Nathaniel’s stomach swam with anxiety. He clenched his jaw and gritted his teeth, for he was unused to this feeling. Attempts to wash it away with champagne had been unsuccessful. Charlotte had disappeared. This should have been a good thing, but Nathaniel couldn’t help but feel disappointed.
“Mother, may I speak with you about Lady Honoria?” Nathaniel gently pulled Beatrice away from a conversation. They found a quiet spot. Nathaniel made sure to keep his voice low.
“Of course, isn’t she perfect? Everyone has been complimenting her tonight. The two of you are going to make a fine couple. She is everything a duchess should be. She reminds me of myself at that age,” Beatrice gushed, her eyes swimming with nostalgia.
“Indeed, and your wisdom in choosing her should be applauded, but I am wary of making a hasty decision. Perhaps?—”
“I was particular in choosing her. There is nothing hasty about my decision to bring Lady Honoria to you. She is a perfect match in every way and can stand alongside the Blackwood women. She will be a fine duchess, a fine wife, and I’m sure she will give you many healthy children. We must think of the future, Nathaniel.”
There was an edge to her words that reminded him of when she used to scold him as a child.
“Of course, Mother, it’s just that I want to ensure everything is done properly.”
“It has been.” Beatrice placed a hand on his arm. “I know that marriage will bring about a big change in your life. You are going to have to accommodate another person. But you have waited long enough. It’s time for you to have a wife, Nathaniel. There is one woman in this hall who is perfect for you.”
“Yes, Mother,” he said, although he was certain that they were thinking of different women. At that point, Alfred came over and placed a hand on Nathaniel’s shoulder. He had a merry glow on his face.
“Why do you look so glum, brother?”
“I’m not glum. I’m thoughtful,” Nathaniel replied.
“And what are you thinking about?”
“Lady Honoria, I should imagine,” Beatrice said.
Tension swept through Nathaniel’s body. This expressed itself in a slight shift of his demeanor, something that was only noticeable for a moment. Beatrice wasn’t paying attention, but Alfred was.
“Of course, well, she is an impressive woman. You have outdone yourself with your choice, Mother. I’m sure she will fit perfectly into the family. I am looking forward to getting to know her more,” Alfred said.
“Coo-ee Bea! There’s someone here I’d like you to meet.” Agatha’s shrill voice pierced the air. Nathaniel watched as his mother visibly shuddered, and her face fell. She looked as though she were about to be sick before composing herself and adopting a polite expression.
Her smile was tight, and her eyes showed no delight at all.
“Agatha, I’m thrilled to be on first-name terms with you, but I did say I prefer to be referred to as Beatrice.”
“Yes, yes,” Agatha said, waving the comment away as though it didn’t matter at all. “But come this way and meet Lord Goodwin. He has the most fascinating stories about… what was it, dear?” Agatha turned to the man a few paces behind her. He was unusually tall and gaunt, with sunken cheeks. His voice was deep, and his black hair was slicked back.
“Taxidermy, Your Grace.”
“He has been telling me about his collection of animals. You must hear his process; it’s unlike anything I have heard before.” Agatha’s eyes gleamed with the novelty of it while Beatrice looked faint. Before she could say anything else, Agatha linked her arm around Beatrice’s and led her away.
“Sometimes I think she’s too polite for her own good,” Alfred said.
“She has been putting herself through a lot recently,” Nathaniel replied, watching how his mother endured these things because it was her duty to do so. Just like he would have to endure marriage to a woman he did not love.
“Agatha is harmless,” Alfred chuckled. “And I don’t think it would do mother any harm to interrupt her orderliness. A little chaos can go a long way, wouldn’t you agree?”
“No, I would not.”
Alfred sighed.
“One of the most impressive things about you is your unwavering consistency, Nathaniel. I believe people could set their clocks by your routine.”
“There is nothing wrong with being disciplined.”
“Certainly not. I’ve learned that from you many times over the years, and it’s why I’m happy to settle into marriage. And Lady Honoria certainly seems to be a disciplined woman. I have not heard her say anything out of place or indeed do anything that would not be expected of her.”
“She is a fine choice.”
