He shook his head, amused that she’d relate him to the innocent child he used to be. But since he was her only family left, he was happy to indulge her. “If you mean was I hiding under the sideboard in the dining room, the answer would be no. I’m afraid I cannot fit under there anymore.”
She looked askance at him, a secret smile on her face. “And you know this to be true because you have tried?”
He laughed. “I shall endeavor to try at the very first opportunity.”
She grinned and raised her cup. “Would you like some parmesan ice cream? I do believe this is cook’s best yet.”
He waved her off, but took the straight back chair next to her. “I have news for you. I just called upon Lady Beaumont.”
His mother stilled, her spoon in midair. “Why did you do so? She broke your heart.” She set the cup down, clearly not happy.
He hadn’t realized exactly how much he would have to explain. “It appears I was incorrect.”
“How were you incorrect? It was only a year before we heard of your untrue demise and she was married within the month.”
“I know. I assumed she’d married for love.” He didn’t want to let his mother know of the financial constraints of the Mabrys. That was too titillating for her to keep to herself. “She knew she would never love another and so took the first offer to allow her sisters the opportunity to find their own husbands.”
“Oh.” His mother sat back quietly, clearly thinking about what he said.
It was one of the characteristics he loved about her. She could be quite calm in the midst of upheaval.
Finally, she nodded. “That does sound like Lady Mariel. She is always thinking of others. Does she still feel the same way about you?”
“Yes.” It was a lie, of course. Mariel made it very clear that she was furious and even worse, had no interest in him except to avoid being pitied.
His mother cocked her head and studied him. “And do you still love her?”
Nowthathe could answer truthfully. “I do, with all my heart.”
His mother’s face brightened as she quickly understood the possibilities of his revelation. “Marcus, don’t make me wait another moment. Are you saying you have chosen her again to be your wife?”
The hope in his mother’s gray eyes, so much like his own, twisted his insides, forcing him to take a deep breath. “Yes. She has agreed to a betrothal once again.”
“Oh, I’m so pleased!” His mother clasped her hands together as her eyes filled with tears.
A stone settled in his stomach at the knowledge his mother would be devastated once again. He should tell her the truth and be done with it, but explaining to his parent that he couldn’t have the grandchildren she so desperately wished for wasn’t something he was ready to do. She deserved a little happiness, even if it would only be for a short time.
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her. “I hope those are tears of happiness.”
“Oh, my, yes. Lady Mariel is just so perfect for you. She’s the epitome of a lady. She’s kind, well-versed in all the duties of her station, and a marquess’ daughter. Even more importantly, she loves you. Why, I’d swear she practically worshipped you before you left.”
He chuckled, not at his mother’s description, but at the fact Mariel could hardly stomach him now.
“Oh, dear, the house is almost ready to move to London. I was planning on leaving tomorrow.”
He was pleased that she wouldn’t see he and Mariel interact right away. “There’s no need to change your plans. You can be the first to break the news in Town.”
His mother’s eyes lit with delight. “I will definitely do so. And my first call will be upon Lady Wakefield. I always did admire Lady Mariel’s mother. I couldn’t imagine having to marry off four daughters.” Her smile faltered. “Or rather, three daughters.”
“Very good.” He rose. “I will leave for London in another fortnight.”
“But the season is half over. Surely you will want to leave sooner.” His mother lifted her spoon again and pulled the cold treat into her mouth.
“I have decided it would be best to stay here a bit longer. Since Lady Beaumont is residing at Silver Meadows right now, we can attend a few public events here in Northampton to be sure our neighbors are clear that I am no longer available as a husband.”
His mother’s eyes turned shrewd. “That is very strategic of you. If you wish to let it be known you have chosen a bride, then I suggest attending service at the parish church. Once you two are seen there, you will no longer have ladies fluttering about you.”
“Mother, you are truly inspiring.”
