The Last Duchess.

Chapter 2

I began to look around frantically...Where did he go? Mere moments ago he was but a limp pile of man on the floor. Had I really been so lost in the Duke that I didn't notice him leave? I began to cross the grass rapidly , the Duke following closely behind me until we came face to face with Violette. She was out of breath from running...So whatever it was? It was serious. And the look in her eyes did absolutely nothing to calm my nerves. I reached up to cup her face in my hands in an attempt to calm her. "Vi...Look at me...What's happened?"

She stared down at me in return as she panted. "It's the Lord...He has told your father things. Things which could unjustly get you into a lot of trouble." I sighed loudly as I looked back at the Duke who simply looked down to the ground. I tried to go over the different ways in my head that I could calm the situation...Father was sure to be furious. I could only hope that my mother would be slightly more understanding. As I looked up from the ground beneath me , I saw my father cross armed in the window. I'd better get up there quickly...Before I get myself in anymore bother. When I arrived outside of his office , I flinched as the door flew open abruptly. My father greeted me and as expected he looked livid...A rather smug lord stood behind him , smirking at me as he folded his arms.
"Father...Lord Augustine..." I muttered , the poison in my voice hissing off of my tongue as I muttered his name. Bowing in my fathers direction as I stepped into the office.

"Phillipe here tells me that you were out in the gardens with the Duke...Alone. Have I taught you NOTHING girl?!" My fathers voice thundered as he glared at me , I could see his tone even made my mother uncomfortable as she reached out to touch his arm in an attempt to calm him. But he quickly shook her off and turned his attention towards her.
"No , Eliza. She needs to learn that no man will ever want her if she's deemed impure. And what can one expect when she is seen hanging around with...That...Rakish Duke Du Winter." I looked down at my feet , feeling rather ashamed. Not because I was in trouble , but because...He technically wasn't wrong? If we hadn't been interrupted , would I have let the Duke kiss me? Probably... "If I may add , Sir. He also punched me." Chirped the Lord , but my father couldn't seem to care less about that. He was more annoyed that his youngest child would allow herself to be so reckless. "Nevermind that , what in god's name possessed you to do such a thing , Adalaide? Do you realise what you have done?!" At that moment...I felt broken. The look of absolute disappointment on my fathers face shattered something inside of me...We had never had the close relationship he had with Emilie and my brothers. And yet , everything I've ever done in life...I had excelled with the purpose to impress him and make him proud of me.
"But...Father..." I started but he held up his hand to cut me off. "No , Adalaide. I do not wish to hear your excuses. You will let me finish talking." My mother stepped forward , finally speaking up. Her tone was slightly softer than my fathers..."IF this gets out , Adalaide...It could destroy our entire family. We'd be picked apart by everyone in the ton." She sighed softly as she ran her slender hands over her face. "I have a way that guarantees this won't get out." Looking up , I raised an eyebrow at the Lord's proposition. It was his fault I was in this predicament. There was no way he would want to get me out of this. My father seemed skeptical , but his reputation was everything to him and he would do anything to protect it.
"Name your price..." He pried as he folded his arms , resting against his desk.
"Adalaide. I wish to marry her within the week , and in return I'll ensure that what happened here tonight is never spoken of again." My eyes widened at his words...Marry him?! I couldn't stand him. My eyes began to well up as I stepped up. "No! I refuse!" My mother looked utterly shocked at the fact I had spoken up and I shook my head as I moved away from her when she tried to reassure me. "No mother! I refuse to be sold off like this to a man I do not love. When I marry...I want to be married for love." She exchanged a glance with my father , it must've been a shock to them. I've never raised my voice or spoken to either of them in such a way before. But I couldn't be forced into marrying such a vile person. My father looked at me like I was a disgrace. "My youngest daughter...A spinster. Do you see , Eliza? This is what happens when you are so lenient with them...And nobody wants a spinster," He quickly turned his attention back to me. "You're twenty one Adalaide. When will you grow up!"