17. The Announcement

THE ANNOUNCEMENT

A n engagement was exactly what her family had hoped for—a beacon of hope to stave off impending ruin. So when the drawing room doors opened and her family filed back in, Melanie wasn’t surprised to feel a heavy sense of anticipation come with them. Their gazes jumped between her and Malum, and then each other, as they waited for the announcement.

Melanie turned to her… intended, studying his manner now that they were no longer alone. It was impossible to imagine ever calling him Harry—or Harold, for that matter.

His posture was steady as he broke the silence. “Lady Melanie has agreed to marry me,” he announced. Then, seemingly unaffected by the weight of the moment, he adjusted his cuff with a flick of his wrist.

One would think he’d just commented on the weather.

There weren’t any cheers, but rather a collective sigh of relief, and then, “Oh, Melanie, my darling!” her mother exclaimed, clasping her hands together. “I always knew you were destined for greatness.”

Seeing her mother looking genuinely happy—a rarity of late—Melanie almost wished it was real…

But no. She really did not.

Truly.

The duke simply stood beside her, his expression maddeningly inscrutable.

And her mother’s excitement, although somewhat ridiculous, was also a jolting reminder of the illusion she and Malum would have to maintain for the ton if their plan was to succeed.

He had suggested keeping the temporary nature of their engagement a secret, but they hadn’t discussed how they would present it to her family—whether it would appear a love match, a practical arrangement, or something else entirely—or any of the other details that now crowded her thoughts.

Should she keep a polite, formal distance, or would it be better to show a hint of warmth? A hand on his arm, a glance that might signify affection. These unknowns made her stomach twist with nerves. Every move they made would be watched, every word and gesture dissected by her family—and soon, by the ton itself.

She flicked her gaze around the room.

Her family would want to believe she was content, and catching her brother’s almost distraught expression, Melanie knew he’d blame himself if he thought she was going to suffer in order to protect them— him . After all her family had endured, she needed them to believe she wasn’t devastated by the prospect of marrying a man she hardly knew—especially when she didn’t intend to go through with it!

With that in mind, she kept her hand resting on Malum’s arm, and feeling solid muscles beneath the fine fabric of his sleeve, she squeezed it gently.

The duke responded by placing his hand over hers.

When she turned to look up at him, she saw something unexpected in his eyes and, if not for the way his hand wrapped around hers, she might not have recognized that warmth for what it was.

Understanding, something she’d longed for ever since the fire.

This man was nothing like the one described in whispers and headlines. According to others, he was a mystery—ruthless, feared, the kind of man mothers warned their daughters about.

But the man she was coming to know? He was… different. It didn’t add up.

And in that moment, his support kept her from wanting to run and hide.

Josie hovered near their mother, looking torn between nervous excitement and apprehension while Caroline studied Melanie with narrowed eyes. The Earl of Helton had one hand on his wife’s shoulder, observing the scene with neither approval nor disapproval.

Goldie clung protectively to Reed’s arm, her gaze reflecting both her concern for Melanie and her love for her husband. She knew all too well that another scandal could put Reed in jeopardy.

And Reed gave Melanie a searching look.

“Are you sure about this, Mel?” he asked, his voice tinged with doubt. “I know what we agreed, but you don’t have to rush into anything—not on my account.”

Melanie nodded, swallowed, and then opened her mouth. “This engagement…” she managed before the tightness in her chest cut her off. The duke’s fingers curled around hers, and that simple motion pulled her out of her thoughts, grounding her. “Is best for everyone,” she finished.

Reed’s eyes darted between Melanie and the duke before finally settling on the man her family believed would ultimately be her husband. “I trust you will treat my sister with the respect she deserves.” His tone was stern, bordering on threatening.

“Your sister’s well-being is my utmost priority.” His unwavering manner almost seemed like a challenge.

With a strange mix of gratitude and disbelief, Melanie let out a long, shaking breath.

Her mother, oblivious to the tension in the room, broke in then to gush over the idea of an engagement party. While everyone else sat, looking more than a little conflicted, Lady Roland suggested they hold it the following Saturday, already suggesting ideas to make up an extensive menu and decorations. “Good gracious, there’s much work to be done if we want to make it perfect. Oh, Melanie, you’ll be the envy of every woman in London!”

Josie caught on to their mother’s enthusiasm, drawing Caroline into the discussion, and with that, Melanie was grateful to finally not be the object of everyone’s attention.

The duke dropped Melanie’s hand and took a step back, in the direction of the door. If anything, he seemed as anxious to escape as she was.

He exchanged a few words with Helton, and the two shook hands. He briefly met Melanie’s gaze and then, without announcing so much as a polite goodbye, he slipped away.

Staring at the empty doorway, Melanie jumped a little when Goldie touched her arm. “Are you happy, Mel?” she whispered, her face full of concern. “I mean… really?”

Melanie squeezed her sister-in-law’s hand, her face stretching into a smile that was a little forced, and nodded. “Yes.”

Goldie exhaled slowly. “I’m glad. You know, not so long ago, his father and mine were quite close—right up until the old duke passed. Nia and I used to play with Reginald before he went off to school. I was so sad to hear when…” She trailed off, her expression briefly clouding before she shook her head.

“Reginald?” Melanie frowned.

“Malum’s younger brother. He was lost at sea five or six years ago.” Goldie winced, but, not one who would dwell on something so unhappy on this ‘happy’ occasion, continued, “we didn’t see much of your fiancé, though. He always seemed so much older than us. I certainly never would have imagined I’d ever have him for a brother-in-law.” Her eyes widened suddenly, a spark of curiosity lighting them. “I wonder what my father will think of the connection?”

Melanie frowned. “I forget that your father is the Duke of Crossings,” she said slowly. Crossings despised Reed for marrying Goldie without permission. Melanie had also overheard vague remarks made by Caroline, about Lord Helton and Reed working with Malum on something involving him…

Goldie merely nodded.

“All that matters, Mel, is that you like him. And I sense that you do. You must have, to have gone off alone with him.” Melanie’s sister-in-law spoke in such a warm, delighted tone that Melanie didn’t have the heart to curb her pleasure.

“I do,” she said.

To be truthful, she was not unhappy with the way things had played out, but as the word left her lips, the reality of her false engagement sent her heart racing. She could be convincing now, but how many times was she going to have to lie before all of this was over?

Not just to her family, but to all of the ton .

Her plan for the duke to convince them that he had changed his ways suddenly felt incredibly far-fetched. Not only would they have to appear in Society together, she realized, they were going to have to act… like they cared for one another.

What if he already regretted it?

Her stomach did a little flip and, listening to her mother and sisters making plans for a grand celebration—her and the Duke of Malum’s engagement ball—she wished she could escape as easily as the duke just had.

Because this wasn’t a love story—it was a lie.