“Why not?” came the reply. The water is still warm enough.” And with that Marcus jumped in the lake.
As his body met the water, he felt the coldness reviving every part of his body. He pushed through the cool, fresh water,enjoying the early morning swim. He heard a splash as Colin followed him, exclaiming about the cold.
“Nonsense Colin,” he called. “It’s lukewarm. Swim, it will help your body get used to it.”
After that they relaxed into a pattern of swimming, then treading water, both enjoying the sensation with the contrast of the warm sun and chill from the lake in the early morning sunlight.
When they finally arrived back at the stables, they were intercepted by Mr. Pevensey, the Butler, who informed Marcus that his mother was waiting for him in the drawing room. Colin held his hands up, “No, Marcus. Aunt Elizabeth wants to see you and not me. I need to get back to Granville for estate business. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Very well cousin. Wish me luck,” replied Marcus as he set off toward the drawing room.
He found his mother working at her tapestry frame in a room adjoining the drawing room. The door was open, and a blazing fire roared in the hearth. The sun shone brightly through the mullioned windows.
“Marcus. Where have you been? You’re dripping wet. Stand away from the Aubusson rug,” she implored him. “And why have you brought Hera into the drawing room when she is wet through?”
“I’ve been for a swim with Colin, and Hera is pretty much dry. Your rug is safe.”
“A swim? The lake must be freezing cold this early in the morning. You can easily take a bath. I will never understand this desire to swim in cold water for pleasure. Now, let me think, what did I want to speak to you about?”
“Papa?” he queried.
“Ah, yes. Your father is clearly champing at the bit and feels ready to take back some of the less arduous estate duties. It was so encouraging to see him at the harvest dance in the big barn last week. He really does seem to have made a full recovery.”
“All due to you Mama and your herbal potions and tisanes,” said Marcus and he kissed her on the cheek.
“I remember, it was something your father said to me. He’s worried about there being no heir.”
“Mama. You know very well that I’m the heir to the dukedom.”
“Well your father thinks it is time you married,” she said, looking at Marcus with her almost luminous green eyes. Her blonde hair,pinned into a simple chignon, showed no signs of gray. “He has a point,” she added.
“Oh Mama, he’s already tried speaking to me about this matter, and I told him I have no desire to settle down in the immediate future.”
“But …” interjected his mother.
“I will marry, Mama, but there is plenty of time for me to find a wife and produce an heir.”
“I think it would help your father’s recovery if you showed a willingness now to try to find a young lady, to bring home to the Abbey, as future duchess,” his mother added. “Lady Cressida Lantham would seem a perfect choice.”
“Mama, you are verging on blackmail by bringing Papa’s health into this,” exclaimed Marcus. “And as for Lady Cressida, I do not warm to her.”
“But it is quite true,” persisted his mother. “Your father would be delighted if you married. It would give his health a boost. Promise me that you’ll spend some time in town in the spring and attend a few balls. You may find a young lady who would make a suitable bride.”
“Very well Mama. If I am still in England in the spring, then I will attend at least 2 balls and 3 recitals. But beware, I will probably just offer for the first young lady who likes dogs and horses and has heard of the Greek gods.”
“You and your classical civilizations. It’s the future of this estate we need to think about. Ah, here is your father.”
His father, no longer looking as gray and drawn as he had at the height of his illness, smiled brightly at his wife and son. His brown eyes twinkled, and it was difficult to believe that he had been so ill.
“Marcus, I was wondering about repairing that old boat which we used to have on the lake? What do you think?” his father asked.
“An excellent plan. I believe it is the best way of fishing for trout. Let’s walk down there and take a look later.”
“And did your mother tell you that it’s time you found a wife?” his father added in his usual direct, blunt fashion.
“Indeed. I disagreed, but you were very persistent, weren’t you Mother?” said Marcus, grinning.
“As always,” said his mother, laughing.
