“When I’m done with you I’ll have to make sure you keep your mouth shut tight, won’t I?”
She slapped his face. “I told you I didn’t hear anything.”
“I don’t believe you,” he said as he rubbed his cheek. “You’re feisty. I like it when they fight me. Thank you for making it more of a challenge, not that it’ll do you any good. I will have you.” Some light illuminated the area from a flash of lightning. It gave her a terrifying glance at the nefarious gleam in his eye. He wouldn’t stop. Nothing would prevent him from hurting her.
Teddy shook uncontrollably. He was so large and strong. She had no real chance of fighting him. He would hurt her, and she feared she would never recover from it. How would she survive this?
“Let my daughter go,” her father said. She turned toward the sound of his voice. She was relieved to see him even if he was a little wobbly on his feet, but his words came out clear.
Teddy wanted to burst into tears but held them in. She’d wait until she was alone. Somehow, her wastrel of a father was there to save her.
“I don’t think so,” the man said. “She could’ve heard us.”
“Teddy is a good girl. She doesn’t eavesdrop on conversations, and even if she had, she’d hold her tongue. Let her go.”
“Fine,” the man said harshly. “But if she speaks…I’ll handle it, and I will not ask for your permission.” He let Teddy go, and she fell to the floor. She crawled on her hands and knees and used the table to help herself to her feet.
“Go to your chambers,” her father ordered. He didn’t look at her as he barked the words at her. “And don’t come back down.”
Teddy didn’t need to be told twice. She didn’t look back, and she didn’t stop to retrieve the book. Nothing would be able to calm her after that. Her body would be, if it wasn’t already, covered in bruises come morning. When she reached her bedchamber, she clicked the lock in place, crawled into her bed, and gave into the tears burning at the back of her eyes. She sobbed the entire night, not once falling asleep.
It was a night she’d never forget even when she wanted to. It taught her men were not to be trusted. They could, and would, take advantage of her. As much as she wanted love, she would never give her heart to a man. They’d only abuse it, and Teddy would not give them the opportunity to crush her. It was far better to spend her life alone. She had her family, her sisters and brother would always be there for her, and save that, she could always depend on herself.
Chapter 1
Three years later…
A bead of sweat trailed down Teddy’s forehead. Why was it so darn hot? She still couldn’t believe she’d allowed herself to be convinced this was a good idea. Billie had married for the second time and was blissfully happy, and hoped Teddy would find that same level of bliss. Her sister hadn’t stopped to consider what Teddy wanted.
She didn’t want a season, or elaborate ballgown, or even suitors. Teddy had no desire to find love or give herself to any man. Being a wallflower saved her, in her mind, from a fate no woman should willingly sell herself to: marriage. It was an institution designed to subjugate women, and she refused to freely enter into the bonds of matrimony.
“Ouch,” she mumbled.
“My apologies, my lady,” one of the seamstresses pinning her hem said. “It is imperative you remain still so I do not intentionally stick you with the pins.”
“I’m trying.” Teddy glared at her. “How much longer will this take?”
She’d been in Madame Auclair’s modiste shop for a while, finishing the final fittings on her gowns.
“It won’t be much longer, my lady,” Madame Auclair said. “A few more pins and then we can remove this gown.” Her French accent was thick as she spoke. “Please endure our ministrations a few more moments.”
Teddy hated this. Hated being difficult. Hated that there was even a need for new gowns. Why couldn’t she stay in the country and settle in...to her spinster life? That was what she wanted. If only her sister would actually listen to her. “I’m being as patient as I can be.” She closed her eyes and counted to ten, hoping they’d be done by the time she reached the final number.
“That’s not entirely true,” Billie said as she strolled into the room. “You, dear sister, are capable of deep-seated patience. The issue is you don’t wish to have pretty new gowns or a season at all.” Billie turned to Madame Auclair and asked, “Are you truly almost finished?”
“I am,” Madame Auclair confirmed. “One more pin and…there. We can remove the gown now.”
Teddy breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank heavens…I feel as if I’m suffocating.”
“You are not,” Billie chastised. “You’re not usually this dramatic. Leave the histrionics for the twins.”
Chris and Carly were melodramatic on a good day. At least they were safely tucked away at finishing school, and hopefully learning much needed manners. They probably would never conform in any typical way, but they might at least learn some restraint. Carly was the worst though. She led poor Chris into more trouble than any young lady should. “Thankfully neither one will be around to watch me fall on my face. You know they would do their best to make me miserable.”
“True,” Billie replied, then waved her hand. “It matters not because, as you said, they’re not here. But I am, and I’ll
