Charles, determined never to fall in love again, had taken a French mistress full of fire and charm, whose mercenary heart ensured he would never love her.
Chapter Three
In the library,Nellie’s father beamed when given the news. He congratulated the duke and kissed her. After Charles had left them, Papa confirmed his view that Nellie was the daughter he’d always thought would marry well.
Nellie was glad Marian was not present. She had been permitted to marry the man she loved, but her choice was not a popular one. Gerald Belfries was not particularly wealthy.
“Marian and I believe Alice will be the beauty in the family, Papa,” Nellie said.
“All my girls are beauties.” He smiled at their mother beside him. “Like their Mama.”
“Alice shows great promise,” Mama said, “but she is still hoydenish. She must learn to conduct herself like a young lady. All you girls are spirited and intelligent.” She patted his arm. “You take after your father.”
Nellie left her parents behaving like a pair of lovebirds. Her father had been at pains to assure her that although their marriage was arranged, he and her mother loved one another. And there was every chance Nellie and Charles would come to love each other in time.
Marian awaited her in her bedchamber. “How was it?”
“I accepted him.”
Her sister nodded. “You approve of him then?”
Nellie took a deep breath. “One would find it hard not to, I suppose,” she said. “He’s attractive, and he rides superbly…but…”
Marian’s eyes widened. “But what?”
“He kissed me.”
Her sister nodded appreciatively. “After you accepted him.”
“No. Before.”
“He is a rake?” Marian’s eyes narrowed. “He behaved improperly? Grabbed you and mauled you?”
“No, it wasn’t like that. I had trouble making up my mind, so…”
“He kissed you and made up your mind for you. I like him already.” Marian chortled. “And as you’ve accepted him, I gather you didn’t mind the kiss.”
Nellie frowned at her. “Charles will always want to have the upper hand. I shall have to fight for everything I want and probably won’t get it.” Nellie shrugged and frowned at Marian’s expression. “He said he would take the blame if I refused to marry him. But of course, I couldn’t. Papa depends on this marriage.”
“Oh, Nellie. I pray he makes you happy.”
Nellie put her arm around her sister’s waist. “Thank you, dear. But I imagine Charles and I will disagree on many things.”
“Charles?”
“Yes, he invited me to call him by his given name.”
“Well, he can’t be too stuffy.”
“I tried to tell him about the article I wrote about foxhunting, but he cut me off in the most autocratic fashion. No doubt, he disdains such a view. He’ll be angry if he learns about it before I can find the courage to tell him.” She smoothed her dress with both hands. “He is sure to anger me, too, at times.”
“Welcome to marriage,” Marian said dryly.
“I must go and tell Alice, although the whole house, from the kitchens to the stables, knows by now.”
In the schoolroom, her tall, willowy, fifteen-year-old sister was complaining of missing out on all the entertainment.
“When I have my Come-out, will you hold a ball for me at Shewsbury Park and invite loads of eligible gentlemen?” Alice’s big blue eyes were alight with visions of a rosy future.
