To Love, Honor, and Obey... (Fated for Love) Read Online Free PDF Page A

picked up a sausage, quickly stuffing it into her mouth, as well. She swallowed her mouthful and returned to her seat. She took a sip of tea and was thankful her mother was none the wiser. Inside, she felt like a dog begging for scraps. It was humiliating to have to sneak a bite of food in her own home. Her mother and sister chattered on like noisy birds until a name caught her attention.
    “Lord Willowton is a perfect candidate. Not only will I gain a titled husband and still be close to home, but I will further our families standing in society.”
    “I beg your pardon?” Obedience interrupted.
    Her mother turned to her in displeasure. “Obedience ,” She said sternly. She had a way of saying Obedience’s name as if it were something distasteful. “How many times have I told you not to interrupt your sister when she is speaking? We are discussing important things, things that are of no concern to you.”
    “But you mentioned Chance?”
    “LORD WILLOWTON.” Her mother glowered at her. “Have I raised you like an animal? Did I not give you the same courtesy of a governess as I did with Patience and Prudence?”
    Obedience looked down in shame. “I’m sorry. It's just that... I’ve known him the longest out of anyone here and —”
    “Mama ,” Patience interrupted and took their mothers hand. “I have another splendid idea.” She beamed. “Obedience can introduce me to Lord Willowton.”
    “Well... perhaps this is an instance where you can be of some use, Obedience. Your odd relationship with the duke and his son can help your own family for once.”
    “Oh?” Obedience looked up. Her mother smiled, but it was reluctant. “What do you need Lord Willowton for?”
    “Can you not see it , you obtuse girl? We shall garner an alliance between Lord Willowton and my precious Patience. Wouldn’t your sister make a lovely duchess?”
    There were no words Obedience could summon. She looked to her sister, who smiled at her expectantly. “Um...”
    “You will introduce them. In fact, why don’t we invite Lord Willowton to tea this very afternoon? Obedience, will you send him a note? Oh, never mind. I can see you are quite lost on the subject. I shall do it myself.” Her mother stood from the breakfast table and left them as Patience clapped and giggled in excitement.
    “I’m going to be a duchess!” she cheered.
    “Wha–What do you mean? You can’t marry Chance. You don’t even know him.”
    “He is the heir to the dukedom and of marriageable age. What else is there to know?”
    Obedience scowled. “He will never marry you.”
    Patience was unaffected. “Nonsense. Everyone knows his father is dying. He has to marry soon, doesn’t he?
    Obedience was beginning to feel sick. She could not stand the thought of Chance being married to someone as shallow as her sister, not when she harbored her own infatuation with him. But, when she looked at her sister, she could believe that Patience fit the bill of an ideal wife, in looks at least.
    “How did everyone know about his health when I didn’t know until yesterday?”
    “The good doctor told Farmer Jacobs, who told Mrs. Moffet, who told Bessie the scullery maid, and she tells mama everything.”
    “Oh.” Suddenly Obedience had no desire to eat or even remain at home for another moment. Normally , she would seek refuge at Willowton Park, but after all that happened yesterday, she didn’t feel ready to face them yet. She stood from her chair.
    “Where are you going?” Patience looked up from her tea.
    “I have to leave.” She began to move toward the door.
    Patience narrowed her eyes. “Oh no, you don’t. You owe it to the family. It is your duty to remain here and help me. Lord Willowton must see that I would be an ideal duchess.”
    Obedience scoffed. “What do you mean I owe the family?”
    “Darling, please. You are far too strange to gain yourself a proper husband. You are a burden, and as such, it is your duty to help me find a husband who