The Duke's Masked Wife

"Your husband was right. We were pushy when I mentioned wanting to get married. Honestly, I am nowhere ready to be married, but I am afraid of being shamed. You see, I want to be a scholar like my father. Going around gaining knowledge and then teaching to others, but these have been called a fool's dream because I am a woman, and I am more suited to caring for a family," Melody repeated the words told to her by many. "There are certain books I wish to read but I get strange looks so I put them back."

The town they grew up in was small and held onto the fact that there were certain things meant for men and not women. It was a pleasant place to be in Melody's opinion but no one besides her father understood why she cared to learn more than she needed.

"I made the mistake of making it known how much I wanted to study and travel around like my father did to write down what I learned in my own books. Many of the young men in our town don't see me as a perfect partner and they have not hidden the fact they have no plans of courting me when I turn sixteen. I have given up my hopes of being a scholar since no one would care to learn such things from me," said Melody.

Melanie touched Melody's hand to stop her from talking. It was a bit too much information. "We should order something to drink," she said.

"I already have my water and I am interested in hearing more about her," Alessandra replied. For the first time since they met, she felt like she was finally understanding Melody. Another young lady with dreams crushed and pressured to focus on marriage.

Melody made Alessandra think of Eleanor who liked to write books, but because of her background, did not let anyone know she was the person behind the books so they could sell.

Melody played with her fingers under the table. She found this hard to tell even her own mother, but she wanted Alessandra to understand that she was not exactly trying to use her.

"When I heard we had a sister here in Lockwood and you are a Duchess, I thought the best way I could save myself was to find a partner here. I thought that if you introduced me to a nobleman, I could rub it in the faces of the boys at home that I am still wanted even though I dream of teaching. I won't speak about marriage with you anymore," Melody promised.

"You should not give up on what you want. If it is what you truly desire, go after it. I'm sure your father would love that you are taking after him and finding a way to help you. You will find someone who shares the same passion as you and help you achieve all that you are aiming for. I truly wouldn't be helpful in finding you a husband, but I will ask Edgar to get you the books you want so you can start your journey," Alessandra replied.

It was a better path than chasing after marriage when she wasn't ready.

Alessandra didn't miss Claire's annoyed look throughout the conversation. 'Is it always the little sisters?' She wondered. Still, Claire was easier to handle than Kate.

"Melody, you said you gave up on those dreams and looked forward to being a wife," Melanie said, reminding Melody of a conversation they had. She wanted the best for Melody but it didn't seem like Melody knew what she wanted. Melody went back and forth between wanting to get married and studying.

"Well, if the Duke can get me all kinds of books, I can study on my own or with father's help," Melody replied.

"But there is a high chance you will not be accepted into the schools you need to attend. Who will hire you if you cannot show off where you went to school? Many will think you are a woman spouting nonsense and discredit you," said Melanie.

"Right," Melody's shoulders slumped as she remembered reality. She needed to attend a good school like her father did but they would not easily accept a woman.

"All hope is not lost. There are always families looking for someone to privately teach their children. Most will not look at what school you attended as long as you seem knowledgeable and your father's work will aid you. My sister was tutored by a woman at one point. It is not as uncommon as you think for women to teach other things than what it means to take care of a family. I wouldn't mind hiring you to teach my child whenever I have one," Alessandra said, hoping Melody's dreams would not be shattered.

Alessandra couldn't help but dislike how her mother destroyed the confidence Melody had a moment ago. As someone who ran away from an unhappy marriage, shouldn't their mother be looking to do whatever it takes to help Melody reach what made her happy before Melanie had to experience someone she loved also disappearing?

Claire abruptly stood up, her chair creating a skin-crawling noise as she pushed it back when she stood. "I need to speak with Melody alone. Please excuse us," she looked down at her sister.

Melody didn't see why Claire needed to leave the room to speak, but she offered Alessandra a smile and stood up. "Excuse us," she said.

"Okay," Alessandra replied and looked at her mother which instantly made her feel awkward. Instead, she looked at Sally and Alfred who seemed to have the same thought as her.

On the outside of the room, Claire led Melody to a corner where none of Alessandra's guards stood.

"What are you doing?" Claire asked right away.

"Getting to know our sister. Have you not been paying attention? What is your problem, Claire?" Melody folded her arms. "You are being extremely rude when we are around Alessandra. It is not like you."

"Well, I don't like how hard mother is trying, and she is being dismissed. I get that she was mistreated and abandoned, but I cannot sit still and watch the hurt in mothers eyes each time when Alessandra does not acknowledge her," Claire angrily replied. "I don't care if mother is okay with it. I don't like her husband threatening us."

Melody thought the same at first, but she realized their mistake. "Would you just jump into our arms if you were in her position? I don't like the flash of hurt I see on mother's face, but honestly, I am starting to find something odd.  Mother has been telling us the entire trip here that Alessandra's father took care of her, but when we finally arrived, that is not the case. Mother was vague about Alessandra's life with her father when we asked how their conversation in the court went."

"I feel like we're kind of trying to forget the bad side of her life with her father. Like we're pushing her to forget that she was hurt and just accept us. You and I have nothing to do with that since it's mostly an issue for her and mother. However, we have to watch how we speak. Your rude behavior is giving Alessandra a reason to be wary. Honestly, father was right that mother is deserving of a cold shoulder from Alessandra. I would be angry if mother one day left us. Doesn't it feel like we stole Alessandra's time with mother?" Melody asked.

"No. I stole nothing. Mother chose to be with the children she wanted to raise. I won't allow anyone to disrespect her no matter what she is deserving of. You are only taking Alessandra's side because she is helping you with that foolish dream," Claire brushed past Melody.