“She will have her own London house,” the Earl continued listing his conditions, “in case she decides that this wedding will be in paper only.”
This was where Jane could not hold her peace any longer. They were discussing her future without taking her will into account. She would not stand for it a moment longer.
“Don’t I get any say in this!?” she demanded. Her fiery temper was something she inherited from her father, and although she did not like it all that much, she had to admit that sometimes, it came in mighty handy. “I won’t do it!”
“Darling,” her mother’s soft voice brought the sound of reason. “It is our only option as the Duke has already explained.” Her mother placed her hand softly on her daughter’s, but Jane pulled it away as if her mother’s touch scorched her.
“You cannot make me!” Jane exclaimed louder than last time. What was worse, it seemed that her outburst of emotion only amused the Duke even more. He was not smiling, fortunately, but she could not help but feel that he was enjoying this.
“No one will make you do anything,” the Duke answered mild-manneredly, fully aware that the entire situation was under his control. That enraged her even more. “I am merely offering a proposition that benefits us all. If you find it unfair to you, feel free to refuse me.”
Jane’s lower lip quivered with indignation. Her eyes sought her father, but the moment their eyes locked, she knew that he had already made up his mind. It was the same with her mother. Like she realized, this was their only option.
Seconds felt like hours. All eyes were on her, waiting, anticipating. Finally, she sat down, feeling more defeated than ever. She felt like her entire life was out of her hands, now, and she was being punished for someone else’s transgressions.
She would acquiesce… for now.