What was wrong with him? Lucinda was right—he was acting like a jealous fool. The fact that he desired her and wanted to be wherever she was all the time made him also want to be as far away from her as possible, but it wasn’t possible. He didn’t know how to negotiate these feelings. It would be easier if he stayed away, but she was right. It was his job to be her chaperone. He thought if he played the obstinate arse she would want to distance herself from him, not come to his study, not seek him out.
Now he felt wretched, and he had upset her. She was smarter than he, obviously. She saw right through him. And now he would have to apologize, again.Damn you, Markham!He took up his place on the blanket and pretended to be studying the view before him.
Behind him, the merry trio chatted amiably. The girls asked Dunstan questions about his childhood, and he did not seem sheepish about telling them the details.
“I am the eldest of three, but both my siblings, James and Sybil, died of consumption within days of each other. I was at school at the time, but I was brought home. Mother was inconsolable, which was understandable, but then she turned all her affections on me. I can’t say I did not want the attention at first but then it became stifling.
“My father started to drink, and I rarely saw him, thank goodness, until one day a servant found him dead in his study. An attack of the heart the doctor said.”
Marianne and Lucinda listened intently. Tony could see that Lucinda was looking in her lap, playing with her ring on her finger. She did that when things became uncomfortable. Tony almost felt sorry for the man.
“That must have been so hard on you. Is your mother still in London?” Marianne asked.
“No. She went to live with my uncle. He wanted me to live there too, as I was now the sole heir to his title. I had just started at the academy and so I declined. He was not happy about it, and as you know, he cut me off. Once he realized that I would not bow to pressure from him, he relented slightly. I did go to visit my mother and uncle as much as I was able. I am not sure he ever forgave me, but he had my mother for company until the end.”
Lucinda looked up. “So, your mother is still at the country estate, or did she return to London with you?”
“No, she had made friends there and enjoyed running the house. Who was I to take her away from what made her happy?”
“And now you are the earl.”
“And now I am the earl. Miss Sterling, I believe you have lost both parents. My condolences to you.”
Lucinda’s eyes widened.
“I hope it was not a secret.” Dunstan looked to Tony then seeking… what? Confirmation that it was true.
“No, it is no secret. I suppose the ton is buzzing with their theories.”
“What is the truth then, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“My mother died when I was six. My father placed me in a school for young ladies when I was nine. He was supposed to come back but he died and so I stayed at school. I had a few guardians, but Lord Ashton and his family have kindly helped me take my place in society.”
Marianne took Lucinda’s hand.
Lord Dunstan nodded. “And are you enjoying the season?”
“It is all new, so yes I am, but I sometimes feel out of my depth.”
“If it is any consolation, so do I,” he said with a smile. “The ton can be harsh. They feel the need to know everything about everybody, whether they have earned the right or not.”
“I have more than once wondered if I was a fool to seek… to participate in the season.”
“I for one am glad you did. If I had not met you and Lady Marianne, the season would have been dull indeed.”
“Surely, no one is forcing you to,” Tony said.
“I am an earl. I have certain responsibilities to my title.”
“So, you are seeking a wife?” Tony asked from the blanket.
Dunstan looked sheepish. “I am, but I do not, however, want to rush into a marriage of convenience. I wish to actually like the person I am marrying. To enjoy their company.”
Lucinda noticed he said nothing about loving his wife. Even though a love match was very much what she had dreamed of, she knew that might not be possible. Dunstan was a sensible man and thathadbeen on her list, but could he, with time, could he come to adore her?
“That is very admirable, my lord,” said Marianne. “I think a marriage based on friendship at the very least would ensure some happiness.”
Marianne smiled at the earl and then looked at Lucinda with wide eyes as if to say, “Isn’t that what you want?” When Lucinda looked at Tony lounging on the rug, he was looking towards the water, his expression thoughtful.
