One more terrible thought had her tossing and turning the rest of the night. Was Lord Markham to be betrothed due to a business arrangement between his father and another? It was a common occurrence.
“Please, do not let that be what was meant,” Lady Emmeline whispered into the darkness.
Although she had only encountered the marquess that evening, her heart was comfortable with him, and her mind had been made up.
She bit her bottom lip and hoped her mother would feel differently about Lord Markham, but also forgive and accept that Lady Emmeline would not be leaving for Paris.
Lady Emmeline arose late, as was the custom after a ball. Her lady's maid, Clara, aided her in donning a simple day dress. It was as blue as the sky and complimented her creamy skin. She sipped on tea and nibbled her toast by the fireplace. The housekeeper put clean linens on her large canopy bed and opened the curtains on the tall windows, allowing the sunlight to brighten her room. The light shone on the delicate silk wall covering she had been allowed to choose upon receiving this room when she grew too old for the nursery. The tiny white flowers and colorful birds depicted on it still made her as happy as the day she had chosen it. It reminded her of a beautiful garden she dreamed of most nights. The place where she would meet the love of her life, but that wish was just that. An improbable wish.
Although, as she sat sipping her tea, she recalled that she had seen Lord Markham in a beautiful garden, but under much more hostile circumstances.
Perhaps it was a bit of a far-fetched thought, but Lady Emmeline knew it had to mean something.
Images of the handsome and shy marquess who had captured her attention with his warm brown eyes and raven hair, as well as the softness in his voice. Shivers of delight ran through her body and she giggled to herself. She had fallen in love with this man within an instant while dancing the waltz, the most scandalous dance of them all.
Lady Emmeline was well aware it was not mere infatuation or exhilaration caused by the provocative dance, but the ease with which Lord Markham had bestowed her while in his company. She spoke with him while utterly at ease, and she looked forward to the next time.
Even if the next time would not come.
"My lady,” Clara said, and Emmeline was ripped from her daydream of delight.
Lady Emmeline glanced at her maid and answered, “Yes, Clara?”
“Pardon the interruption. Her Grace wishes to speak with you in the drawing room when you have completed your meal,” Clara replied.
"I cannot eat another bite. Thank you kindly for bringing me her summons. I shall go down immediately," Emmeline replied.
Passing the portraits of her ancestors that hung upon the walls in the upper hallway, all who seemed to share the same frown as she suspected the duchess would carry, Lady Emmeline made her way to the grand staircase. Each step that brought her closer to the main floor also raised her anxiety. She had no desire to hear all of her errors put into words nor did she wish to argue with her mother. Not again, at least. Did her mother not tire from expressing her disapproval for Lady Emmeline’s actions?
Emmeline truly adored the duchess, most of the time. However, the duchess made it difficult to do so when she brought attention to every misdeed or faux pas of which she believed her daughter guilty.
The drawing room was a comfortable space in which to receive guests. The velvet sofas were arranged around a set of small inlaid tables on which tea and cakes were normally served. A piano stood next to the windows, often played by Lady Emmeline herself, to entertain company or for her own enjoyment. Her mother was there now, softly playing a familiar melody, and Lady Emmeline hummed the song as she approached. Above the fireplace, a portrait of her father dominated the room. He sat upon a black stallion, looking very dapper though solemn. Emmeline had her father’s eyes and his sense of adventure, which seemed to be lacking lately. As a result of spending too many years with the duchess, perhaps, Emmeline wondered.
Hearing her daughter enter the room, the duchess rose from the piano and brushed nonexistent wrinkles from her yellow day dress.
“You wished to speak with me, Mother,” Lady Emmeline uttered in a quiet yet confident tone. She did not wish for her mother to be made aware that she felt rather fragile after not being able to sleep well last night. Her own thoughts had kept her awake, although it had not been about what her mother had said.
“Sit down, Emmeline. We sorely need to continue our discussion. It cannot wait, for I expect to have many visitors due to our presence at the ball last night. I assume a gentleman or two may have calling cards delivered as well. I am proud to say you drew many appraising glances. Although, there were some that I wish had not taken notice.”
"Mother, I wish to say thank you for allowing me to share in such a lovely evening. I had a delightful time. I assure you that I always strive to make you proud,” Lady Emmeline said gratefully, her hands casually clasped together.
“Be that as it may, not everything about the evening was perfect,” the duchess muttered. “I fear you were drawn to the wrong people at times.”
“I do not understand, Mother. I was under the impression that I was to meet new people and be social.”
“That was the purpose of the evening, Emmeline, but you were aware of the rules. For instance, you walked right past the most eligible and sought after young ladies to have a conversation with a country wallflower. What, pray tell, were you thinking?" the duchess demanded.
“Miss Wilkes appeared to be lonely, Mother. I wanted to see her smile and join the fun. She was not a wallflower. In fact, it was quite the opposite. She had already been dancing. However, her toes had been trodden upon and were aching. She was trying to avoid the offensive partner at that moment,” Lady Emmeline defended her new friend. “She has a wonderful sense of humor, and I wish for us to be friends. It would be nice to have someone to walk in the park with who was not so concerned over who was watching. I prefer a good conversation to preening," Emmeline dared to say.
“It was kind of you to give the poor dear some attention,” the duchess admitted, a hint of admiration in her tone. “Yet, I must remind you that you are better off sticking to your own class. Preening may seem tiresome and indulgent, yet it is necessary to outshine other women seeking to draw the same few desirable males."
“She may be a country girl, but she is also the daughter of a baron,” Lady Emmeline explained to her mother, who simply glanced at her. “Otherwise, she would not have received an invitation to the ball. She, too, seeks a marriage mate. I like her, Mother. We have made plans to meet in the park tomorrow for a stroll to discuss the gentlemen we met last evening. We will, of course, be accompanied by our ladies' maids. Never fear, I will not embarrass you.”
The duchess glanced at her for an elongated moment, as if pondering to herself. Perhaps she would allow Emmeline to befriend Miss Wilkes, which would please Emmeline immensely.
Lady Wilkes was unlike any of the young women Emmeline had met. She does not speak ill of anyone, nor does she engage in gossip and rumors. She was kind and amusing, and Lady Emmeline knew that she needed Bethany in her life.
The duchess pursed her lips briefly and uttered, “I will give in on this one matter. I once had a friend that my family deemed beneath me. She is now a countess, oddly enough. I will not pass over your defiance in dancing the waltz, however. You know I find it inappropriate and uncouth, yet you chose to dance it anyway. It cannot happen again, or your father will stop allowing you to attend these balls. If that were to occur, finding a husband would be quite impossible, except by an arranged marriage. Do you want that, Emmeline?"
Lady Emmeline sighed and quietly replied, “Not in the least, Mother. I wish to have a choice in the matter. I would like to find love in a match. In fact, there is a gentleman that I already prefer. I hope he will come to call. He is rather shy though. It might take him some time to gather the courage. I do not think he fears me, but Father is a different matter altogether. He is very intimidating."
<
br /> “It is a good quality to have when you are seeking a husband for a beloved daughter. He only wishes the best for you,” the duchess said, her tone softening slightly. "Who is the gentleman, my dear?"
“He is Lord Markham, son of the Duke of Marlborough. He is very charming and considerate, despite his shyness."
Her mother’s jaw clenched, but she replied, “Yes, I noticed you dancing with him. He did not appear very proficient in the beginning, and I made that clear to his mother.”
“You did what?” Emmeline gasped. “Mother—”
“He did redeem himself, somewhat, as the dance continued. I regret that he was also the one to lead you astray with the waltz. I might be persuaded to overlook both embarrassments if your father finds him a qualified candidate for your hand. We shall see what transpires," the duchess promised.
“Perhaps I should speak with Father regarding this matter?” Lady Emmeline suggested.
“No need. I will speak to him for you. Perhaps I can convince your father to invite the marquess to dinner one evening,” the duchess answered.
Lady Emmeline’s cheeks colored and her heart fluttered as she clasped her hands together. “That would be delightful. Thank you, Mother.”
The duchess simply nodded.
“I feel so elated, I am going to take a stroll through the gardens. The weather is fine, and I do not wish to waste it by spending my day indoors. Perhaps I shall even read a book by the stream.”
“Very well, but do not stray too far. I am expecting guests.”
“Yes, of course, Mother,” Lady Emmeline nodded.
The beams of sunshine danced through the leaves of the trees as Lady Emmeline made herself comfortable on the lush green grass. The soft sound of the water running along the pebbles, along with the chirping of the birds made for a lovely summer setting. Emmeline stretched her legs on the grass as she rested her back against the thick trunk of the old tree she spent many days playing under when she was a young girl. Her father would play with her, much to her mother’s dismay, but Emmeline was not bothered. Spending time with her father was her most treasured memory, and although most people found the duke very intimidating, and often terrifying at times, Emmeline was well aware that under his tough and stern exterior, there was a kind, fair, and humble man. Lady Emmeline was one of the very few people who knew that side of the duke, but it was her secret to keep.
Lady Emmeline opened her book and was soon swept away by the words which sent her into another world. A world where love came freely – although too freely according to her mother – and passion followed soon after. Lady Emmeline had hoped she would fall in love as completely and as deeply as the women in her books had. It was only when she envisioned Lord Markham as the hero, that she came to realize that perhaps she already had.
The soft sounds of grass meeting with leather caught her attention, and she glanced up from her book. She was not certain how long she had been sitting under the tree, but the sun was starting to lower back to the horizon.
The duke approached her with a bright smile, and she closed her book.
“Father,” Lady Emmeline said with an equally bright smile.
“May I join you, my dear?” the duke asked.
“Of course, Father. Is something the matter?” Lady Emmeline asked as the duke sat down on the grass beside her.
“Why would something be the matter?” he asked.
“You have not sat out here with me in a very long time. Perhaps it had merely struck me as odd,” Lady Emmeline said, as she shrugged her shoulders.
“You make me sound like a terrible father, my dear Emmeline,” the duke scoffed.
“On the contrary, Father. You are the world’s best father, please do not ever doubt that,” Emmeline said apologetically. “I merely meant that I am aware of what a busy man you have become, but it is lovely to have you sit here with me this afternoon.”
The duke smiled happily and touched Lady Emmeline’s chin lovingly. “I spoke with your mother earlier.
Emmeline accidentally sighed louder than she meant to, and the duke chuckled in amusement.
“It is not what you think, my dear.”
“Of what did she speak?” Lady Emmeline wished to know.
“She informed me of your interest in a certain marquess, which you coincidentally waltzed with at the ball last evening,” the duke answered.
Lady Emmeline’s cheeks colored, and she lowered her gaze. “That is correct, but it was not intentional. It was also not the sole reason why I have developed an interest in him.”
“Enlighten me,” the duke said and glanced expectantly at Lady Emmeline.
“He is a wonderful man. Kind and not in the least conceited. He is soft-spoken and a wonderful dancer when he is at ease,” Emmeline gushed. “He is also tall and handsome, with eyes similar to mine, and yours.”
“He sounds utterly irresistible,” the duke chuckled once more, Lady Emmeline joining in briefly.
“He is simply lovely, Father. I do wish he thinks of me as much as I think of him,” Lady Emmeline sighed, “which seems to be constantly.”
“It appears to me you have fallen in love at first glance.”
“Perhaps not at first glance, but most certainly at first dance,” Lady Emmeline said and giggled.
The duke smiled and lowered his gaze, glancing at the dark green blades of grass in front of them. “I certainly am aware of what that feels like.”
“You are, Father?”
“This may sound very difficult to believe, my dear, but this too happened the first time I saw your mother. She was beautiful. She wore a dark green gown with lace and ribbons, and I had never seen a more magnificent woman in my entire life.”
“Did you truly know, in your heart, that Mother was the one you wished to spend the rest of your life with?” Lady Emmeline asked.
“Indeed, I did. I knew it the moment I first saw her, and I continue to feel this way,” the duke answered and grinned at his daughter’s facial expression, filled with apprehension. “Even on her worst days.”
“That seems highly improbable,” Lady Emmeline muttered.
“That is what love is, my dear Emmeline. If someone loves you even on your worst days, it means their love is true, because better days are on the horizon.”
“And your love for Mother has not withered in the least?”
“On the contrary, Emmeline, it only grows stronger,” the duke answered. “You see, my lovely daughter, each day I spend beside your mother is a gift, and I cherish it as much as I cherish her love towards me. Love is not conditional, or else it is not love at all.”
Lady Emmeline nodded wordlessly and glanced at her father. “Father, may I ask something?”
“You may ask me anything your heart desires, my dearest daughter,” the duke answered and leaned towards her. “Although some things are entirely out of my hands.”
Lady Emmeline chuckled and glanced at the duke. “Have I disappointed you, Father?”
The duke’s brow furrowed as he glanced at his daughter, a vulnerable expression forming on her face. “Why on earth would you ask me such a question?”
“I am aware that Mother is upset and disappointed in me for not wishing to attend the ballet school she attended while she was a young woman. She makes it abundantly clear that I have made a grave mistake in deciding not to attend. Her words fill me with guilt, and despite having made my decision already, I cannot help but feel compelled to change it. I do not wish for Mother to resent me whenever she glances in my direction,” Lady Emmeline expressed and averted her gaze to the window of her mother’s bedchambers. “I cannot live for the rest of my life knowing the resentment she feels inside her when she glances at me, Father.”
“Your mother only wishes the best for you, my dear, but at times she forgets that what is best for you is not the same as what is best according to her. You have made your choice and you should not allow anyone to influence you to change your mind. You and only you are the one who will liv
e with this choice. Pay no attention to your mother. She has a tendency to live vicariously through you.”
“And you, Father?”
“What of me?” the duke asked.
“Are you not disappointed in me?” Lady Emmeline asked quietly.
“There is nothing in the world you could ever decide, or do which will disappoint me. You are my greatest achievement, and I am proud of the woman you are, and will be.”
Emmeline smiled shyly and threw her arms around the duke in a loving embrace. “Thank you, Father. Your words mean the world to me.”
“And you mean everything to me, my dearest Emmeline.”
6
Lord Markham expected and feared reprisal for his actions. He had been warned not to interfere with Mr. Skeffington's courtship of Lady Emmeline. If truth be told, he had not interfered. He had thrown his own hat into the ring, as an alternative candidate. The lady and her family would make the choice. Of a certainty, Mr. Skeffington would not see it the same way. He would retaliate.
A servant was sent, in his stead, to deliver his calling card. He had written a date and time on it to reflect when he would venture to call. It was two days hence, giving ample time for his rival to either make his own call or find another rich target; one more apt to fulfill his needs.
Restless, he ordered his open carriage to be brought around. He would take a turn through Hyde Park to see and be seen with the rest of the nobility. Should luck be on his side, he might catch a glimpse of Lady Emmeline and avoid his enemy.
The entire thing seemed rather daring, too daring perhaps for Lord Markham to endeavor.
As a child, Lord Markham was quiet and shy – which he still was to this day – and he was no stranger to adhering to the rules his mother and father had instilled upon him. Rebellious behavior had not been tolerated while he was a child or a young man for that matter, and Lord Markham was well aware of what was expected of him.
Regency Engagements Box Set Page 86
