by Quinn, Ella
“Do you have only the one sister?” What would it be like to not be overrun with brothers and sisters? Not that she would give any of them up.
“Yes.” He grinned. “And she was a surprise. My mother had great difficulty conceiving and carrying babies. I think that was the reason Sarah was allowed to choose whom she wished to wed.”
Euphrosyne shook her head, not understanding.
“My mother wanted her to marry a gentleman who, like my father, would love her even if she did not conceive.”
“Ah. I do not know what my father would have done if my mother had difficulty bearing children.” He probably would not have been as kind as Lord Markham’s father. “Fortunately, for her it has not been a problem.”
“I cannot imagine what it would be like to have a large family.” He stared off into the distance if he was trying to fathom it. “Do you get along with all your brothers and sisters?”
“For the most part.” She thought of the twins and smiled. “I have twin brothers I would gladly give away at times. The only ones at home, if you do not consider the time they spend at Eton, are the twins, Decimus and William, and my three sisters.”
“Where are the others?”
“Well, you know about Hawksworth.” She smiled at Lord Markham. “Frank married an American and is in the Colonies helping to run her father’s shipping company. Quartus married the Duchess of Wharton earlier this year. Sextus is in Russia at our embassy. Quintus in the army and Octavius is in the navy. I have only seen Octavius a few times. He left when he was twelve and rarely comes home. Septimius was to have been in the clergy, but is now a secretary to Lord Stanstead. He would like to run for Parliament someday. Nonus is studying law. One of my brothers died before I was born. Would you like to have a large family?”
For a few moments he didn’t answer, then said, “I would like to have as large a family as my wife wishes.”
Once more Lord Markham showed himself to be a gentleman who might wish his wife to be a partner. “I do think a lady’s preferences should be taken into consideration.”
“As she is the one to do most of the work, I agree.” He laughed. “I have an aunt on my father’s side who had six children and declared that was enough.”
“Six seems like a reasonable number,” Euphrosyne said. Much better than fifteen. Although her mother never seemed to mind. “What do you do when you aren’t in Bath?”
“My life is boring,” he said in a sorrowful voice. “I look after my estates and my investments, and attend Parliament.”
“Yet in those occupations, you have the opportunity to do a great deal to help others.” With only one estate, her brother and sister-in-law were already making a difference.
“Taking care of my people is the part of estate management my father stressed. Trying to get laws enacted to help the rest of the people is harder.” They rode for a while in a companionable silence. “I would like to travel to Europe at some point.”
“I would love to go to Europe.” If only she could marry a man who wished to travel. “I have read so much about the grand cities in France, Austria, and Italy.”
He glanced at her sharply, causing her breath to stop. “You should be able to visit them.”
Euphrosyne held his gaze. “So should you.”
Perhaps they could see them together. Perhaps they could create a better world for people together.
Chapter 5
Markville couldn’t tear his eyes away from Lady Euphrosyne. Despite her blackguard of a father, he was going to court her. Hell, he was going to marry her if she’d have him. He had wondered briefly if his attraction to her was to save her from the duke. If any lady required rescuing she did, but that would not be a good basis for a marriage. Now he knew he was simply entranced by her. She cared about the same things he did, and she had an adventurous side that called to him. He wondered what their children would look like. He could feel her at his side as they grew old.
He didn’t want her to marry him in order to escape her father. How would he know what she felt for him? He’d never been able to tell what women thought or felt.
When they reached the main road back into Bath, they picked up their pace. He had to spend more time with Euphrosyne. Perhaps then he’d know.
In the meantime, it felt good to think of her by her name.
“My sister and brother-in-law have decided on a town house and will be moving to it soon. I’m sure she will wish to celebrate by having a party.” Said sister was going to tease him mercilessly about him arranging events for her to host. “I am certain she’ll want you and your family to attend.”
“I am almost positive my mother will agree.” Euphrosyne’s face shone with happiness. “Where is the house?”
“At the other end of Laura Place.” He flashed her a grin. “We shall be neighbors.”
Her smile widened. “That will be wonderful, and it will make it very easy to arrange outings.” A blush rose in her cheeks, and she lowered her eyes. “If that is something you would like.”
He saw nothing merely polite or hidden in her expression. She did wish to spend more time with him. “I would like nothing more.”
When they arrived in Laura Place, he quickly dismounted and went around to Euphrosyne’s side. Markville would be damned if anyone but him would help her down. The moment he clasped his hands around her small waist, possessive feelings surged through him, and he wanted to hold her against him and never let her go.
Not hiding her reaction to him, she sucked in a breath, and her eyes widened as he slowly lowered her feet to the ground. “Oh, my.”
Still, it didn’t hurt to make sure. “May I call on you again?”
“Yes.” Her voice was breathy and warm, caressing his cheek. She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. “We are going to the Pump Room this morning.”
He escorted her the short way to her door. “Odd.” He lowered his voice so that only she could hear him. “I believe I shall be there as well.”
“I look forward to seeing you.” The door opened, and he stepped back as she strolled into the house.
By the time he arrived at the York, his sister and brother-in-law were finishing breakfast.
“Oh, there you are.” Holding a piece of toast, Sarah waved him to a chair. “I have hired a butler, housekeeper, and cook and put them to work. They are responsible for hiring footmen and maids. I expect that to be accomplished today. I plan to complete our move into Laura Place tomorrow. I hope to host a dinner party in three day’s time.” She finished her toast and took a sip of tea while he filled his plate from the dishes on a sideboard. “What do you think of that?”
That he was relieved that he did not have to ask her to plan a party. “About the move or the dinner?”
“Both.”
“I am impressed by how quickly you are managing everything.” And how much easier it would be to see Euphrosyne. Still, three days was too long. Perhaps he could convince Paulet to hold the picnic he had mentioned between now and then.
“Excellent. What are your plans for today?” Sarah applied herself to a soft boiled egg.
“I thought I would visit the Pump Room, then take care of some other business.” Such as finding Paulet. Markville had been remiss in not discovering where the man was staying. “I assume you will be busy at the town house.”
“Indeed. Not that there is much for me to do, but I wish to make sure my senior staff has a good start.”
After his sister and brother-in-law left, he read the newspapers, but couldn’t seem to concentrate. Finally, he decided it was time to go to the Pump Room and look for an opportunity to stroll the room with Euphrosyne. But when he arrived, she was sitting with her mother, sister-in-law, two matrons, and two young ladies, and he did not feel as if he should interrupt. He couldn’t hear their conversation, but at one point, her sister appeared to take umbrage at something one of the women had said.
Striding quickly toward the party, he bowed to the duchess. “Your grace, if L
ady Euphrosyne does not object, may she stroll the room with me?”
The duchess, who had been regarding her younger daughter with an exasperated eye, nodded. “That sounds like a wonderful idea. Thank you, my lord.” Turning to Euphrosyne, the duchess said, “Euphrosyne, Lord Markville has asked if you would like to take a stroll with him.”
She gave her sister a worried look, then smiled at him. “Thank you. I would like that.”
As soon as they were far enough away not to be overheard, he asked, “What is the trouble?”
“Bolton.” Even keeping her voice low, she practically spat the name. “I cannot think she will be happy, and I made a comment I should not have.” Her brows came together as she gazed up at Markville. “I do not know how to make her see she must call off the betrothal. Our father will be furious, but Meg and Hawksworth would help her.”
He wanted to take Euphrosyne’s cares away, but the only thing he could do was offer support. “If your brother and sister-in-law are involved, you may leave it to them to arrange things to Lady Laia’s benefit.”
The concern on Euphrosyne’s face remained. “Do you truly think so?”
He almost laughed. The way they had managed to make the last two weddings happen was nothing short of brilliant. “I would wager on it, and I am not one for gambling.”
“That’s good then.” The line between her eyes disappeared. “I shall apologize to Laia. I should not make her feel worse.”
“You are close?” He wished he hadn’t wasted time attempting to be a parent to his sister. She hadn’t needed one, and his behavior had strained their relations.
“Yes. We are the nearest in age and have always been together.” Euphrosyne glanced toward her sister again. “Despite our differences, I would not wish to be estranged from her.”
They had just reached the duchess and Lady Hawksworth when he saw Paulet amble in with Hawksworth. Markville caught Paulet’s eye. “My lady.” He bowed to Euphrosyne. “I hope to see you again soon.”
Curtseying, she answered, “I hope so as well.”
He strode quickly up to the other gentlemen. After greetings were exchanged, he said, “My sister has found a town house and is planning a dinner party in three days. Can I convince you to hold your picnic between now and then?”
Hawksworth’s shoulders shook, and he glanced away. Ignoring him, Markville focused on Paulet.
“I think that can be arranged.” Although his lips twitched, at least he didn’t break into laughter. “Hawksworth,” Paulet commanded, “attend to the conversation. I shall require your wife to act as my hostess. Do you have an objection?”
Hawksworth swiped a hand down his face, and when he turned, only his eyes showed his mirth. “I think she will be delighted.”
“Thank you.” Markville knew that he had practically asked for interference by seeking the favor of the picnic with Euphrosyne’s brother present. Yet Markville knew the duke, and interference might be exactly what was required. “I shall wait to hear from you.” He glanced at Euphrosyne and saw that the ladies were preparing to depart. “I’ll bid you a good day, gentlemen.”
* * *
Euphrosyne tried to think of different ways to apologize to her sister, but finally decided to just say it without any roundaboutation.
When they arrived home, she hurried up to Laia. “Forgive me. I did not mean to embarrass you. I should not have commented on what was said, I just wanted you to understand how unsuitable this marriage is.”
“That was not the way to go about it.” She gave an exasperated sigh. “What would you have me do? If I do not marry him, it would affect how you and our sisters are treated.”
“I don’t know.” Euphrosyne brushed off that concern. Markville thought Meg and Hawksworth would help stop the marriage, but Laia had to agree not to wed the man as well. Euphrosyne tried again. “Someone must be able to help.”
“What must happen is for you to cease worrying about what cannot be changed.” She took Euphrosyne’s arm. “I shall be fine.”
Harrumph. Perhaps she should leave it to her brother and sister-in-law. After all, she had other things to occupy her thoughts. Lord Markville was becoming very interesting, and she would rather spend her time deciding how she felt about him. If they could spend sufficient time together, mayhap something would come of it. She already liked him very much. Euphrosyne did not wish to wait until their father chose a match for her.
Euphrosyne needn’t have worried about how long it would take to see Markville again. The next day both Mrs. Applebee and Mrs. Butterworth—the ladies Euphrosyne had been introduced to in the Pump Room—issued dinner invitations for successive evenings. Lord Markville and his family attended, as did Hawksworth, Meg, and Mr. Paulet. The day following Mrs. Butterworth’s entertainment, Mr. Paulet invited the little group they had formed to a picnic on Lansdowne. Then Sarah invited them all to a dinner at her new house and planned another dinner the evening before the ball.
At every event, Markville singled her out. They walked and talked about everything from art to politics and gardening.
“Do you play an instrument?” Euphrosyne asked.
“Not well.” He gave her a rueful grin. “I had a piano instructor, but I always found something I’d rather be doing than practicing.”
“You sound like my brothers. They always managed to avoid practicing.” Which Euphrosyne thought was very unfair as she and her sisters never managed to elude practicing.
“I take it you play?”
“Yes. The piano and the harp.” Until she’d discovered that she would not have a Season, she had looked forward to playing for someone other than her family. “And I sing.”
“Now that is one thing I can do.” He seemed quite pleased with himself. “I have been told I have an excellent voice.”
“We should find out if we sing well together.” She had never been able to sing with any gentlemen other than her brothers. It would be nice to have a husband with whom one could sing. Was she truly thinking about him as a possible husband? Well why not? She enjoyed being with him, and missed him when they were apart. For the past week, they had been together every day, and she awakened looking forward to being with him. And lately she kept thinking about what it would be like if he did more than merely tuck her hand in the crook of his arm. What if he held her and kissed her?
“I’m sure my sister will want music after dinner.”
When he glanced at her, she could swear that his eyes warmed, as if he were thinking of how he would like to hold her. “Would you like that?”
“Yes.” Perhaps they could sit on the piano bench together where their legs would touch briefly as he turned the pages for her. A pleasurable frisson shot through her. “Yes, I would like that very much.”
Two nights later, before the ladies left the gentlemen to their port, Sarah suggested that they have music before tea was served. When it was time for Euphrosyne to play, she chose the piano, and Lord Markville immediately offered to turn the pages for her. The reality of singing two duets with him and the constant touch of his body against hers, lighting fires that scrambled over her skin and through her veins, exceeded all her expectations. It even surpassed all the books she had read, and by the end of the evening she was sure she had fallen in love. The problem was finding out how he felt about her.
That night, as Turner readied Euphrosyne for bed, she wished she had someone to confide in. Unfortunately, it could not be either her sister or mother. Even if Lord Markville wanted to marry her, there was Father to consider. Would he entertain a proposal from Lord Markville? What would she do if her father refused to allow her to marry him? She was still three years away from her majority.
Euphrosyne climbed into bed and waited while her maid closed the bed hangings, leaving a crack to admit the morning sun. Meg was the only person with whom Euphrosyne could discuss her feelings. Hopefully, her sister-in-law and Hawksworth would join them for breakfast the next morning, and she could speak with Meg then.
> Waking early, Euphrosyne rang for her maid and dressed for the day. Sometime during the night, it came to her that she could not talk with Meg about Lord Markham here in the house. They must go for a walk or repair to her house. But Laia would want to accompany them.
Euphrosyne was thankful after all that Meg and Hawksworth chose to break their fast in their own house.
As soon as possible after finishing breakfast, Euphrosyne fetched her bonnet and gloves. Making sure her sister wasn’t in the hall, she dashed down the stairs and said to the footman on duty, “If anyone asks, I am going to see Lady Hawksworth.”
“Yes, my lady.” The servant bowed.
A few minutes later, Euphrosyne was ushered into her sister’s parlor. Meg rose and came forward. “Euphrosyne”—her sister-in-law bussed her cheek—“I’m delighted to see you. Would you like a cup of tea?”
“Yes, please.” She removed her bonnet and sat on a cane-backed chair. They chatted about the weather and the ball that evening until Meg’s butler brought in a tray with tea and biscuits.
Once the door closed, Meg said, “How can I help you?”
Euphrosyne took a sip of tea, swallowed, then took a breath. This was more embarrassing than she’d thought it would be. “I have fallen in love with Lord Markville, and I do not know if he feels the same about me.”
Meg set her cup down. “I think I can safely say that he feels exactly the same as you do.”
“But how do you know? Has he said anything?” Euphrosyne caught herself chewing her bottom lip.
“My dear, sister”—Meg laughed lightly—“it is the way he looks at you, as if he would like to carry you off. The way his eyes follow you, always making sure he knows where you are. Only men in love do that.”
“Are you certain?” Euphrosyne so wanted her sister-in-law to be right.
“As certain as I can be.” Meg picked up her cup again. “The only question is whether he will ask your father for permission before he proposes.”
