Sophie exhaled. There was no use in pretending to be happy. Her friends would see through her if she claimed to be thrilled about the prospect of marrying the marquess, but she owed him her respect, nonetheless.

“It’s not the love match I’d hoped for,” Sophie confessed. “Not like the relationships you both are so fortunate to have. But Lord Singleton has generously offered to assist my family and I’m sure he’ll be a kind husband. I’m hopeful that, over time, our feelings for each other will grow into something warm and … affectionate.”

Lily’s nose wrinkled as though she’d smelled a rotting mushroom. “You do not love him.”

“Not yet,” Sophie said, doing her best to inject a bit of enthusiasm into her voice. She simply couldn’t imagine herself ever feeling something like passion for the marquess. “Perhaps in time.”

“And what of the gentleman you’ve been seeing?” Fiona asked. “How do you feel about him?”

I love him, Sophie wanted to say. But revealing the truth to her friends would only make matters worse. “My feelings for him are irrelevant. I need to do what is best for my family—and so I shall.”

“Must you rush into this?” Lily asked, her beautiful green eyes tinged with sadness. “Why not wait a few more months? Perhaps your family’s circumstances will improve.”

Sophie shook her head firmly. “I’m afraid time has run out. Mama has already had to let most of the staff go. Worse, yesterday I found out that Lord Singleton paid off several of my father’s debts with the understanding that we’d soon wed.”

“Oh, Sophie.” Fiona rushed to her other side so that she was sandwiched between the friends she loved like sisters. Pulling her into a hug, Fiona said, “You should have told us. Lily and I would have helped.”

“I couldn’t ask you to do that,” Sophie said, cursing the sob that threatened. “Besides, it would only have delayed the inevitable. I made a promise to Lord Singleton, and I must keep it.” She gave a hollow little laugh. “Listen to me, complaining about marrying a decent, handsome man and having to assume the duties of a marchioness. I must be mad to feel even a twinge of sadness. Pray, do not waste your pity on me.”

“You don’t need to pretend with us,” Lily said, squeezing her hand tighter. “I wish there was another way.”

So did Sophie. But there wasn’t. Even if she could find a solution to her family’s financial woes and bring herself to break things off with Lord Singleton—which would be unforgivable, considering the kindness and patience he’d shown—it wasn’t as though Reese had offered marriage. He was too preoccupied with fighting his demons, too busy enumerating his shortcomings, to envision a future that included love or happiness or … her.