“Can you please explain what is the meaning of this?” Jared roared. He looked downright livid as he certainly didn’t try to hide how displeased he was with the news.

“What is this, Ashlyn?” He laughed bitterly. “Why in God’s name are you marring him? Don’t tell me you care for this fool because I know you’d be lying!”

Edith winced at her brother’s sudden outburst.

“Jared, enough!” She glared at him.

“No, Edith! I want her to explain!” He slapped Edith’s hand off his shoulder.

“My aunt suddenly withdrew her sponsorship and he offered to save me from the scandal by becoming my husband. Of course, my father would never refuse him, so here I am - betrothed to him.” I straightened my posture.

“No... But why would she do that?” Edith inquired with astonishment.

My aunt’s recklessness hasn’t affected only myself. I was painfully aware that Edith’s season was also in ruins. And the fact that she might not be able to choose whom she desired ached more than my marriage with Baxter.

“She never indented to help us. My parents’ situation amused her and served as an opportunity to wreck our reputation further. This was her plan all along and I am truly sorry you were caught in the middle.” I carefully let out the detail that I got cornered after visiting His Grace’s gardens.

Jared franticly pulled at the ends of his blonde strands. “Nonsense! Can’t it be fixed somehow?”

“I’m afraid not. The wedding will be held in St. Mary’s Whitechapel, so I came here to extend the invitation,” I said bitterly.

“This is madness!” Jared banged his fist against the wall. The horrid state he was in wasn’t because of me. His bloodshot eyes and disheveled appearance were the result of Bonnie’s rejection. Apparently, he decided to mend his broken heart with Cognac.

“Is it true that you are courting Lady Wyatt, Jared?” I glanced at Edith who disappointedly shook her head.

“Yes,” he admitted. “Since I lost Bonnie,” his voice cracked and he took a swig of liquor to drown the pain. “I have no other option.”

For a swift moment I felt guilt burning my chest, for I was the reason that Bonnie didn’t want him any longer. But deep down I knew I made the right decision. Jared, the boy I once adored so much was now a changed man. He indulged in alcohol, women and gambling to fill the empty void inside him.

“I always teased you about His Grace Read, but I’ve never imagined it would turn into reality!” Edith stepped closer to me and grasped my hands between hers. “I am so sorry, Ashlyn.”

But unfortunately, it has.

“We’ll remain here in London for about a month, then we’ll be traveling to Manchester.” I gazed at her with grief. “Promise me you and His Grace Andrew will visit.”

“Of course, when we marry, we’ll be there first thing.”

My arms instantly wrapped around her thin figure. It somehow felt as though I was already saying goodbye to her. I realized I must cease with this kind of negative outlook and focus on the positive.

“What?” Jared bolted from his seat and dangerously wobbled on his feet. “You will be leaving London?”

At this point the fall was inevitable. He tripped over his boots and collapsed like a heavy sack of cement.

“Jared!” Edith rushed toward her brother. “Hold on! I will fetch the butler.”

As she disappeared, Jared raised to his feet. His expression was a grotesque mask, twisted into a mocking sneer. “If that fool thinks he can take you away from me, he is very mistaken! I won’t let it, Ashlyn! You hear me? I won’t let it!” He roared drunkenly.

I watched him in complete horror and he spat and cursed.

“Damn fool!” He shouted, his booming voice resonating through the space. “He is weak, Ashlyn! A coward!”

I was relieved when the butler finally burst into the room and grasped the stumbling Jared by his waist. The enormous man hoisted him up with a surprising ease – as if he was used of doing it - supporting his sagging body as he half-carried him out.

“I apologize,” Edith murmured.

“What happened to him, Edith? I cannot recognize him anymore.”

“We’ve lost a lot of money Ashlyn, more than he led on. When I glanced at the ledger... The amount of debt is harrowing,” she sighed with sorrow. “It’s necessary for us to marry as quickly as possible.”

“Oh, Edith,” I placed my hand over hers. “I am so sorry about your season.”

“Don’t worry about us. I am going to marry His Grace Andrew. He already proposed, Ashlyn. We wanted to announce it in a few days, but with your wedding coming on perhaps we should wait for a little bit longer,” she admitted enthusiastically, beaming like a ray of sunshine.

“Edith!” I leaped at her. “Congratulations! I am so happy for you!”

Although ecstatic, I couldn’t help myself to feel a pang of jealousy of the love they had for each other.

“Thank you! But quite honestly, I can’t stop worrying about the horrid news you’ve delivered today,” she admitted.

“I will be all right, Edith.” I assured her as I put on my bravest face.

“It’s His Grace Baxter Read we are talking about. How can one be happy at the thought of marrying him? He is a walking disaster and we all know it. And the wedding night,” she continued to wring her hands. “Oh God, Ashlyn. I cannot even imagine …”

“Edith please, let’s not think about it any further.” I pleaded with her, feeling dread creeping into my belly.

“I just want you to be happy, my dear friend.”

“And I will be.”

There may never be a wild passion or the kind of love novels spoke about between me and Baxter, but I will do my best to build our relationship on a mutual respect and understanding. My family needed me, and I had to swallow my pride and childish desires and do what was expected of me.