The Marquess's Maddening Dilemma

by Ginny Hartman

  “Oh, is that all?”

  “What do you mean, is that all? Isn't that reason enough?”

  “What about love, Levi? Do you not wish to fall in love and base a marriage upon something other than duty?”

  She was used to the look he was giving her, one that said he was rather annoyed by her presence. She was certain that if the tailor had not been present, he would have bopped her over her head for prying into his affairs.

  “Love doesn't interest me,” he admitted all too casually.

  “Because you've never been in love. If you had, you would not be so cold.”

  Levi swatted the tailor's hand away and said, “I think that's enough, thank you.”

  He waited patiently for the tailor to gather his supplies and leave before he took up a seat across from Alexandra and said, “What has happened to suddenly make you the expert on love?”

  She should have known it would come to this. “I read a lot of novels about the subject.”

  “And that makes you an expert? You cannot compare that silly drivel to real life.”

  Alexandra hated when Levi talked to her in that condescending tone of his. She tampered down the impulse she felt to stick her tongue out at him and straightened her shoulders and said, “You're right. Real life is far, far better.”

  Levi's mouth hung agape. “Are you meaning to tell me that you're in love? With Lord Emberson?”

  “Perhaps,” she answered vaguely, turning her head to look out the window. “But I can assure you if I am, I wouldn't be telling you before I've had the opportunity to tell him.”

  Cupping his head in his hands, Levi muttered, “This is all too bizarre.”

  Alexandra's head snapped forward. “Because he's so much older than I? People get married all the time with a much larger divide between them.” Feeling incredibly defensive she added, “How come age doesn't matter when the marriage is based on principles of finance or familial connection, but when it's a love match it's considered bizarre?”

  Levi lifted his head to look her in the eye, and she was surprised by the pain she saw in his own. She couldn't remember the last time she saw him wear a look of hurt, not even when their parents had died. “Sister, the age difference doesn't concern me. I simply find the idea of such a significant event occurring in our lives bizarre without our parents here to experience it with us. Father should be here, giddy about your budding relationship with his dear friend, Lord Emberson. Mother would be over the moon about planning your wedding. You know how she loved a good party.”

  Alexandra smiled at him sadly. She'd not allowed herself to think about any of that. Part of her wished he'd never brought it up. “You will just have to fill those roles yourself, as my guardian and all.”

  He shook his head sadly. “I could never replace them.”

  She placed her hand on his arm. “You're right, and it was unfair of me to suggest you could. But let us think on the bright side,” she said, strangely looking for the positive in a situation that normally depressed her. “At least we have each other. Think how awful it would be if one of us were an only child, like Lydia. How sad to be left all alone in the world.”

  “Lydia would manage just fine,” he spat out acerbically. “She doesn't need anyone in this world besides herself.”

  The venom in her brother's voice surprised her. Looking nonplussed, she asked, “Why would you say such a thing about our friend?”

  “Our friend?” he scoffed. “I would never consider Miss Phelps, my friend, and well you know it. I don't think it's ever been a secret that she annoys me.”

  “Annoys you, yes, but never have I heard you direct such hatred towards her. Has something happened that I am not aware of?”

  Levi bolted to his feet and stalked off towards the door. “No, and don't ever ask me that again,” he barked over his shoulder, slamming the door loudly behind him.

  Alexandra watched in surprise as Levi quit the room and she wondered why the mention of Lydia had made Levi so furious. She'd never seen him so enraged.

  “Let us go on a stroll through the gardens,” Alexandra suggested the minute Lord Emberson was shown into the drawing room.

  She'd been waiting anxiously for his visit, his second that week. Levi had limited his visits to twice a week, and Alexandra had found she spent all her time counting down the days until she could see him again.

  Aaron smiled above a large bouquet of flowers he held in his hands. Alexandra came to him, and he presented them to her with a twinkle in his eyes. “I found the most exotic flowers I could.”

  She nuzzled her nose into the bouquet of oriental poppies and inhaled deeply of their scent. “But why?”

  “Because they remind me of you. Roses are much too dull for someone who's very presence brings so much joy to my life. Though beautiful, roses are far too common and dull. You, my dear, are the antithesis of that.”

  Alexandra graciously accepted the pink flowers, loving their uniqueness. She strolled to the hearth and placed them in the center in a position of importance then linked her arm in his and said, “Let us go to the garden's before we run out of time.”

  Aaron gladly escorted her from the house, Jenny trailing behind as they wound their way on the path that would eventually lead them to the stone fountain.

  “Perhaps we can prolong our visit by claiming we got lost in the garden,” Alexandra suggested as she tilted her head up towards the sun that was just beginning to warm the frigid spring air.

  “I don't suppose Jenny will allow that to occur.”

  Alexandra looked into his eyes, loving the way he smiled down at her in pleasure. “I wish I were back at Tisdale Manor with you,” she confessed.

  “That will never occur unless you agree to wed me,” he reminded her, not for the first time.

  “Haven't I already?” she asked innocently, though they both knew very well she had not.

  Aaron growled lowly, “You know you have not. And, I must confess that your refusal to do so is causing me quite the concern.”

  “What is it you fear? That I'll run off and find a younger gentleman to bestow my affections upon?”

  She watched as his eyes darkened. Lowering his voice so as not to have Jenny overhear, he whispered, “I do not worry about that, for I'm confident that my experience gives me the advantage over those young bucks. I'm quite certain none of them could ravish you the way I do. And, my dear, I must confess that I'm arrogant enough to expect you would find their ministrations considerably lacking compared to my expertise.”

  Alexandra's skin prickled at his words, and her eyes drifted closed, thinking of the kisses they'd shared in the past. Oh, how she hated this dull courtship Levi had forced upon them.

  “We could always arrange a clandestine assignation,” she purred, pulling him closer to her side.

  “Do not tempt me, vixen. You and I both know I will not put my honor at stake in such a fashion. Besides, I want you for longer than an evening. I want you forever.”

  “Then there's only one thing to be done,” she stated calmly as she glanced up into his handsome face.

  Aaron pulled to a halt, his gray eyes finding her warm chocolate colored ones. “What is to be done?” he asked with bated breath.

  “We shall simply have to wed.”

  Ignoring propriety and the fact that Jenny was only five paces behind them, Aaron grabbed her around the waist and twirled her around. “Did I just hear you correctly?”

  Alexandra flung her head back, causing her bonnet to slide off her head. She giggled at his enthusiasm. “I surmise that you did, though I could say it again if you aren't quite certain.”

  “Say it again, simply because I will never grow tired of hearing it.”

  He'd come to a halt, allowing Alexandra's feet to slide to the ground. She reached up and put her bonnet back in place and said, “Aaron, there's nothing I want more than to become your wife. I want to share my life with you, making sure your perfectly ordered existence does not become too dull. I want
to plan a future that includes a happiness neither of us has ever known, as well as lots of babies.”

  Aaron's eyes widened at her admission. “Babies?” he questioned, one brow raised.

  Alexandra felt her cheeks begin to bloom with color as she stammered, “Yes, unless that is not a pleasing idea to you.”

  “Oh, but it is. Very pleasing, in fact, though I must confess I hadn't allowed my mind to contemplate such a thing. I thought I was on my way to being a grandparent, not a father again, though I must confess I'd much rather be the latter.”

  “And I must confess, it fills me with wicked delight to know I will be carrying your children, not your grandchildren.”

  Aaron closed his eyes and groaned. “You are tormenting me with the imagery. Let us return to the house and speak to your brother at once so that arrangements can be made to dissolve that blasted agreement and wedding plans can begin to take place.”

  He grabbed her hand and began tugging her along, both Alexandra and Jenny struggling to keep up with his hurried pace.

  “Aaron,” Alexandra called out as he pulled her along. “You're getting ahead of yourself. You know that none of that can occur until Samuel returns home and agrees to it as well.”

  He pulled to a quick stop. “You're correct,” he admitted begrudgingly. “Damn, that child of mine, when will he ever return? It feels as if he's taking his sweet time doing so.”

  Alexandra laughed at his irritation. “It's barely been six weeks since you informed him of his need to return. Be patient.”

  “I can't be patient, not where you are concerned, my dear. Don't you know I want nothing more than to wed you?”

  “And I the same, though desire alone will not bring Samuel home any sooner.”

  “Yes,” he said reluctantly, “I suppose you are correct. I shall just have to endeavor to be more patient. Samuel will get here in due time, and then everything will fall perfectly into place. Just you wait and see.”

  “Father?” a voice wrung out through the halls at Tisdale Manor, causing several servants to scurry to see what it was about.

  Being as Remington was the closest to the front door, it was he who became aware of Samuel's arrival first.

  “Master Samuel,” Remington said with a smile, calling him by his childhood nickname as he reached out and engulfed his hand in a hearty handshake. “What a pleasure it is to see you at last.”

  “And what a delight it is to finally be home. The sea was treacherous on the journey home, making me even more glad to be returned to solid ground.”

  “Come into the drawing room, and I will have tea service brought in at once while I fetch your father.”

  “Thank you, Remington.”

  Remington bowed at the young man then hurried down the hall to inform Aaron of his son's arrival. He found Lord Emberson sitting at his desk going through the day's correspondence.

  “Pardon, my lord,” he interrupted, excitement evident in his voice, “but your son has just returned home.”

  Aaron bolted to his feet and straightened his jacket. “Truthfully? What splendid news. Where is he?”

  “In the drawing room, my lord.”

  “Very well, I shall go to him at once. See that refreshments are sent. I'm sure he is famished after his long journey.”

  “I've already sent for them, my lord.”

  Aaron hurried down the hall to the drawing room, truly delighted at the prospect of seeing Samuel. It had only been just yesterday he'd been talking to Alexandra about him, impatient with having to wait much longer for him to arrive. The timing was quite splendid.

  His son rose as he entered the room and the two gathered for a hearty embrace. “Samuel, how pleasant to see you home and looking so well.”

  Samuel laughed. “Yes, I fear I put on some weight during my travels, but that shall quickly fall off once I begin frequenting Gentleman Jackson's again. I must confess I've missed boxing.”

  Aaron looked his son over, noticing none of the excess weight he spoke of. If anything, Samuel appeared more well-muscled than he did before, despite the lack of boxing. Samuel was quite the Corinthian, a fact that made Aaron swell with pride.

  “You shan't have to miss it for long. I've already sent word ahead to London to have the servants ready our townhouse there for your arrival.”

  “Splendid,” Samuel exclaimed before glancing around the room and asking, “Now where is my future bride? Did she not wish to greet me?”

  Aaron inwardly groaned. “About that, son. It would appear we need to have a talk. Some things have changed in your absence.”

  Just then a maid arrived pushing a serving cart containing steaming hot tea and several plates of tea cakes and cucumber sandwiches.

  “Have a seat and partake of refreshment while I speak of events that have transpired in your absence,” Aaron instructed as he watched the maid pour tea.

  Samuel greedily began consuming the cucumber sandwiches while Aaron took a moment to watch him, wondering how his news would be received.

  Finally, he began, “Lady Alexandra has returned to Channing House.”

  Samuel looked at him over his teacup. “That would only seem proper,” he finally confessed. “It wouldn't due to have my betrothed occupying the same residency as me. It might prove too tempting. Let us plan an excursion to Channing House at once so that we may discuss our wedding arrangements.”

  Aaron gulped loudly at his son's words and asked curiously, “You mean you wish to marry the girl?”

  Samuel shrugged his broad shoulders casually. “Wish may not be the precise term to describe it, though I must admit I'm not opposed to the union. If my memory serves me correctly, I do remember Lady Alexandra being quite becoming.”

  “Your memory serves you well,” he admitted begrudgingly.

  “And I do recall she was always pleasant to converse with as well. I daresay I could find myself in a much worse position than being betrothed to her. So, in answer to your question, yes I do find myself wishing to marry her.”

  Aaron stiffened as his hand tightened around the handle of his teacup. This was not the response he expected of his son at all and now found it entirely too awkward to mention the fact that he was in love with Alexandra to him.

  Instead, he asked, “What if you find she does not wish to marry you?”

  Samuel laughed and flashed a cocky grin. “What is not to like about the arrangement? I'm told I cut a fine figure and promise to treat her with kindness. Not to mention the fact that some day I will inherit your title and she will become Marchioness of Emberson. I daresay the union has advantages for the both of us. I will be able to participate in the season with a wife on my arm, a prospect that quite delights me.”

  Aaron sat stunned by his son's words. Though they'd never talked much about the betrothal agreement, he'd almost begun assuming Samuel's true feelings about the arrangement would more closely mirror Alexandra's.

  “But don't you wish to marry for love?”

  “I'm a believer that love will come in due time. There is no need to force such an emotion.”

  Aaron rolled his eyes. “And what if Lady Alexandra is not of the same mind?”

  Samuel set his saucer down and spread his hands wide before him. “Does it signify, father? The agreement is legally binding, whether we wish it to be or not. I suppose it's up to us to make the most of the situation and find contentment where we can.”

  In the past, Aaron would be pleased by his son's mature view, grateful he was not going to fight him on the arrangement he'd planned for him since his birth. But that was before Alexandra had wormed her way into his heart. Now, he found his words to be quite vexing.

  “The departed Duke of Ludington and I did make provisions for the agreement to be broken.”

  Samuel looked at him with only mild curiosity. “And what would that be?”

  “The agreement can be broken if all parties, meaning the Duke of Ludington, Alexandra, you and myself all agree that it be so. You do not have to wed her
if you do not wish to,” he quickly added, hoping to see Samuel smile in relief.

  Much to his chagrin, Samuel did not respond in the manner in which he expected him to. Instead, his handsome, youthful face looked perplexed. “But I've already expressed my willingness to abide by the contract. I see no reason to seek its dissolution. Is there something you are aware of, Father, that I am not?”

  Aaron looked heavenward, hating where this conversation was heading. He practiced telling Samuel in his mind that he'd fallen in love with his intended, but found he could not force the words past his lips. It felt too scandalous to tell him what had occurred in his absence. It suddenly felt like he'd be betraying his son's deepest trust. Aaron felt consumed with guilt for tasting of the forbidden fruit, knowing it wasn't his to enjoy.

  Legally, Alexandra belonged to Samuel, and it appeared as if Samuel, the sole remaining participant of the contract left to agree to its dissolution, had no qualms about it remaining in force. Aaron couldn't find it in himself to confess his misdeeds.

  Aaron felt Samuel's eyes on him, though he refused to meet them. “Father, is there something I need to be aware of?”

  “Not at this time,” was all he could manage to muster.

  Though the days were getting nicer, every once in awhile, Mother Nature liked to warn the inhabitants of the earth that she was still in charge. The prior week had been one of warmer temperatures, making everyone believe spring had come to stay, but today that had all changed.

  Alexandra held her easel underneath her arm as she stared out at the drizzly, gray day. She'd planned to paint in the gardens to pass the time but found that was no longer an option. Feeling determined, she made her way to the drawing room and set her easel up in front of the large picture window instead.

  Staring out at the bleak, rainy day, she found it hard to get inspired to paint so instead, she went and retrieved the luscious bouquet of flowers Aaron had given her and propped them on a table near her and began arranging her paints. There, she thought as she stared at their bright colors, they were far more inspiring than the rain.