To Love, Honor, and Obey... (Fated for Love) by Ella J. Quince Page A

She had never felt more different from her sister. Really, they were complete opposites. Obedience had never cared about any of those things, and yet she would be the one to carry that mantel. It was terrifying to think about. But she could easily picture herself as a mother, chasing a toddler across the lawn, and holding a babe against her breast at night. Even caring for a large country house didn't intimidate her, but a London drawing room? She'd rather face a charging goose.
    “I hope I don't get fat. I want to be a fashionable mother who slims quickly after birth. I'd like to return to London immediately after we marry and establish myself as the new duchess before my predicament becomes obvious. Mother says it will be a seven month miracle.”
    Obedience shook herself out of her musings. “What on earth do you mean?”
    “The babe, Obedience, it will appear to be born early but healthy. Lord Willowton will know the truth by then, but he dare not say a word. After all, it would be a devil to prove. Society will assume we anticipated our vows.”
    “You're not going to tell him—I mean, you wouldn't tell a man you were pregnant with another man’s child before marrying him?”
    Patience scoffed. “Of course not . Then he wouldn't marry me. Have you no sense?”
    Obedience couldn't stand to hear any more. Although she knew that Chance was not marrying Patience, she had to pretend otherwise until the true purpose of tonight’s dinner was revealed. But, dear lord , it was going to be difficult. She needed to get away from them or she was liable to loose her temper and blurt out the truth. She needed to see Chance and ask him what was going on. He never said anything last night on the carriage ride back to her home, but then again, they hadn't spoken much. She smiled, she wiped at her mouth to hide it before her sister saw it.
    “You should go. Mother wouldn't be pleased to find you here. If anything should happen to you today— even a blemish, she would blame me.”
    Patience giggled. “You're so silly , Obedience, but I should go. Mother insists I rest all day to prepare for tonight. Myra is to tend only to me, but please try not to look unseemly tonight at dinner.”
    “I'll do my best, dear sister.”
    Patience stood and practically danced from the room. Obedience buried her face in her coverlet and sighed. Could this day get any worse? She got up and changed into her riding habit. If she stayed in this house a moment longer, she was going to shoot herself. 
    *~~*
    Chance overlooked the crumbling bank that the tenant was worried about. He complained that if it collapsed, it would bring down the large oak on its edge, blocking the supply of water to his cows. Chance frowned at the tree, it was large and majestic, a sentinel against the years of change around it. It was a shame really. Chance could remember climbing the tree as a boy. “I agree, Mr. Angus. It will have to come down unless we can somehow reinforce the bank.” Chance sifted through ideas in his head, imagining the amount of wood it would take to shore up the bank, protecting the vital root system of the tree. “I'll have to think about it. I'll talk with my secretary about what lumber we can find as soon as possible. Cutting the tree down is my last resort.”
    The farmer nodded. They both looked up as a rider approached . Chance raising a brow in surprise as Obedience drew near and pulled Tulip to a halt. She was breathing hard, her hair flying out of its pins.
    “Miss Wickenham, what a delight.” Chance nodded in greeting.
    “Good afternoon, Lord Willowton, Mr. Angus. I hope I'm not interrupting something important?”
    “We just finished inspecting the crumbling bank ,” Chance offered. The poor farmer had removed his hat and stared at Obedience in obvious admiration. “Isn't that so, Mr. Angus?”
    “Yes, my lord ,” he swallowed. “I'm worried my cows won’t get fresh water if the tree falls.”
    “That would be unfortunate