Claudius' parents stopped the rumors from spreading. But he, himself, had his people tell Narcissa that he returned home blind.
He excitedly waited for the news that Narcissa had backed out from their marriage. But to his horror, none came.
And his parents were suddenly rushing the marriage even more because they feared that no one would want to marry him now.
'That's exactly why I did this!' Claudius grimaced as his plans got foiled after all the hardship he went through to make it.
"You have to produce an heir. You cannot be the duke now with the state you are in but your son could succeed instead if your brother won't make the cut," Claudius froze when his father said that.
'So now that I'm useless I have to produce the replacement myself?! Is he telling me to take responsibility for my actions and just get married as was told?!'
But he wouldn't let them decide what happens with his life now. He decided to go with Plan B.