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

can support mama and you for the remainder of your days. That husband is Lord Willowton.”
    Inside Obedience was seething but miraculously she spoke in a level tone. “I won’t help you con him into marriage. If you think you are so fitting to be his duchess, then surely your exemplary charms should be enough to woo him.”
    Patience narrowed her eyes again.
    “Good day, little sister.”
    Obedience left swiftly and found her way to the stables despite being blinded with fury. Was she a burden? She didn’t know, but she was tired of feeling inadequate in the eyes of her mother and her sister. She entered the cozy atmosphere and sighed in relief to find the stable empty. She climbed into the loft and settled into the cozy hay. As a child, she used to come here often, especially after her father died. It was always warm in the loft, always quiet and safe. The smell of the dry hay was soothing. It crunched softly as she lay on her stomach with her head resting on her folded arms.
    She closed her eyes and tried to silence her mind, but when Patience’s voice refused to silence, she thought of Chance. She pictured him in her mind and focused on his smile. She pictured him in the garden, sunlight shining on his golden hair, and his eyes and lips smiling at her. He was so handsome when he smiled. It made her feel like light was filling her up inside until it spilled from her. She suddenly wished she was really with him, but a shadow of doubt overcame her. What if he did find interest in Patience? No. She shook her head against the sleeve of her dress. Chance may be a sophisticated gentleman now, but he wasn’t stupid. He would see through Patience’s thin charms and know what she truly was.
    *~~*
    Obedience spent the rest of the morning out and about. She didn’t stray from the grounds, but avoided entering the house at all costs. When she did return before luncheon, she entered through the kitchen hoping to avoid her family.
    “Oh, there you are.”
    Obedience froze just inside the door. Her mother was standing with the housekeeper and looking very pleased.
    “We have been invited to dine with the duke tonight, an honor only you have been granted until now. Patience talked with me about your opinions this morning after I left, and I want you to know that you will not, under any circumstances, ruin this for your sister. I have let you do as you please as long as you haven’t caused the family embarrassment. I have been quite lenient with you, and we all have suffered for it.” Her mother stepped forward.
    Obedience held still as the servants backed into the shadows and her mother filled her vision.
    “If you do anything to sabotage our evening , I will punish you greatly. Think about that this afternoon as we prepare. I expect nothing but your finest behavior.”
    “Yes, Mother,” Obedience said nervously.
    Her mother stepped even closer, the tip of her slippers disappearing under the hem of Obedience’s gown.
    “I will have you sent away, Obedience. You will spend the rest of your days as a shadow figure, a companion to some terrible old woman. If you have a shred of intelligence in you, you will be sure that Lord Willowton falls madly in love with your sister. Do you understand me?”
    Obedience stared into her mother’s narrowed eyes. Her tongue felt like a stone in her mouth. She nodded, and her mother turned away without another word. Looking around the kitchen, she found no sympathetic eyes . In fact, not a servant remained. She took a deep breath with emotion burning in her chest. She slowly walked toward the servant’s stair, hearing giggles coming from behind the door of the pantry. She was even a joke amongst the servants. She turned her back on them all, the careless eyes that bore witness to her humiliation, and ran up the back stairs.
     
    *~~~
    Hours later , Obedience presented herself in the front hall just as the carriage pulled up. She felt empty and emotionless as her mother looked over her plain