Chapter 1

"Look at her." The Earl of Repington chuckled. "So excited that she can hardly sit still."

"Can you blame her?" The Countess of Repington commented. "I remember the day that we married. Or rather, the night before. I do not think I got so much as a wink of sleep."

"Me neither," Lord Repington said with a wry smile. "I even considered sneaking out just to see you."

"You did not!"

"I did," he said rightly. "But good sense kept me in my bedroom. Well, that, and the fact that my brother had locked the door. I think he knew what I was thinking."

"Do you want to know something?"

"What?"

Lady Repington pressed her lips together to keep herself from smiling. "I almost did the exact same thing."

"You never told me that!"

"I did not want you to know, is why. It would have gone straight to your head."

Lord Repington chuckled as he took his wife's hand and kissed the back of it. "I suppose my head was swollen enough as it was. Marrying a prize such as you." He pressed another kiss to the back of her hand. "I still cannot believe I got so lucky."

"Oh, Barnard…" she purred.

"Will you please control yourselves," Cecilia sighed. "Otherwise, I will ask the carriage to pull over, and I shall walk the rest of the way. Marina, too." A beat. "Right, Marina?"

Marina was not paying attention. If she was, she too might have told her father and mother, the Lord and Lady Repington, to control themselves, for there was a time and a place for such behavior, and somehow today did not feel appropriate for it. But her attention was elsewhere.

She was sitting across from her parents, staring out the carriage window at the passing fields. However, those fields weren't what preoccupied her mind, even if they were rather pretty. Rather it was their destination, what would happen when she arrived, and what was bound to happen after.

And while she was excited about it all, for that was expected, the reason she was fidgeting so in her seat was because of how uncomfortable her gown was, and what felt like a pin sticking into her right buttock.

"Are you listening?" Cecilia asked.

"Of course, she is not," Lord Repington sighed wistfully. "Likely, her mind is on Lord Rutley. Isn't that right, Marina?"

"What was that…" Marina looked back inside the carriage, only just now noticing the six pairs of eyes watching her expectantly.

"Look at her." Her mother tittered. "So besotted that she can barely concentrate. Oh, to be young and in love again."

"What does that mean, exactly?" Lord Repington pretended to act upset. "Are you no longer in love?"

"You know what I mean." Lady Repington giggled, slapping his chest.

"Certainly not young, though."

"Barnard!"

"I'm jesting, I'm jesting." Still holding her by the hand, he smothered it with kisses. "Even now, after all these years, you are as scrumptious as the first time I laid eyes on you."

"Oh, Barnard…" Lady Repington purred and fanned her face dramatically.

Marina certainly thought her parents were behaving ridiculously, and while today's occasion might have been the reason for such romanticism, she was all but used to said behavior by now. This was how her parents always were—unable to keep their hands off each other as if they were still on their honeymoon. It was a display of affection that Marina had grown up with, one that she had admired because it spoke to the love that her parents shared. She could not imagine a more perfect marriage.

It was for this reason that ever since she was a little girl, she had wanted nothing more than to find a husband of her own. Her parents were an example that she idolized and coveted, as she knew that when it came time for her to find a husband and then wed, she would be as in love with him as they were with each other.

Speaking of which, that was where the carriage was heading to right now. That was the reason for Marina's addled thoughts. And that was why her parents were so excited for her. Today was the first day of the rest of her life—her wedding day.

"How are you feeling?" Cecilia, asked, the concern clear in her voice. She sat beside Marina, resting a hand on her lap.

"I am fine," Marina replied, meaning it. For that was how she felt. Fine.

"Just fine?" Cecilia frowned, sensing that something was wrong.

"Ah… excited?" Marina offered next, as that seemed the more appropriate answer.

Cecilia's frown deepened. She was Marina's younger sister by five years, but that never stopped her from behaving as if she were the eldest. Ever since she was a little girl, she seemed to think it was her role to protect Marina, idolizing her in her own way, wanting her to have the best of everything even if it meant that she might miss out.

"Will you stop pestering her." Lord Repington scowled at her. "She is clearly nervous." He took Marina's hand and looked right at her. "You have nothing to be nervous about, dear."

"He is right." Lady Repington took her other hand and fixed her with the same look. "Nerves are natural, but so is that thrill that you surely feel." Her eyes flashed. "Soon, you and Lord Rutley will be man and wife, and then…" She seemed to swell with pride. "And then you can look forward to spending the rest of your lives together."

"I am so proud of you," Lord Repington made sure to add. "Lord Rutley is a good man, and I know you will be happy together."

Marina forced herself to smile. "Thank you, Father, Mother. And yes, I suppose I am just a little nervous. Surely, once the wedding is over with, it will pass."

"We know it will," her parents said in unison.

It had sounded like the right thing to say, so Marina said it. Furthermore, it clearly pleased her parents to hear it said, so she didn't regret it for a moment. Maybe they were right? Maybe it was just nerves that she was feeling? It wasn't every day that one got married, so it was perfectly natural to feel a little different.

Only… Marina had felt nervous before. She knew perfectly well what that felt like. She had also been scared and excited and curious. All emotions that would have been expected on the day of one's wedding. But today, as she went back to gazing out the window, trying to muster some level of enthusiasm for her wedding, the only emotion that she could feel was apathy.

But that made no sense! Marina had wanted to marry since she was a little girl. And Lord Rutley, the man whom her parents had chosen for her, a man who had spent several weeks courting her in all the right ways, was handsome and charming and kind and everything that she should want in a husband. On paper, they were a perfect match, so surely the idea of marrying him should have elicited a reaction beyond dispassion?

It must have been nerves playing havoc with her emotional pallet. Once she saw her husband-to-be standing at the end of the aisle, once she spoke the words and made him hers forever, the excitement and, most of all, the love that she wanted to feel would come. It had to.

"Ah, here we are," her father said suddenly. He was looking out the window as the carriage slowed to a halt. "Right on time."

"This is it!" Lady Repington cried excitedly.

"Are you sure you are all right, Marina?" Cecilia asked, still wearing that same concerned frown.

"Of course, I am." Marina plastered a smile on her face and held it there, as if she might be able to trick herself. "I am getting married. Today is the happiest day of my life."

Again, she spoke the right words. Even if they did fall horribly flat.

Lady Repington and Cecilia were the first to alight from the carriage. Marina was about to join them when her father reached out and stopped her.

"Marina, if I might have a quick word?"

"Oh." Marina blinked. "Of course, Father."

He made sure the door was closed before speaking. His mood had turned grim and serious. Gone was the cheer he had embodied all morning.

"I want you to know that I am aware that you might not be as excited about this marriage as we wish you to be."

Marina balked. "Father, that is not—I do not know what you…" She took a deep breath. "Of course, I am happy. How could you think otherwise?"

"I want you to know," he continued, ignoring her objections, "that I could not be more pleased with how well you have risen to this occasion. You have always been a perfect daughter, more than I could have ever hoped for. And this right here…" He gave her knee a squeeze. "This is your crowning moment."

"Father…" Marina made sure she was looking right at him, so he would believe her words as much as she needed to believe them. "I am happy. I love Lord Rutley, and I know he loves me."

Lord Repington smiled softly. "If only marriage was as simple as that. Your mother and I…" He chuckled and shook his head. "We got lucky. But most marriages are for a purpose. You are not marrying for yourself, Marina, but for us. The effects this marriage will have on my business dealings are more than?—"

"Father." Marina took his hand and fixed him with a determined look. "I am aware of the social and political obligations of marriage. Just as I am aware of how often a marriage is formed simply to appease investors and loan sharks. But I assure you, this is not the case with myself and Lord Rutley. We are in love…" Her chest tightened at the lie. "And it really is that simple."

Her father's eyes sparkled, such that it almost looked as if he believed her.

The ceremony was being held at her family's parish, not too far from their estate. Once they arrived, Marina was whisked away and sequestered to an antechamber of the church so that she might double-check her dress and make-up while she waited for the ceremony to start. Her mother and father joined her, of course, and they spent the entire time gushing about what was to come.

And Marina did her best to embody the excitement that radiated from them. She wanted this, she told herself. She was thrilled, she repeated in her head over and over again. This was the happiest day of her life!

She kept repeating those words as her sister appeared, announcing that it was time. Lord Rutley had arrived and was waiting at the end of the aisle. The minister stood ready. In a few short minutes, her life would change.

"I am so proud of you," Lord Repington repeated as he took her by the hand and led her into the church. "So, so, proud."

"Thank you, Father," Marina said, meaning it. "For everything."

She and her father were very close, and she regretted that once she was married, she would no longer see him every day. But that shouldn't have mattered, as she would be spending those days with her husband.

"And thank you," he returned as they entered the church, "for making this so easy on an old man."

Marina hoped that when she saw her future husband waiting for her, these rioting emotions within her would finally settle. And indeed, the sight of Lord Rutley standing there and waiting brought her some comfort, for he was as handsome and regal as she remembered. Tall. Lithe. Sharp features and thick lips that curled into a smile at the sight of her. She returned his smile as she started down the aisle, taking deep breaths, remaining perfectly calm.

Lord Rutley watched her come with a sense of… well, certainly not excitement. Oh sure, he smiled at her. His best friend nudged him and winked. It all looked like she had pictured it in her mind a hundred times, but she could not escape the feeling that something was wrong.

When she reached him, he took her hands so that she was facing him. But they were cold and sweaty, and he barely held her by the fingertips, his eyes darting everywhere.

"Dearly beloved," the minister began. "We are gathered here today to?—"

"Wait!" a shrill voice cried from among the guests.

A gasp rang out as all eyes turned in the voice's direction. Lord Rutley snatched his hands back, the first sign of life returning to his visage as he searched… and then beamed at who he saw.

"Josephine?" he gasped, taking a half-step toward the woman. "What… what are you doing here?"

Marina frowned in confusion as she looked from Lord Rutley to the woman, Josephine. A woman she had never seen before. A woman with dark black hair and strikingly blue eyes. Anger was what Marina should have felt. Fury at the interruption. But really, she was just curious, even intrigued.

"I cannot let this happen," Josephine said as she emerged from the crowd. "I know you said I must, but… but…"

Lord Rutley took a step toward her. "But what?"

"I love you," Josephine cried, to which the crowd gasped. "And what is more…" Her face lit up as if the sun shone upon it, and a quick glance at Lord Rutley confirmed that he thought the same. "I am pregnant!"

Another gasp rang out among the crowd. Marina caught sight of her mother, who looked like she might faint. Her father, standing right by her, looked furious, as if he wanted to lunge at Josephine but was unable to move. And Cecilia… it was hard to tell. She did not seem upset or even shocked. Amused, maybe? Satisfied, even?

"You… you are?" Lord Rutley took another step toward Josephine, not bothering to look back at Marina.

"And it is yours!"

This sent the crowd into a frenzy. Lord Repington shouted something that Marina could not understand. Her mother threw back her head, and it looked as if she might collapse in her seat. People jumped from their chairs. Others shook their heads and covered their mouths. And Lord Rutley rushed to this Josephine, grabbed her by the waist, lifted her into the air, and then planted a kiss on her lips.

And as for Marina? All she could say at the moment was, "Huh. I did not see that coming."

Perhaps she would feel devastated later, when the shock wore off? Although somehow, she doubted it.

"What do you think they are saying?" Cecilia asked. She was pacing in front of the closed door, her hands folded behind her back, looking as worried as Marina had ever seen her. "They have been in there for nearly an hour."

Once it was confirmed that Lord Rutley was not coming back, Lord and Lady Repington whisked them back to the estate, deposited them in the foyer, and told them to wait while they decided what they would do. Both were furious at the situation, beyond reason. Marina shuddered as she considered what her parents might be talking about.

There was more to this union than a simple desire to see her wed. Oh sure, her parents liked to pretend that it was love and romance and happiness that brought it about, but Marina wasn't that naive. In her world, marriage was a business contract, used to form contractual bonds that might benefit both parties socially and financially. Her father had given her hand to Lord Rutley for this reason only, and all the talk of falling in love and living happily ever after… well, it had been hopeful, if nothing else.

"The weather, most likely," Lady Amelia Notley suggested. "It was rather chilly today, do you not think? For this time of year."

Cecilia's face dropped. "The weather?"

"Or perhaps they are engaged in an epic game of Cribbage?" Amelia added. "I know that when I play with my father, we often take hours to finish. And nothing will drag us away." She tittered. "The world could be ending, for all we care."

"Are you insane!" Cecilia cried. "Of course, they are not playing Cribbage!"

"Faro, then? Or Commerce? Although I was never fond of either. But I suppose your parents are a little older, so maybe their tastes are different from mine?"

Cecilia looked as if she was having a seizure. Her face was contorted into a grimace, and her body was stiff yet also shaking. Struck speechless, she was, unable to fathom the things that she was hearing.

"She is only teasing you, Cecilia," Marina interjected, clicking her tongue at Amelia. "And you fell right into her trap."

"It was a little too easy, to be fair." Amelia giggled. "I almost feel bad about it."

"Oh, I doubt that." Marina chuckled.

"Well, no, not really. But I am afraid your sister might have a heart attack, so best not to gloat. It would be rude."

Marina snorted, and Amelia mimicked the action. This just made Cecilia's aggravation worsen, such that Marina wondered if she should pull up a chair and force her sister to sit. The poor woman had been pacing nonstop since they arrived home, and Marina couldn't think of a time she had ever seen her so worried.

Strange that, seeing as Marina was the one who should have been feeling that way. And not just worried, but furious. Vengeful. Embarrassed. Anything other than what she was feeling at that moment—that being unconcerned. Her wedding day had just been ruined. Her husband-to-be had not only been cheating on her but had left her at the altar for the same woman. Half the ton had been there to witness it. And surely, by now, she and her humiliation were the talk of the town.

So, why did she not care? She only wished that she knew.

"I am glad that you are taking this so lightly," Cecilia managed with a sigh. "That it is all a joke."

"How else should I take it?" Marina asked. "Would you prefer that I curl up into a ball and cry my eyes out?"

"Well… no." Cecilia grimaced.

"I think her reaction is perfectly just," Amelia said rightly. "Do not waste such emotions on a man who would not do the same for you. Lord Rutley doesn't deserve your tears."

"Thank you, Amelia."

Lady Amelia Notley was one of Marina's oldest and dearest friends. They had known one another since they were little girls, and while they grew up practically inseparable, Amelia now lived some hours north from here on her father's estate. But she had made the trip down especially for the wedding, insisting on coming home with Marina tonight because, as she had put it, her friend could use a laugh.

"The truth is," Marina continued, "I really am not that upset. I know I should be, but… well, I really cannot find it in myself to care just now."

"Interesting." Amelia's eyes flashed.

"Oh, it really isn't," Cecilia sighed. "Anyone can see it."

Marina frowned. "What does that mean?"

"Face it, Sister. You never wanted to marry Lord Rutley in the first place."

"I did!" Marina cried, simply because she felt she must. "All I have ever wanted was to marry."

"Marry, yes," Cecilia agreed. "But to Lord Rutley?" She blew through her lips. "You never wanted to marry him, and you know it."

The words her sister spoke rang true. A little too true, for her liking. A life spent wishing to wed, a purpose that had Marina convinced that Lord Rutley was the one. And despite agreeing with what her sister said, she simply could not admit it. Not out loud, anyway.

"You do not know what you're talking about."

Cecilia rolled her eyes. "If you say so. And please, feel free to prove me wrong. Perhaps a tear or too, just to really sell how upset you are."

"I will be," Marina insisted. "Once the shock wears off."

"I am inclined to agree with your sister," Amelia piped up. "Only I do not understand why a lady as wise as her is behaving as if she has sat on a beehive." She looked at Cecilia. "Seeing the way you've been pacing all evening, I might have assumed it was your wedding that was ruined."

"I am worried," Cecilia hissed. "Because our parents might not be so understanding. What do you think they're speaking about right now?" She gestured toward the closed door. "The humiliation this will bring Father…" Her face paled. "He is as likely to send you off to a nunnery as anything."

"That is…" A lump formed in Marina's throat as she realized the truth of what her sister said. "Surely, he would not—it wasn't my fault!"

"And do you think he cares?"

Cecilia was about to answer when they heard the sound of the key turning in the lock. The three girls turned just in time to see the door open. And while Marina might have hoped that her sister was exaggerating in her fear, one look at her father's face told her that Cecilia was right on the money.

"Marina," Lord Repington said, his tone stiff. "If you will…" He gestured for her to enter the room.

Marina stepped inside, and Cecilia and Amelia made to follow her.

"Girls," Lord Repington sighed. "This is to be a private conversation."

"Father, please." Marina took his hand. "Anything you say to me, you can say in front of them. They will hear of it anyway."

Her father groaned but nodded in understanding, and then he took a step back so that Cecilia and Amelia might enter.

"Oh, my poor girl…" Lady Repington was on Marina the second she was inside, Smothering her with kisses and hugs. "I am so sorry. I am so, so, so sorry."

"Mother, it is quite all right."

"It is not all right," Lord Repington growled as he closed the door behind him. "What happened today…" he snarled. "I have never been so embarrassed in all my life. Lord Rutley will pay for this transgression. You have my word."

"Barnard…" Lady Repington sighed, still holding Marina.

"And that's not to mention the money this will cost me," Lord Repington continued. "Money owed—money lost when my investors hear of what happened! They will think I am a bad bet. Never mind that it was Lord Rutley who?—"

"Barnard!" Lady Repington hissed. "Is now the time?"

"Right." He took a deep breath. "But that is not what matters right now. What matters is what is to be done with you." He glanced over at Marina, and she could see the pain in his eyes. "Your mother and I have decided that for now… for the rest of the Season, at least, it might be best if you…" He clicked his tongue. "Lie low."

"What does that mean?"

"It means that people talk, and the best we can do is smother said talk by helping them forget. To do that, if you are not seen for a while, it will go a long way toward ensuring this mess doesn't become the talk of the entire town." He sighed and rubbed his eyes. "The rumors this will spark…"

"So, I am to be sent away?" Marina's stomach twisted as she imagined herself in a nunnery, locked away and forgotten. "You cannot do that!"

"Do you think I want to? Do you think I have a choice!"

"Father, please!"

"Just for a week or two," her mother assured her. "Until all this blows over."

"Where will you send her?" Cecilia asked. She rushed toward Marina and took her hand in support.

"That is to be decided," their father replied carefully. "We have some ideas, but we wish to run them by you. We are aware that you are not to blame, and it is important that you realize you are not being punished, Marina. This is for the best."

"If I might say something…" Amelia raised her hand.

"Oh." Lord Repington blinked. "Lady Amelia… not to be rude, but this does not really concern you."

"Not yet, it doesn't," Amelia relented, making sure to wink at Marina, followed by a grin that told Marina exactly what she was about to suggest. "But if you wish to hide your daughter for a few months, away from London and the eyes of the ton, I think I know the perfect spot."

Lord Repington frowned to himself… only for that frown to deepen when he realized what she was saying. Lady Repington's face was pinched in disapproval because the idea about to be pitched was beyond anything she might have imagined or wanted.

Marina, however, made sure to smile and nod along, because if she was going to be hidden away from the world for a while, best that it be at a friend's home. Even if that friend was somewhat crazy, a little strange, and not at all what her father had in mind.

Today was her wedding day, after all, so it was about time that something worked in her favor.