Chapter 2
A physician arrived swiftly. He smelled the milk and said, “They used an exotic Eastern soporific. With that dosage, Miss Rowena, it was fortunate you pe awoke at all. You’ll likely have a headache for a couple of days. I’ll prescribe some medicine and you’ll feel better soon.‘
I lifted my head, my face pale. “Why would my sister harm me? If she truly loved the Earl but didn’t want to marry General Callahan, she could have spoken to Father or Mother–or told me. Then I would have stepped aside willingly. Why resort to causing a scene on our wedding day? What does she think this does to our family’s reputation? And if the Earl finds out, what if he complains to the King? This isn’t a trivial matter, Mother–what do you think?”
Vivian’s face turned pale, then flushed, before she stammered, “Rowena, you’re the elder sister. Your sister behaved irrationally and made the mistake. Why not claim you simply didn’t wish to marry, so she filled in for you? You are the firstborn of the Donovan family, an elder sister–you should be generous. Riley is already married into the Kingsleys. Why not accept it and spare her the awkwardness of entering that household in shame?“”
Aunt Lillian sprang to her feet and spat in disdain. “Vivian, how shameless you are! You, a stepmother, routinely mistreated Rowena–but now you’ve even stolen her marriage and given it to your own daughter! You have no right to shame her like this.”
“You and your daughter
“You tarnished her reputation. Just because her own father is not in Asteria City–did y here.”
schemed this dishonorable act, then expect Rowena to bear the blame and claim she refused to marry?”
d you
thin
you could walk all over her? But her Aunt Lillian is still
Lillian was the wife of Earl Ashford, marriage–she was furious.
an
established noblewoman in Asteria City. She had always disliked Vivian, and now–seeing her attempt to steal my
Vivian sneered. “Mrs. Ashford, even as Rowena’s aunt, you have no right to interfere in the private affairs of the Donovan family.”
“Rowena and Riley are my daughters–with their father away, their marriages are my decision. What business is it of yours?”
I stood and looked at Vivian. “Mother, I have a question. If my sister took my place, whose dowry went into her trousseau–hers or mine?”
Vivian froze for a moment, then turned away. “Whoever it belonged to doesn’t matter–it’s all the same. Sisters shouldn’t fuss over such things.”
Exactly as last life, Riley had impersonated me… and claimed all my dowry.
This time, Vivian had clearly planned it. She packed her daughter’s trousseau with worthless items. Now that the deed was done, surely I wouldn’t right snatching it back…
But I was resolved: I wouldn’t let my rightful dowry end up with Riley.
Lillian’s face turned ashen. “If you dare keep my sister’s dowry for your daughter, Vivian, I will take this matter to court. I will retrieve what my niece.”
I stepped between Lillian and Vivian, and asked the master of ceremonies, “General Callahan is still outside leading the bridal procession, isn’t
She was shocked by the turn of events and nodded vigorously. “Yes, he is.”
I turned back to her. “Please invite the General inside–I need to speak with him.”
to
Ryan Callahan was tall and handsome. I had spoken with him in the garden, and now I told him the truth outright: “My stepsister has married into the Kingsley family. The deed is done. If I am willing to marry you instead, would you agree to take me as your wife?”
He stood and replied, “I have admired General Donovan for years. You are his firstborn daughter–I would be honored to marry you. The only thing worry is that it might inconvenience you.”
I looked up and smiled. “If you are willing, then I will marry you. But before I do, I need your help.”
Chapter 2
