Emory was just as certain that he’d know her within the span of a few conversations. He’d simply not met her yet. He’d also believed that there was no rush as marriage was a serious matter. Unfortunately, he was no longer in a position to be as particular about who he’d wed.
Even though he knew that he and Lady Lucinda would not suit, this was to be a house party, therefore there would be several ladies and misses with whom he might become acquainted, and hopefully one would cause him to take interest beyond a day. What he found at Forester Hall, however, was not at all what he’d anticipated. The only family members present were Her Grace, who happened to be Lady Lucinda’s grandmother, and Lady Lucinda. Her father, the Duke of Arscott, while still within Forester Hall, remained behind closed doors, not to be disturbed. The only other guests were nine bachelor lords and the Ladies Tilson, who were three maiden sisters, long past the age to be considered for producing heirs.
Instead of hoping to meet a lady whom he might wed, Emory was now in a competition for Lady Lucinda’s hand.
While he sipped his brandy that evening, Emory gave thought to the many excuses that he might use in order to leave early and hoped for an urgent message requiring him to return home. At least then he’d have a reason that would not be viewed as an insult to their host, but more importantly, an insult to Lady Lucinda. While Emory valued honesty, he had no desire to inflict any form of emotional pain, especially when it came to rejecting another.
The other gentlemen, however, did not share his concerns, and while Emory enjoyed one glass of brandy, he settled back in the billiards room and listened as they compared the daughters of His Grace.
There was Lady Lucinda, whom they were here to court. Lady Violet, her younger sister and of marriageable age, but not in residence. Lastly was Lady Honora, who was still in the school room. However, as each was a daughter of a duke, the bachelors would be happy to gain any one of them, though the gentlemen spent a good portion of an hour dissecting their personalities, and the benefits and disadvantages of marriage of each daughter.
Emory had found the entire discussion distasteful and finally made his way up to bed with still no answer as to how he was going to proceed. When the footman presented him with a message the following morning that stated Lady Lucinda would like him to join her for tea, Emory knew he was out of time.
“I must admitthat I’m rather surprised that you accepted my father’s invitation,” Lady Lucinda offered.
“Why, may I ask?”
“I thought you preferred widows.”
Her statement nearly made him choke on his tea. It was no secret that he preferred widows, and many in Society considered him a rake. What he didn’t keep was a mistress, and never had, because eventually the association would end and all too often, the woman was left in tears of heartache. That was the very reason when he enjoyed intimacies it was with a widow who only wished for a tumble and nothing beyond a night.
“Lucinda, such subjects are not appropriate to discuss in polite company,” Her Grace chastised.
“Lord Ferrard is here seeking my hand. Before I can even consider him, I must know if his behavior will continue after the nuptials.”
More misses and ladies should ask such questions prior to marriage. However, even if they did, there were several gentlemen who would simply lie and keep their mistresses.
“I can assure you, Lady Lucinda, that I would never consider pursuing such after marriage.” It was a vow he intended to keep, even if his marriage was not a happy one.
His response seemed to please her, as she gave a quick nod before she sipped her tea.
“Then I can assume that you’ve reached an age where you’ve decided that it is time to take a wife, much like a business transaction. Wife, heir, and spare.”
“Lucinda!” Her Grace scolded.
“I’ve a right to know his purpose,” she insisted. “I’m certain Lord Ferrard is not here to claim undying love and devotion.” She nearly snorted. “He called on me in London, twice, and as pleasant as our discussions were, he never called on me again, nor asked me to dance following our visits. Yet he is here to court me. What am I supposed to think?”
Emory’s stomach tightened. This was why he avoided courtships and whatnot because ladies were often hurt after being given the slightest attention and then ignored when a gentleman decided they wouldn’t suit.
“It’s possible that Lord Ferrard has had a change of heart,” Her Grace suggested then looked pointedly at Emory in a way that made him want to adjust his tightening cravat.
“He’s never even kept a mistress, and his interest in any one widow rarely lasts beyond a sennight and now I am to believe that he is ready for a lifetime devotion?” Lady Lucinda questioned with ridicule.
She knew more about him than most, or Emory assumed that to be the case. “Lady Lucinda is correct,” he answered. “I’ve not shown an interest in any one lady for long, but it is time that I consider my future.”
Emory appreciated her forthrightness; however, they’d not be happy, which he had known two years ago. But after this discussion, he was certain that they’d be miserable, as it was unlikely she’d trust that his interest would hold beyond their wedding night, and he had the distinct impression that she’d spend their marriage judging him on past behavior. Therefore, even if he did remain for the duration of the house party, it was unlikely that she’d choose him, which was a relief.
However, what if she didn’t realize that they’d not make a good match? Was her scorn an attempt to make him beg her for forgiveness and admit that he’d been wrong? Or did she truly dislike him so much and if so, why was he even here?
What to do and would he ever understand the female mind?
“I have a confession, Lady Lucinda,” he blurted out before the situation became any more uncomfortable in the strained silence.
She blinked at him. “Yes?”
“While I appreciate the invitation and the opportunity to renew our acquaintance, I do not believe we will suit.”
She quickly masked her response by lowering her eyes and taking a sip of tea. So quickly that he had no hint of her reaction to his words.
