Chapter 3

"Stop picking at your food and eat properly, Jane," The viscount's stern voice cut through the elegant silence of the dining room.

She listened to him in silence, her mind darting back to that unexpected moment in the garden. Jane was struggling with her thoughts as her father continued to talk but she was certain that it was only a matter of time before she gave in and allowed herself to reminisce on the event that happened two days ago.

"Now is not at all the time to eat like one sick. You must present yourself well for the Marquess in the days ahead." His gaze was unwavering as he addressed her. "Heavens forbid you turn up looking like you haven't had a proper meal in a while."

Jane's eyes rolled in exasperation at his exaggeration. "I'm certain my eating pace for one meal would not drain me of youth, Father." Then at his irritated frown, she muttered reluctantly, "But I shall eat properly, my apologies."

Henry raised his nose at his daughter as he continued, "I have arranged for you to see the Marquess over these coming days. You shall walk and talk with him and familiarize yourself with your soon-to-be husband."

"Absolutely not, I refuse." Jane felt a familiar, rebellious spark igniting within her as her head snapped back up to make a challenge. Her voice was filled with disbelief as she went on.

"I refuse to be a pawn in this matchmaking game, Father, I have stated, I do not love or want the man. So I will not marry him," Defiance dripped from her tone. "I will not succumb to a loveless union for the sake of status."

Her father's brow furrowed in disapproval, his voice filling with frustration instantly, "I am your father and you shall listen to me, young woman."

But she only let out a groan and stabbed the food on her plate in annoyance, which seemed to fuel his irritation even more.

"It would be my right to not even consider your opinion nor to let you talk back at me at this table, I would remind you that. You are a woman. And you know nothing yet of this world, daughter."

Jane's eyes blazed at his sharp tone. Surely, he was right in some sorts. Mustering all the patience and restraint she had, she pulled her fiery gaze away and fell silent, stabbing her food to release her frustrations instead.

After a short moment, the viscount's sigh graced her ears again, "You are being unreasonable, Jane. Graham is a respectable match, one that would elevate our family's standing. It would be folly to dismiss such an opportunity."

She had been trying to block out the thoughts of the man from the garden especially as her father was getting on her nerves. Now that he made mention of Graham being a respectable match, she found herself thinking about the man from the garden.

Her mind was consumed by thoughts of the mysterious man she'd gotten entangled with.

She felt a sense of unease clouding her every move. The knowledge that he did not possess her name offered a fragile comfort at the least, a thin veil of protection in their world where reputation was everything.

All she had to do was steer clear of him for the rest of the pressing balls her father was making her attend. If they never crossed paths again, perhaps he would forget about her and their encounter completely.

Unfortunately, she, on the other hand, could not keep him from her mind. The memory of him lingered like a haunting melody in her mind, refusing to fade with each passing day.

The sensation of his strong, protective arms enveloping her in the secluded shadows of the garden filled her every waking moment.

The intensity of his emerald gaze boring into her with shock and question, left her breathless and unsettled to that moment.

The light touch of his hand on her skin that had sent shivers down her spine, igniting a barrage of sensations she'd never experienced before within her...

Despite her conscious efforts to push him from her mind, her thoughts failed to drift away from the forbidden encounter.

She knew she shouldn't. She didn't understand herself for even entertaining it, but, she found herself now ensnared in a web of intrigue for this man whose name remained a mystery.

"Jane!" her father's voice thundered in the room, forcing her out of her thoughts.

In a moment, she recalled his last statement and replied with a frown.

"I will not sacrifice my happiness for the sake of societal expectations, Father. I'm only one-and-twenty years of age… or have you forgotten that?"

"Don't delude yourself into thinking that you still have time, young lady!" he snarled at her.

"But I do, Father. Besides, I can find my own match myself," she replied.

"Not with this attitude," he said with a look of disdain etched upon his gaze. "With that sharp tongue of yours, I am certain you will not find a match. No man loves to be challenged; no man wants a woman who speaks without reasoning."

She scoffed, seeing the father and the man he wanted for her have a lot in common. How ironic. Which was the more reason she wouldn't marry that man. Jane wouldn't escape her father's selfish, condescending, demeaning, and greedy attitude only to marry someone who was exactly like him. No. Never.

Her tone carried a steely resolve, "Well, I refuse to be shackled to a man I do not care for, what sort of life would that be?" She scoffed. "I have met the man. He is… He is…" She sputtered as she tried to find the right words to express her distaste.

"A callous, self-loving deviant! I spent time with him as you asked, and I assure you, you do not want such a man as an in-law, dear father."

"Foolish girl," he cussed impatiently. "What would you know of how to properly judge character, you infuriating child?" Henry's tone was pitched in anger at this point.

"I know enough to be able to tell when a man's look is inappropriate!" She countered immediately. "I am not his wife yet! It tells a lot on his morals to stare at me so brazenly."

Henry lifted a brow and threw his head to the side as he scoffed. Jane kept her fiery gaze on him. She could see the wheels turning in his head. He knew she was right. But his pride and pre-conceived notions would not allow him give in.

Just as she was about to speak up again, giving him no space to relax, Sarah's soft voice echoed across the silent table.

"Father is right, Jane," Her sister chimed in, her tone carrying a hint of persuasion as she sided with their father's wishes. "The Marquess is a highly sought-after match, both in status and character. You should consider the opportunity he presents."

Jane's lips curled in a mixture of defiance and amusement at her sister's attempt to sway her. "Then let him be sought after by those who desire him, Sarah. I will not be coerced into a union with such a character as he is."

Their father's patience wore thin as he interjected, his tone laced with authority. "Jane, why are you ever the problematic child? Now, what is the root of your defiance? Do you not see the advantages this match could bring to our family?"

"Father, I have stated my reasons-"

"All nonsense! Your reasons are of no matter compared to the bigger picture! You will do as I say!"

As his bellow echoed the room, a stubborn silence settled over Jane as she avoided his gaze, her resolve unyielding despite the pressure mounting against her.

From the corner of her eye, she saw the viscount massage his temples before finally continuing with a softer tone, "I will be expecting you to make an effort to cultivate a relationship with Graham."

His voice boomed through the room, his words heavy with authority, "He is a man of great standing in society, not just with wealth and status, but with connections that would benefit our family. The Marquess is respected amongst the ton; his name carries weight."

As her father carried on extolling Graham's virtues, listing his accomplishments and societal worth, Jane's gaze drifted, her interest waning with each word spoken.

"While I appreciate the Marquess' merits, but my heart cannot be swayed by such materials alone," Her tone, though softer, still carried on her steely resolve.

Her father's expression hardened at her defiance, his features a mask of disappointment and frustration. "You will do well to consider the practicalities of our situation. Graham is an ideal match in every sense; his alliance would secure our family's future and elevate our standing in society. You are being selfish, child."

Ever the obedient sister, Sarah stood by their father's side, her eyes pleading, a portrait of compliance as she chimed in again, "Sister, please consider Father's wishes. The Marquess' proposal is indeed an honor we cannot dismiss lightly,"

Jane turned to her sister, a flicker of disappointment crossing her features. "Dear sister, do you not see that this decision should not be made out of obligation but out of genuine affection? Marriage should not be commanded; it must be freely given."

The viscount's tone grew more insistent as he growled and interjected, "Jane, you shall put aside your romantic notions and think practically. The Marquess is a suitable match in every aspect of your reality."

He paused and his face returned to his food dismissively. "We shall speak of this no longer. I shall not find myself enraged on such a fine day as this. You will listen to me, young woman. And that is final."

Jane watched him stuff his face in annoyance and contemplated if it was worth speaking again and awakening the lion. She wanted to argue terribly, however, and her anger tethered on the edge of an explosion.

Aware of the delicate situation, Sarah finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper as she leaned in, "Jane, perhaps if you reason with Father at a better time, he will understand your perspective. Still, we must consider the greater good of our family."

Jane shifted eyes filled with betrayal to her elder sister. However, before she could respond, the patter of familiar feet drew their attentions.

The atmosphere in the room shifted abruptly as the butler's voice cut through the air like a sharp blade, "Announcing the esteemed presence of the Duke of Montford, my lord."

Sarah and Jane's heads snapped back to each other immediately, their expressions mirroring a mix of astonishment and intrigue, questioning the purpose behind the Duke's unexpected visit.

A powerful person like the Duke had no reason to come to see lower ranking nobles like them. They were neither family nor friends.

"The Duke?" Their father sprang from his seat with a sense of anticipation, his voice steady but laced with curiosity, "Pray tell, did the Duke convey the nature of his visit, Jenkins?"

The butler shook his head and responded in his usual composed manner, "The Duke merely requested an audience with you, my lord, without divulging further details."

The room buzzed with a palpable tension as the mystery surrounding the man's visit hung thick in the air. The girls exchanged another meaningful glance, their minds racing with questions and possibilities.

Their father, now visibly intrigued by the Duke's enigmatic summons, adjusted his attire with a newfound sense of purpose, readying himself to meet the distinguished guest.

"Then I shall take my leave from the table right away."

As soon as he left, the sisters exchanged questions, which only left them more curious with no answers. A few moments went by as they rounded up breakfast before they heard the butler's familiar tone again.

"Lady Jane, your presence is requested in your father's study."

Jane's heart raced with a mixture of shock and bewilderment, her sister Sarah sharing in her astonishment.

Unable to form the proper question to ask for information, with trembling steps, she rose and made her way from the table, her mind swirling with questions and uncertainties.

As she approached the study, a sense of foreboding gripped her, the possibility of the duke himself seeking her presence sending shivers down her spine. The air crackled with tension as she held her breath and pushed open the heavy study door.

"Father, you requested for me? I-"

But before she could finish, as she fully stepped into the study, her eyes widened in shock, her jaw dropping instantly at the sight before her.

Standing in the opulent room was the none other than the very man she had encountered at the recent garden party, his imposing presence filling up the space in her father's domain.

"Indeed, dear daughter." Henry's smile filled his entire face as he quickly turned back to the duke. "Your Grace, may I introduce my youngest daughter, Lady Jane of Stonehave."

In this moment fraught with tension and apprehension, his voice echoed the room, "This is His Grace, Colin Grove, the new Duke of Montford. He has come to pay us a visit."

Jane's heart pounded in her chest as her father's words continued to echo in her ears, her mind reeling with disbelief at the sight before her.

This man… The man she had met… was the duke??

Struggling to compose herself, she felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her with each second, her thoughts racing as she tried to make sense of this unexpected development.

The memories of their clandestine meeting in the garden flashed before her eyes, the complete realization hitting her that the mysterious man from her past now stood before her.

How did he find her?!

As panic gripped her, Jane's mind raced with fear and uncertainty, her fingers trembling with the weight of impending revelation.

There was no doubt. He had come to expose her debauch actions towards him to her father. It was the gentleman thing to do, after all. He would be praised for taking his time to ensure such a woman as she was would be kept in check.

The new duke's presence loomed ominously, a silent threat hanging in the air as she grappled with the implications that were to come.

"Jane? It is customary to greet our guests on sight."

Her father's stern voice finally shattered the fragile calm that enveloped her, her cheeks ablaze with embarrassment as she struggled to meet the gaze of the imposing figure before her.

Forced into a semblance of composure, she managed a timid greeting, "Your Grace, welcome to our humble abode." Her voice quivered, betraying the turmoil within as she grappled with the weight of her inescapable doom hanging in the air like a heavy curtain.

Frantically seeking to divert attention from the charged atmosphere, she seized upon the banal, "The- The weather has been quite pleasant of late, has it not?"

Her words, a feeble and all too sudden attempt at small talk, echoed in the tense silence of the room. Jane's mind raced, her heart continuing to pound with the intensity of the moment.

"Have you- Have you traveled far, Your Grace?" She inquired again, her voice laced with forced cheerfulness, a facade to mask the deafening emotions swirling beneath the surface.

"What a great time you chose to set out. Perfect clouds for a short journey in the carriage, is it not?"

A bout of forced giggles escaped her lips in a scattered manner accompanying her statement, and from the corner of her eye, she caught the look of horror on her poor, confused father's face.

Still she was not done. She simply could not give the man space to talk. "As a matter of fact, when I woke up this morning to meet the lovely weather, I decided upon taking a quiet stroll in the gardens myself, and-"

"While the weather is indeed fascinating, Lady Jane, the topic is not the reason for my visit today."

The duke's interruption sliced through her rambling words, halting her mid-sentence. Startled, she fell silent, her eyes wide as she awaited his next move.

There was no point avoiding the inevitable any longer. She shut her eyes and lowered her head. Begging the heavens to make the moment hurry past faster.

"Look at me, Lady Jane."

The duke's voice, though soft, carried a quiet authority that demanded her attention. Stuck in the trance of his all too melodic tone, obediently, she met his gaze, bracing herself for what she anticipated to be a stern rebuke.

To her astonishment, she found not harsh judgment but a gentle determination reflected in the depths of the man's eyes. Before she could fully process or understand this, he spoke again, his words breaking the charged air of the room.

"I came here today to ask. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, Lady Jane?"

The seconds went by and when the man before her did not retract his statement, or her rising from a wake, Jane could not help the sharp gasp of question that escaped her lips.

"Excuse me?"