“Yes, she’s making plans now.” Ah, that explained why the infant had been left in her father’s care.
Marcus wondered who amongst thetonwould be willing to leave London at the beginning of the Season. Prescott was a duke, after all. And Eden’s Court, his country estate, a considerable showplace. Even so…
“I’ll take you up on that offer, then.” The idea to consider matters more thoroughly struck him as sensible. “Maybe find myself a country lass or two…”
Four in a Carriage
The duke rode his own mount alongside the carriage. As did the Earl of Blakely. Which, of course, disturbed Emily in ways she’d rather not dwell upon.
When she’d first glanced outside and realized the identity of the gentleman riding beside the ducal carriage, her heart had done its normal flip-flop inside her chest. But then she recalled the drama she’d watched unfold in the Crabtrees’ library.
Although a respected gentleman, a wealthy and good-looking earl, Lord Blakely’s situation had become rather pathetic.
She shook her head.
She wouldn’t dwell upon the Marcus Roberts’ predicament right now.
Instead, Emily needed to do find a way to resolve her own troubles. If she couldn’t land herself a husband—and quickly—she very well might be forced to live out the remainder of her life isolated and alone, a virtual slave to dear Aunt Gertrude in Wales.
That could not happen.
She’d snare a husband, by George, if she had to drag him to the alter kicking and screaming.
Hopefully, she’d find someone who wouldn’t re quire such drastic handling.
Perhaps she’d net one while at this ill-timed house party.
When explaining the invitation to Eden’s Court to her mother, Emily did not inform her that Rhoda would be in attendance. What with all of the gossip, her mother had forbidden her to be seen with her dearest of friends.
Ridiculous.
Furthermore, Mrs. Goodnight had refused to leave London so early in the Season. She’d accepted several invitations from her friends, she explained, and it would be rude to cancel on such short notice.
Rather more likely her mother was relieved to not have to squire her bluestocking of a daughter about. Which left Emily with mixed feelings.
Most of her life, Emily had failed to garner her mother’s approval or affection, and yet her mother’s lack thereof worked in her favor this time. Her mother need never know the nature of this house party, and what she didn’t know, certainly ought not to cause her any concern.
Emily’s gaze was drawn once again out the window to settle on the backside of a magnificent looking… mount. Peaches was distracted by a toy, and the baby had just fallen asleep. Perhaps Emily would finally have her friend’s full attention.
“Sophia,” she said, getting down to business. “You promised the duke would lure some bachelors out of London but have yet to provide me with any actual names. This house party is necessary, I realize, but my mother is threatening to send me to Wales again. Aunt Gertrude wants me as her companion, but I cannot do it. I must marry, even if the man is ninety and poor as a church mouse. All I require is a male person who is breathing and willing to provide me with a home of my own. There must be somebody.”
Sophia adjusted little Harriette up to her shoulder, listening intently. She nodded slowly as Emily ended her plea. “I thought as much, Em. And I realized it might be inconvenient for you to leave London.” She patted the baby’s bum softly. “Dev has, as a matter of fact, invited a few prospects for you. But you’re going to have to make somewhat of an attempt at being… alluring. We’ll need to style your hair differently, and I am hoping that Rhoda can assist you in your… demeanor around gentlemen.”
Flirting.
Emily cringed but was willing to agree to anything. Wales would be akin to being sent to Purgatory for the rest of her life. “Who?”
“Mr. White, Justin, is a lovely man. Dev’s cousin on his mother’s side. He is also a vicar. He was so very helpful last year when Harold… Well, when Harold met with his accident.” Sophia smiled sadly. Her first husband had died tragically but amazingly enough, she had been given a second chance at happiness with the duke. Brushing off the memory, Sophia forged ahead. “But Justin is handsome as well. I think you would like him immensely.”
Upon mention of the vicar’s good looks, Emily groaned. She didnotdeceive herself into thinking she could attract a handsome man. Humanity was much like the animal world in that beauty was attracted to beauty, strength to strength.
“Who else?”
Sophia laughed. “There’s Lord Blakely.”
“Do be serious.” Everyone knew he was one of the least attainable bachelors in all of London. Emily more so after witnessing his tryst with Mrs. Cromwell and then overhearing his conversation with the Duke of Waters. She was tempted to tell Sophia all about it but the bleakness hovering over him gave her pause. Thetonknew Lord Blakely as an intelligent and rational fellow. Emily didn’t wish to expose this other side of him, even to Sophia.
“One of Dev’s army comrades, a Lieutenant Langdon, will be in attendance. I’ve not met him, but Dev said he’s an unassuming gentleman who’s recently returned to civilian life. He’ll be arriving next week sometime. Dev said he has a small holding up north and may very well be in search of a wife.”
