What did hewant?
“Very well,” he said. “You’re not desperate enough to marry Inching, but don’t marry Churston, either.”
“He’s a pleasant enough gentleman.”
“He’d bore you to death and dislike you objecting.”
Ariana feared he was right. “Thank you.”
“Blacknorton would be incapable of fidelity.”
“Perhaps I wouldn’t mind.”
“Then choose him. He’s otherwise an amiable fellow.”
“What possible business is this of yours?”
“I’m Lady Cawle’s nephew. You’re some sort of distant cousin. We share a family tree.”
“Are you suggesting that you have somerightto interfere?”
“I understand that your height has made it difficult for you to find a husband”—her height!—“but some choices would be worse than spinsterhood. I’m offering manly advice.”
Ariana inhaled, exhaled, and then walked toward him. “Move.”
“You need to—”
“Move!”
Suddenly wide-eyed, he stepped sideways away from the door.
Ariana took command of the doorknob before turning to face him.
“My marriage is my affair, my lord. Mine alone. I deny any and all family connection. Turn your scrutiny to your own deplorable state—your finances, your estates, and your family—for you are not of sound mind!”
With that, she escaped, but rushed back to herbedroom to collect herself. The arrogant, insufferable... madman!
She’d been crediting him with deeper, more substantial burdens, but put simply, he was an insane drunkard who was neglectful of all his duties. A gentle lady in his employ was afraid of speaking out of turn. What sort of tyrant was he to his poor sister? Perhaps she’d come to Town in desperate search of a husband so as to escape him.
And his lute lay neglected.
Pastime with good company.
Virtue to use, vice to refuse...
“Take your own words to heart, my lord,” Ariana said aloud. She blew her nose, straightened her spine, and went to find Lady Cawle.
She found the countess in her boudoir, on a chaise, still in dishabille.
“It was very kind of you to have us to stay, ma’am.”
“It’s been interesting, gel, and even amusing. You’re embarked on an unusual quest.”
“I thought every unmarried lady in London was seeking a husband.”
“Because our world leaves them little alternative, but few are so urgent. Don’t marry into misery. Nothing is worth that.”
That echoed what Kynaston had said. Ariana almost mentioned his outrageous behavior, but she wanted nothing more to do with him. Doubtless his aunt knew all.
