Mother took a deliberate sip. “There willneverbe enough time, Marlow. We must make time for important things, and marriage is perhaps the most important of them all.”
“On the contrary, an heir is the most important.”
She nodded. “Either way, Lady Diana is a worthy choice.”
And, so, to Lady Diana I went.
ChapterTwelve
Georgiana
Contrary to this year, my first Season had felt like a dream.
Peter had touted me around proudly. I’d met many handsome, eligible gentlemen, but I’d never felt nervous because I believed my future was secure. The only man I’d felt like I needed to impress was Sir Ronald. Indeed, I hadn’t given a second thought to any other male acquaintance no matter how often we’d danced or dined together.
Mrs. Johns remembered them all.
Her memory was like magic, her light-brown eyes wise and thoughtful. When Maggie had introduced us, to my utter astonishment, she’d instantly recognized me.
“Ah, Miss Wood. What a surprise you’ve graced us again this Season with how your summer fared in the country.”
She was not one to mince words.
“Only for a short time this year,” I’d managed.
“Yes, but in excellent company. Once again, you have tongues waggling. To what do I owe this great pleasure?”
Maggie leaned forward. “The duke would like to help Miss Wood make a fortuitous match, and we had hoped you might have advice on the matter.”
“Advice on . . . to whom she might set her cap?” Mrs.Johns’s lips curled into a smile. “How intriguing. Do you mean to tell me that the whispers areuntrue? That the duke is not himself interested in her?”
Heat crept up my neck. Of course he wasn’t! Of all the rumors that had spread of me, this was certainly the most absurd. How little these people must know the duke if they thought for a second I might turn his head. He, who drinks the nectar of the gods. Who sits on his throne of gold, amusing himself with the foibles of people like me. Certainly not admiring a scandalized country girl. He’d played his part well, made me feel like a queen. Indeed, his quick wit, his humor, his boldness and confidence had made me forget just how inadequate I’d become.
Who was I compared to a woman like Lady Diana?
“We are truly only dear friends,” I told her.
Mrs. Johns’s clear eyes watched me. “Smart girl. He is not your equal by far, is he?” She tilted her head and smiled, watching for my reaction.
I gave her none. I could not disagree with her, but I wouldn’t let her wound me in the process.
“Lady Diana is a good match for the Duke of Marlow. I’ve told Her Grace as much. I even gave a second and a third match as well, should he need it. But you ...” Her old lips wrinkled as she pursed them. “You come from a good family, and yet, where is your mother? Why is she not here, guiding you through London?”
My heart dropped into my stomach like an anvil. This was why Mrs. Johns was such a renowned matchmaker. She could see things others could not. Things kept hidden and buried.
“My mother has kept herself very busy since my fatherdied. But I assure you, she would be here if she could.” Lies, and I was sure Mrs. Johns knew as much. But what good would come from speaking the truth?She’s removed to France; I haven’t heard from her in an age, and I am not certain she ever truly loved me.I couldn’t see how that knowledge would help Mrs. Johns match me with a suitor. No, it would only serve to tell a deeper truth, one I rarely let myself consider—that I wasn’t good enough for my mother to return for. Not good enough for Sir Ronald to save.
Certainly not good enough to tempt a real suitor of any substance on my own.
Mrs. Johns harrumphed and settled in her high-back chair. No, she did not believe my claims about my mother, but she did not press me further. “You need a good family to marry into then. Perhaps someone who might understand your tendency for impulsiveness.” She looked to Maggie, frowning in thought. “If the duke wishes for my help, it will be done. But I need time to think.”
Maggie straightened in her seat. She stared at Mrs. Johns with a tight smile. “He would like a suitor encouraged soon.”
Mrs. Johns raised a solitary brow. “I see.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Johns, for your help,” I said.
She looked to me. “I make no promises. But for my efforts, thank your host.”
