Free The Lady’s Torn Heart (Faces of Love Series #2) by Jessie Bennett Page A

can find a proper match this season.”
    “Yes, I am well aware of her wishes,” I said, already growing weary of this barrage.
    “She, along with your father of course, has given me leave to be your guardian through the season. They have asked me to approve of, and help you make, any match that I find appropriate. They have also provided me with the amount of your dowry.”
    He said this last part with a raised brow. It was always shocking for people to know how much money my father had accumulated. As their only daughter, much of that money would be going to me.
    “I would prefer to keep my dowry on a need-to-know basis,” I said.
    “Are you serious?” he asked, surprised. “Your dowry is enough to secure you a duke! You could quite possibly marry a member of the royal family with that amount of money.” He added under his breath, “We all know they could use the funds, what with the war and all.”
    “I don’t feel comfortable having someone attach themselves to me solely for financial gain.”
    “My dear sister, that is the only reason a nobleman would ever consider marring you,” he said with a look of pity.
    “I don’t deny the truthfulness of that statement. I am sure you are much better versed in society than I could ever dream of being. That being said, I would prefer my money to be kept a secret. It will be obvious that I am well endowed simply by my father’s reputation. I just want to keep the actual amount quiet.”
    “Well, it might not matter anyway. I already have someone in mind for you,” the duke said, raising his chin in pride.

CHAPTER 2

    CHARITABLE FRIENDSHIPS

* * *
    T he following day , the Duchess of Bellingham invited me to attend afternoon tea at the home of Lady Withington. It was to be a charity event for orphaned children. I was excited to go since I had already made a connection with their second eldest daughter, Lady Julia.
    The last I saw of her was when she and my beloved brother, Colonel Henry Fitzwilliam, were married. I had heard that she had come to town with her family while Henry was away with his regiment.
    I entered the drawing room, which was tastefully decked out in fragrant bouquets of pink and red roses. There were several tables set up with delectables decorating the centerpieces. I couldn’t help but think that for the price of this event alone, we could have housed an orphan for the remainder of his or her life.
    “She is making up for her lack of money,” the duchess whispered in my ear as we entered. “It is well known that her husband squandered it all in his youth. Ever since her oldest daughter married the Duke of Gaffton, she thinks she has re-entered the portion of society that had thus far been kept from her.”
    I looked over at my companion questioningly. Certainly the wife of an earl couldn’t be shunned just because of money.
    “I would never dream of coming to such an event, even in her current fortune, but since Fitzwilliam married her daughter, it is my duty to show face here. Stay close though, we will be leaving shortly.”
    I couldn’t believe that all women of her stature were so full of themselves. I wanted to say something to her, but before I could, we were interrupted by our hostess.
    “Your Grace, it is such a joy to have you attend today,” Lady Withington cooed a little too loudly. She was clearly making a show of the duchess’ presence at the event.
    “Yes, well, we are practically family now, aren’t we?” the Duchess returned with an indifferent look on her face. “Let me introduce my companion also, this is Miss Scarlett. She is a relation of my husband.”
    “Oh yes, my Julia has spoken quite highly of you,” she said as I bowed to her. “Though her words don’t do justice to your beauty.”
    “Thank you, Lady Withington, you are very kind.”
    “Julia is here with us,” she waved, looking around the room. “The colonel, as you know, has been called back to the front lines. Julia has been staying with us as