Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 97: Property (3)

"Lord and Lady Hastings have returned from their outing. It seems they bought quite a lot. Would you like to go down?" Nora asked, turning around to look at Victoria.

"What for? His return means that I am to prepare to meet with my uncle. Lord Hastings already knows that I have been busy planning. Prepare the dress I decided on," said Victoria.

"If I may speak," Nora requested.

"You may," Victoria replied.

"Are you not concerned about the turn in events? You didn’t want them to grow close, and you were to write to Lord Hastings’ mother," Nora said, hoping Victoria wasn’t losing sight of her plans.

"I don’t have a reason to write to Cecilia. I am in a good place with Dante now, and I don’t want to ruin it. Writing to his mother would only have me sent out of the castle. I want to focus on my family. I know you mean well by asking," Victoria said.

Victoria stood up from her chair and walked to the window to see where Dante stood. "I’m certain you have noticed how close they have become. It hurts, but it shall hurt even more if I were to keep chasing him. If he wanted to marry me, he would have."

"I have heard Lord Hastings doesn’t want a child. Perhaps he thought if he married you, he would be stealing that joy from you," said Nora.

Victoria smiled, wishing that were true. "That is not why he didn’t marry me. He didn’t marry me because we are only friends. I would rather never have him as a lover than lose him as a friend. If he never married and it was only me at his side, then there might have been a chance."

"No," Victoria said after some thought. "I can’t fool myself into believing it would have happened. With her at his side, Dante is doing things I could never convince him to do. His mother couldn’t. I do envy her for bringing a spark back to him. I won’t win against her."

Nora pitied Victoria. It was heartbreaking to see her lady let go of a long, one-sided love.

"Will you be friends with Lady Hastings now?"

"No. I am happy she is present for Dante, but we won’t be friends. It is not her doing, so don’t think ill of her. I made mistakes in the beginning and even after I was warned. I am letting go, and as my maid, you should too. With Dante falling for her, he will punish those who harm her," said Victoria.

"There are many in the castle who favour you over Lady Hastings," Nora reminded Victoria.

"I know. They will get used to the change, as will I. The others can do what they wish, but I don’t want to see you harmed, Nora. You must treat Lady Hastings with the utmost respect. For me," Victoria pleaded.

Nora bowed her head. "I am your servant. I dare not step out of line with Lady Hastings and place you in trouble. I shall be on my best behaviour, and I will let the others loyal to you know to behave."

"Good. I must get dressed and prepare to leave. We must make haste," Victoria said, sparing one last look at where Dante stood before walking away.

After getting dressed for her outing, Victoria went on a search for Dante.

Victoria found Dante standing near the dining chamber. She first took notice of what he wore.

"Forgive my words if it is rude, but are you dressed to meet with my uncle? Your choice of clothing is a bit unlike you," Victoria said, curious what had come over Dante.

"Ophelia picked out a few shirts and pants for me during our outing. This is what she wanted to see me wear, and I am glad she didn’t dress me like a jester. We will not be going to sit with your uncle. I have invited him to be here. We’ll be having some guests once he leaves," said Dante.

"You will welcome him here? You are not one to like outsiders in your home. Why did you change your mind?"

"I didn’t think of how it would affect Ophelia for us to be seen sitting alone with your uncle. The rumours about us must stop for your sake and Ophelia’s. I don’t want to create a moment for others to mock her. I hope you understand," said Dante.

"I do understand. I didn’t think of how it would appear to others. I will be more careful for Ophelia’s sake. I have already told the other ladies that the rumours about us were just rumours. It will take some time, but eventually, no one should think we were lovers," Victoria said, saddened that it finally came to an end.

"Now is the best time for me to search for a husband. I cannot turn to you for protection all the time, and I want the security of having a husband. I had a few men come to speak to me at the gathering, so it won’t be long before I am out of your care," said Victoria.

"As long as you behave, I will not send you away. Don’t foolishly run from my castle into the arms of anyone you do not love. I will protect you so you have the privilege of searching for a man you truly love, not a man you want to shield you. Most ladies would envy the privilege to pick. Do it well."

"I know. I won’t run from my uncle only to end up with a man who will treat me far worse. Since my uncle is coming here, that means Ophelia will sit with him. Or, did you tell her to stay away?" Victoria asked, curious if she would have time alone with Dante.

"If she wants to, Ophelia will join us. It is a private matter for you, so she might not want to sit with us. Your uncle should soon arrive. Are you ready?" Dante asked, thinking of how much Victoria hated seeing her uncle.

"I am ready. I won’t allow him to treat me as he always did. I have been planning all day, and I am ready to have a proper conversation with him. If only he hadn’t grown so close to the king, I would kill him now. Sometimes I think of killing him and joining my family in death," Victoria revealed.

"You will join them in time, but they would want you to live now. Whilst you plan to reclaim your family home and all your possessions, think of the future you wish to have when this is all over. Find someone you can start a new family with," Dante advised Victoria.

"Is that what you are doing with Ophelia?" Victoria asked, curious what Dante’s plans for Ophelia were. "You always said you don’t want children, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay by her side. Do you think of telling her everything?"

"No, and I suggest you don’t speak of it," Dante replied. "I’ll go to the gates to welcome your uncle."