by Joyce Alec
The dowry was both a blessing and a curse. Gossip spread through the ton quickly, and once her dowry size was known, Edith became bombarded with eager gentlemen wishing to grow their fortunes. She had encountered all types: the young second and third sons that were not in line for a fortune of their own, the older gentlemen looking to add to their coffers, and the penniless nobility that had wasted their own funds.
Edith sighed and looked at her sisters. “Sometimes I wonder if love even exists, or if marriages are only agreements for social standing and wealth.”
“Oh, posh,” her mother said with a dismissive wave. “You have been reading those romance novels again, have you not? Love comes in many different forms, but most often, it comes with time. Be patient. And please, my dear, try to give at least one suitor a chance to court you.”
“I think being in love is wonderful,” Lillian announced, a dreamy look on her face. “And I am certain that the perfect husband is out there, Edith, waiting for you.”
Margaret snorted, smoothing out her skirts. “Love does not exist outside of novels. We are all on this earth to begat heirs and repopulate.”
“Margaret!” her mother admonished while the other two sisters snickered in response.
Margaret had always been a free thinker, with no qualms about speaking her mind, much to the chagrin of their mother. Edith could not wait until Margaret was in her position, attempting to find a husband that would put up with her and her thoughts.
Edith looked over at the fire, her mind wandering back to the proposals she had received. All of them lacked the passion and love she had hoped for, and she knew that the majority were because of her dowry. She could not fault them, of course, and was not saying that they would not be good partners, but she did not feel anything at all for any of them. There was no warming of her blood, the pull between a man and a woman that she would have anticipated.
Would she ever find that man, that love? She doubted it, if she had already met all the eligible men her father would approve of her marrying. She would have to settle, though in her heart, Edith knew it was not what she truly wanted to do. She did, unfortunately, have one objective in mind, as her parents did with her London season: to find a husband suitable for marriage.
Love and tender feelings were never part of the bargain.
She supposed she had been reading too many romance novels.
3
James walked into the bright ballroom and held his breath, not believing the crush that had turned out that night despite the weather. Outside, the rain was falling quite heavily, and if it had not been for his overcoat, he would have been soaked to the bone.
But inside, people lined the ballroom, the swath of colors more than an artist could imagine. If he were to find a woman suitable for marriage, he would most certainly find one that evening. After all, he had only a few weeks to meet his father’s deadline, and while he did not like the idea, he was resigned to the fact that he was not going to find the woman he had hoped. He would simply have to settle.
After greeting the hostess, James made his way into the crush, greeting familiar faces along the way. “Lord Linfield,” one woman stated, stepping into his path. “I believe you know my daughter.”
James forced a smile as the simpering blonde female came into view, swathed in a lacy confection that could only be discerned as a ballgown. “Lady Louisa Kearny, I believe?”
The mother beamed, and James inwardly sighed as he bowed over the trembling hand. The woman was very beautiful, the epitome of the ton darlings, but it had only taken him one dance to realize that she was afraid of her own shadow. The dance had seemed to lengthen in nature as James attempted to carry on a conversation with the woman, only to receive the batting of lashes and coy looks in return.
While other men would preen under her gaze, he had not. In fact, it had the complete opposite effect, and James had all but hurried to return her to her doting mama. He could not marry someone like that.
A flash of gold caught his eye as he watched a young woman move about the perimeter of the dance floor, a gentleman attempting to talk to her in earnest. While she had a serene smile on her face, James could see the look in her eyes, and he was surprised to see the same look he felt inwardly reflected in them.
She was lovely, taller than most women, but with a long length of blond hair draped artfully over one shoulder. She wore an emerald-colored gown expertly cut to show off her lithe body.
James knew he had to at least get an introduction.
“Lord Linfield?”
Turning back to the mother and daughter before him, he gave them a grin. “I must apologize, but please excuse me.”
The girl pouted as he moved past, finding the person he was looking for.
“Coverton,” James said, grabbing the jacket of a chum from Eaton. “Where is your wife?”
The redheaded man gave him a glare. “Why do you wish to see my wife?”
James rolled his eyes. “I wish for an introduction to a young woman and I need her assistance.”
“As if I could be swayed to choose him over you,” Lady Coverton said, patting her husband’s shoulder, surprising both men with her appearance.
James watched as Coverton’s face softened and he kissed his wife’s hand lightly, handing it over to James. “Do not bring my wife any displeasure or we shall be out back in the rain, Linfield.”
“Do not pay him any attention,” Lady Coverton laughed, blowing her husband a kiss as she tucked her hand into James’s proffered arm. “Pray tell, who is the woman you wish to meet?”
“The blonde woman in the green dress,” James said, nodding toward the tall beauty. “Who is she?”
“Lady Edith Gillett,” Lady Coverton responded as they made their way through the crush. “A lovely woman. She is in her second season, I believe, and she has a very hefty dowry. I have heard she has already turned down many suitors.”
“I am not interested in her money,” James told her. “I believe she is truly exquisite.”
As they approached Lady Edith, Lady Coverton greeted her warmly while James stood by, waiting for an introduction.
“And this is Lord Linfield,” Lady Coverton finally said, turning toward James. “He wished for an introduction.”
“I am pleased to be in your acquaintance, my lord,” Lady Edith responded, and James thought he saw her subtly roll her eyes.
Lady Coverton excused herself and made her way back to her husband.
“Lady Edith,” James began politely, “does your dance card happen to have any openings?”
As she offered her card, James penciled his name in the only available space, grateful that it was the next dance.
“Shall we, my lady?”
Lady Edith pursed her lips, but took his arm as he imagined she would, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor. They took their positions and he found himself staring into a pair of pale blue eyes, a spark of intelligence in their depths.
“May I ask why you wished for an introduction?” she asked once they started to move to the music.
James chuckled. “I find you intriguing.”
She gave him a slight shrug. “I find it very interesting when gentlemen such as yourself ask for an introduction. Tell me, are you in need of my dowry?”
James was taken aback by her forward conversation. This was no simpering female in his arms. “I assure you, my lady, I simply wished for a dance,” he said. “I have not yet offered a proposal, but if I did, I assure you it would not be for your fortune. In truth, you looked as if you needed rescuing from the other gentlemen vying for your attention.”
Lady Edith’s eyes widened, and he was surprised to see the hint of a smile curving on her lips. “You truly think of yourself as my rescuer?”
He grinned, a grin known to wilt even the strongest of women. “Of course.”
Her lips tightened, and the smile was gone in an instant. “I have no need of rescuing, my lord. I am perfectly capable of rescuing myself.”
Their dance ended all too sudden. James relinquished her back to her waiting party and walked away, though he wished that he could spend all night in her presence. Perhaps he had found the woman he had been looking for.
Perhaps.
4
Lady Gillett, Edith’s mother, had to repeat herself, as Edith did not believe what the chittering women of the ton had apparently been discussing.
“Everyone said you looked quite pleased to be in Lord Linfield’s presence,” said Lady Gillett, “and that a wedding would be sure to take place soon.”
“That is complete nonsense!” Edith exclaimed as she threw up her arms in exasperation. “I had one dance with the man and now they are attempting to plan our engagement!”
“Sometimes it only takes one,” her mother reminded her, her expression merry. “How was the dance, Edith?”
“It was a dance,” Edith grumbled, picking at the lint on her skirt. “And he is just another gentleman.”
Even Edith had to admit that Lord Linfield was witty in his responses, an air of confidence surrounding him that she had not witnessed in her other suitors. Despite not wanting to admit it, it seemed that he was not after her money.
So, what was he after, then?
“Is Lord Linfield handsome, Edith?” Lillian asked.
“Very,” Lady Gillett replied before her daughter could, crossing her arms over her chest. “I have seen women swoon at the mere sight of him.”
Edith laughed. “I doubt that is the case. He was handsome, but not anything that I have not already seen.”
“Was he strong?” Lillian asked again, a dreamy look on her face. “Did he say anything romantic?”
“If he had, our dance would have ended abruptly,” Edith announced. She had her fill of romance and the nonsensical words that anyone could spout from their mouth. She wanted so much more in her own future relationship.
Their mother added, “He is the future Duke of Hoverton. Even without his handsome looks, he would make a fine husband.”
Edith laughed. “It is as if none of you have heard a word I have said. I do not care about titles or money. I care about love.”
A knocker sounded far off in the distance and Edith sighed, glancing up at the clock. It was still time for morning calls, another sufferable few hours of listening to drivel while attempting to look as though she cared.
“Lord Linfield,” announced the butler.
Edith swung her gaze to the doorway, surprised by the announcement. Lord Linfield? Whatever for? They had shared but one dance and only a few words, nothing that constituted a call the next morning.
“Oh!” Lillian said excitedly as Lord Linfield walked through the doors, a grin on his handsome face.
Even Edith had to admit that he cut a fine figure in his morning suit, a bouquet of flowers in his hand.
“I did not anticipate the parlour to be filled with such beautiful women this morning,” he said as he bowed and smiled at the women in the room.
Lillian blushed fiercely as a result, and Edith watched as even her unwavering sister Margaret averted his gaze with flushed cheeks.
Edith snorted, which caused the room full of eyes to swing in her direction, which, in turn, caused her to quickly pretend she was clearing her throat. “What a pleasant surprise, Lord Linfield,” she said. “How kind of you to pay a visit.”
“We are grateful to have you,” her mother answered as Lord Linfield bowed over her hand.
Instead of moving on to Edith, he presented the bouquet to her mother, causing her sisters to sigh with envy. “For you, Lady Gillett.”
Her mother was full of grace. “I must thank you, Lord Linfield. I shall have them put in water.”
Lady Gillett hurried out of the room as the man turned his attention onto Edith.
“Lord Linfield,” she said primly as he bowed over her hand. “That was a kind gesture.”
“Your mother is a lovely woman,” he said, giving her a wink before seating himself in the chair next to her. “I confess, I did not know you had lovely sisters as well.”
The girls simpered, causing Edith to roll her eyes. “Please do not fill their heads with nonsense.”
“Nonsense?” he inquired, clasping his knee with his hands. “I believe that I am telling the truth. They will surely catch the eyes of many fine gentlemen one day.”
“Someday, perhaps,” Edith replied smoothly. “But not today.”
Lord Linfield inclined his head. “A well taken point, Lady Edith. I fully believe that they should enjoy their childhood before considering marriage.”
Edith found herself nodding. She worried about her sisters and what they might encounter in their own search for a husband. The ton could be ruthless.
“I will not have a single issue,” Margaret piped up, her eyes on the gentleman. “As long as my dance partners do not tread on my toes and discuss the latest novel I am reading.”
Lord Linfield chuckled, bowing his head toward her. “They will not know what to do with you. Make sure you do not allow them to rule the dance and you will be fine.”
“Is that what you did with Edith?” Lillian asked, her eyes wide. “Did you allow her to lead?”
Edith felt heat rise through her chest and flush her cheeks out of embarrassment. She did not wish to discuss any part of last night nor how she had been intrigued by the man next to her. He had not begged for her hand, he had not begged for another dance. He had just disappeared from sight, and despite her initial impression of him, Edith had spent the rest of the evening subtly looking for him.
Lord Linfield looked over at her, a sparkle in his eyes that made her breath catch. “Perhaps I should have.”
Edith knew right then and there that she had to push this man away.
He was dangerous, and she was not ready for him.
5
James wiped his palms on his pants as he waited for Lady Edith to make her appearance, wondering if she was making him wait for a reason. After his call the previous morning, he had successfully won over her mother and her sisters, but not Lady Edith herself.
In fact, she had all but shooed him out of the parlour, but not before he had asked her to take a walk with him the next morning, in front of her mother. She had no choice but to accept, and now here James was, waiting for the woman to come down.
He had a very limited time to find a wife of his choosing, and he believed that Lady Edith would be the best possible choice. Although he would have liked to have a longer courtship, he did not have that luxury. He believed that, in time, he would grow to love Lady Edith, as the first kindling of love was already present.
He planned to propose that day. Given their discussion during their dance, and the confidence she had when he called up on her, he knew that life with her would not be a bore. She might hate the fact that he proposed so quickly, but he was willing to tell her father to keep her dowry if it meant that he could have her as his wife before Christmas.
After all, it was her second season, and in James’ eyes, she could do no worse than marrying a future duke.
Shoes sounded on the carpeted stairs, and James watched as Lady Edith emerged, dressed in a fine walking dress the color of her eyes. She was quite lovely, and James was surprised to feel the rapid beating of his heart against his own chest as she made her way down. They would get to know each other after the marriage, he decided, once his future was secure and his father was pleased with his choice of bride.
“You look lovely this morning, Lady Edith,” he said as she stepped off the last stair.
“Am I supposed to say how handsome you are, Lord Linfield?” she asked, a sparkle of laughter in her eye. “Or do you already know?”
James proffered his arm, a chuckle escaping him. “This is to be the most entertaining morning, I suspect.”
Lady Edith did not respond as he led her out into the frosty morning, with her maid following behind as an escort.
After a moment, she said, “My mother loved the flowers that you
brought yesterday. Now all she can talk about is you.”
“And what of you?” he asked lightly. “Do you talk of me as well, Lady Edith?”
She snorted. “Of course not, Lord Linfield. It is quite the opposite, in fact. I rarely think of you.”
Her words stung, but he would not let on that he was affected.
“James,” he decided as he guided them through the entrance of the park. “Call me James.”
She looked over, and James found himself mesmerized by the rosiness of her cheeks in the morning air.
Her mood softened. “Please, call me Edith.”
James nodded and continued to walk through the park, with Edith’s arm tucked under his. When was the last time he had been affected by a woman so greatly? “I find you intriguing, Edith. I have to admit, you are unlike any other woman in London.”
She laughed. “I shall take that as a compliment, James.”
He smirked, her laughter warming his insides. “Do, please. It is hard to find someone that is not scared of me, much less throwing themselves at my feet.”
“Is that so? You are not timid of sharing your true thoughts, are you?” she inquired. “You must tell my sister Margaret exactly how they throw themselves at you. She is very intrigued that these women are hurting themselves by doing so.”
James laughed, feeling some of his worry ease with her easy banter. “I shall endeavor to tell her, then.”
“She will be quite pleased.”
They fell in step side-by-side as they started down the path near the pond, and James attempted to find the words that would lead them to his future with her—to their future. She would not say no, not after her mother found out about his proposal.
“Edith,” he started once he had found the words, “I believe we will suit well together, and I would like to ask you to marry me. That is, if you will have.”
