Elizabeth said, trying her best to intervene, but her efforts were in vain. "Please, let us talk about this sensibly."

"I am not selfish," Verity snapped over the top of her mother. "You are trying to push me in to a match that I clearly don't want without listening to a single word that I have to say."

"Then say it." Henry made a sweeping gesture with his hands. "Here is your time. Please say everything that you wish to say. Fill me in on your genius plan. Because I can only assume that you have a suggestion, if you are willing to throw all of my hard work away."

Unfortunately, that was something that Verity could not do.

She did not have a response to this because of course she had no plan. There was no other gentleman that she could suggest that would please her brother, and at this point, not getting married was simply not an option.

The silence hung heavy in the air with Henry's angry gaze piercing right through Verity. She had never seen his face so red with anger before.

"Remember yourself, Verity. Remember that the consequences of your actions will affect all of us. If you don't have a spotless reputation, then none of us do."

Verity's heart was heavy and her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. She could not stand the pressure weighing down on her any longer.

"Henry, it's impossible to live a life dictated entirely by fear of society's opinion," Verity argued, her voice trembling but resolute. "Do you not see the cruelty of it? Must we sacrifice our personal happiness for a fa?ade? Can we not change things?"

"You are being naive, Verity," Henry retorted, his eyes flashing with impatience. "This is the reality we live in. Our family's honor is not something to be trifled with. Your actions have consequences beyond your own whims and desires. That is why I am calling you selfish."

"So, I am expected to endure a loveless, joyless existence just to maintain our family's standing? Is that truly what you want for me?"

"I want you to understand the gravity of our situation. Lord Philip is not a suitable match. You cannot expect an marquess to marry you. It's madness."

Elizabeth tried once more to intercede; her voice gentle but firm. "Henry, please, let us consider Verity's feelings. There must be a way to balance duty with personal happiness."

But Henry was unmoved. "Mother, we cannot afford to be lenient. The ton is unforgiving. One misstep, and our family's name could be tarnished irreparably. Verity, you must understand this. You do understand this, I know you do."

"I do understand," Verity replied, her voice quieter now, the fire in her eyes undimmed. "But what you fail to grasp is that I have needs and dreams of my own. I refuse to be a pawn in your game of societal chess. Especially if that involves that disgusting Lord Aldford."

Henry's face contorted with anger. "You speak as if you are the only one who suffers under these constraints. We all bear this burden, Verity. We all make sacrifices."

"Yes, but you expect me to make the greatest sacrifice of all," she shot back. "You expect me to surrender my chance at happiness for the sake of appearances."

The room fell silent, the tension thick and oppressive. Henry's harsh breathing was the only sound, his gaze locked on to Verity with an intensity that made her feel exposed and vulnerable.

She met his stare with defiance, refusing to back down.

Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears, her heart breaking for her children. "There must be a way to resolve this without tearing our family apart," she pleaded. "Can we not find a compromise?"

Henry's jaw tightened. "There can be no compromise where our reputation is concerned. Verity must understand her duty."

Verity shook her head, her resolve hardening. "I cannot do this. I will not."

Henry's face turned a deeper shade of red, his fists clenched in frustration. "If you continue down this path, Verity, you will destroy us all. Mark my words."

Verity could not take this any longer. She rose to her feet and glanced her eyes around at everyone. "Please, excuse me."

As she walked away from the table, her heart was absolutely racing.

Verity quickly realized that moving away from the table wasn't enough. She also needed to get away from the house, and there was only one place she could go. To see her cousin.

"Louisa, please request that the carriage is readied," she said quietly. "I am going to see Faye."

Louisa nodded just the once and went to sort the carriage out for Verity. While she waited, she sighed heavily to herself and leant against the wall to steady herself.

Everything felt wrong, her whole life was a mess, and she truly could not see a way out. The last thing she wanted was to end up married to Ambrose, but at this point she could not see any other way out. There was no one else that she could marry, even if there was someone, she had in the back of her mind…

Not that she wanted to think about Philip right now.

Nothing good could come from thinking about Philip because even looking his way caused a scandal. It did not matter what was in her heart, there were far too many rules in place. Henry was right about that much.

Verity's mind whirled with thoughts as she eventually climbed into the carriage, the tension of the argument still clinging to her. The ride to her cousin Faye's estate provided a brief respite, allowing her to breathe and gather her scattered emotions.

Louisa, sitting opposite her, offered a comforting presence but knew better than to break the silence.

As the carriage rattled along the familiar roads, Verity's thoughts turned to Faye. Her cousin had always been a source of solace, someone who understood her in ways few others did. If anyone could help her make sense of the turmoil she was in, it would be her.

Upon arriving, Verity was greeted warmly by Faye, who instantly sensed her cousin's distress.

"Verity, darling, what has happened?" she asked, her voice full of concern.

Verity sighed deeply, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

"It's the scandal sheets, Faye. They are saying terrible things about me, and Henry... he was furious. He does not understand."

Faye guided Verity to a comfortable seat in the drawing room, signaling for tea to be brought in. "Tell me everything," she urged gently.

Verity recounted the morning's events, her voice shaking as she relayed Henry's harsh words and her own frustration with him, and with the world as well.

"I feel so trapped," she admitted. "I don't know what to do. I cannot bear the thought of marrying Ambrose, but I have no other options. I can see that now."

Faye listened intently, her eyes filled with understanding and compassion. She reached out and took Verity's hand in hers.

"You must follow your heart, Verity," she said softly. "I know the expectations of society can be suffocating, but your happiness matters more than anything else."

Verity's tears began to flow freely. "But what can I do? Henry will never understand. He sees my actions as selfish, and I feel so powerless."

Faye squeezed her hand reassuringly. "You have more power than you think, Verity. Sometimes, it's simply a matter of finding the courage to use it. Tell me, what is it that you truly want?"

Verity hesitated, her voice barely a whisper. "I want to be with Lord Easton. He makes me feel alive in a way I never thought possible. But it's hopeless. Our families, society... they will never accept it. Not when he is a Duke, and I a mere spinster."

Faye's eyes widened in shock, but her expression quickly turned to one of support and understanding. "Lord Easton? Oh, Verity, I had no idea. But if he makes you feel this way, then we must find a way to make this work."

Verity nodded, her eyes filled with both fear and hope. "I know it's a scandal waiting to happen, but I cannot help it. Philip is... he is different. He sees me for who I am, not just as another lady. I know it seems impossible, but I cannot deny my feelings any longer. I am falling in love with him, Faye."

Faye squeezed her hand again, her voice firm. "Then you must tell him how you feel. If he shares your feelings, you can face these challenges together. The world may judge, but true love is worth any risk."

"But no one will like it…"

Faye's expression softened. "Love has a way of finding a path, even though the most difficult obstacles. If Lord Easton feels the same, there may be a way to make it work. Have you spoken to him about your feelings?"

Verity shook her head. "No, I have not. We have shared moments, but nothing has been said explicitly. And now, with the scandal sheets and Henry's anger, I feel even more uncertain."

Faye's brow furrowed in thought. "Verity, you cannot let fear hold you back. If Philip truly cares for you, he will stand by your side. But you must be honest with him. You deserve a chance at happiness."

Verity nodded slowly, a glimmer of determination lighting her eyes. "You are right, Faye. I need to speak with him. I need to know if he feels the same way."

Faye smiled warmly. "That is the spirit. And remember, you are not alone in this. I will help you in any way I can. Any way in which I can help you get the love of your life, I will. I only want you to be happy, because you very much deserve that."