“But of course. I very much want you to be happy.” Her mother’s violet-gray eyes, so much like hers, grew concerned. “I know you disliked the idea of not choosing your husband. But you resisted the interests of more than one suitor in your two Seasons. In a few short years, your idea of how you wish to spend your life could have led you to become a spinster. That would be such a terrible shame. And I am confident you will find contentment with Shewsbury.”
Contentment seemed such a small, sad word. Horrified at how raw her emotions were, Nellie gulped back unwanted tears. “Oh, Mama. I fear I shall make a frightful duchess. I am not the right person for such a dignified position.” She yearned to cast herself on her mother’s breast and confess all her fears, that a man such as he might hurt her, wound her soul, but she held back. For what could her mother do but just be worried and upset for her? And Nellie was determined not to let her parents down.
“What nonsense.” Her small mother reached up to arrange one of the fragrant violets tucked into Nellie’s curls. “You have all the makings of a wonderful duchess. But it is well known that gentlemen dislike fiercely intellectual women. They want a wife committed to them and the raising of their children.”
“Can’t one be both, Mama?”
“Against your husband’s wishes? It would cause great discord between you, Nellie.” She sighed. “I am as keen as you are to see women advance in the world. But few bluestockings have happy marriages. It seems that for now anyway, a woman has to choose. Happiness in the home, or disunity if you should seek a life beyond it.”
“Grandmama managed it, as did the Duchess of Devonshire, Mama.”
“Yes, but their marriages were not great successes.”
Nellie had heard it said that her grandfather was a rake. But she doubted he was unfaithful because of her grandmother’s penchant for literary circles. She was more inclined to believe her grandmother had sought those interests to fill her empty life.
“It seems so unfair,” she murmured.
“Life isn’t always fair, Nellie. But we can try to make it better for our loved ones rather than embark on more worldly matters society is not yet ready to accept. A woman has the rewards of motherhood and charity work, too, my dear. That can be most satisfying.”
The door opened, and Alice’s head appeared, eyes wide.
“Come in and see how lovely Nellie looks, child,” Mama said. “We must go down soon.” She turned back to Nellie with warm approval. “When we enter the ballroom, the duke’s eyes will be upon you. Don’t forget to smile.”
Nellie nodded. Her mother had just poured cold water on her dreams. She feared her features were too stiff to smile.
*
Charles was pleased.He now had a challenging new stallion for his stables. And that ram would prove an excellent investment. As he chuckled with Marian over a political cartoon, they’d both seen in theTimes, which had Napoleon riding backward on a donkey, a collective gasp spread through the ballroom as the butler announced Lord and Lady Dountry and their daughter. Charles’s blood heated, and all thoughts of horses and rams vanished. Nellie looked beautiful! With a shy smile, she walked through the room as a low buzz like a hive of hornets rose among the guests. Had his father been aware of how attractive she was when he’d insisted on this marriage? Charles was prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt. He met Marian’s observant green gaze, excused himself, and strode over to greet Nellie. The guests obligingly parted to allow him through.
“Lady Cornelia.” He raised her gloved hand to his lips, and for a moment, you could hear a pin drop.
Nellie smiled up at him. As it was required of him to marry and produce an heir, he was confident he could not have chosen better. Was it only days ago he had considered seeking a tactful means to end talk of an engagement?
“Your Grace, Nellie, will you join me?” Lord Dountry showed the way to the dais. Gathered before the guests, he cleared his throat. “Thank you all for coming to share this auspicious occasion. Lady Dountry and I are delighted to announce the engagement of our daughter, Cornelia Elizabeth, to His Grace, Charles Anthony Glazebrook, Duke of Shewsbury! We welcome the duke into our family and wish every happiness for their future together.”
“The best kept secret in Keswick,” a male guest shouted. Laughter and loud clapping broke out from the three hundred guests gathered in the ballroom.
“The first dance is mine, I believe,” Charles murmured close to her ear, breathing in the perfumed scent of her skin.
They were soon surrounded by guests, kissing Nellie, and offering him their congratulations. When the country dance was called, Charles offered his arm and led Nellie onto the floor for the first set.
“You look beautiful tonight,” he said as couples began to form, and they waited for the music to begin.
“Thank you.” She blushed becomingly and gave him her hand as they moved into the first figure.
“I claim the supper dance,” he said before the movements drew them apart.
She smiled and nodded.
The lead couple called the steps, and any conversation ceased until they came together again. But with everyone in proximity watching them, he said no more.
Dountry waited when they left the dance floor. “I should like to introduce you to friends here tonight, Shewsbury. If I may.” With a smile at his daughter, he drew Charles away.
Charles left Nellie to those waiting to speak to her.
When a quadrille was announced, Charles pushed through the crowd and claimed Marian.
Before the music began, Marian searched his eyes. “You might accuse me of sisterly devotion,” she said. “And you would be right. But Nellie is a wonderful girl, Your Grace. As you shall no doubt discover.”
