“So then?” Athena prompted. “Why not invite him if you know he’ll stay away.”
“I fear he would not.” Lady Foxborough reached for her teacup while Athena tried to make sense of what she was being told. “The assembly hall functions are free from obligation, but if we, the Marquess and Marchioness of Foxborough, were to ask another peer to join us for a formal event, I believe he would feel duty-bound to attend, so as not to cause offense.”
Athena sank back against the sofa with a sigh. What foolish nonsense. The Foxboroughs could not host a ball because to do so they would have to invite a man who did not wish to attend but would have to do so simply for the sake of appeasing a group of people who did not want him there. Once again, she was reminded of how ridiculous Society was.
She glanced at the beveled glass windows, wet with rain. For six years she’d dreamed of running into Darlington, of voicing her regrets and wishing him well. In all her imaginings, he’d refuse to listen at first, but would relent when she persisted. Eventually, he’d tell her he understood, that it was all right, and that what had happened was for the best.
The only problem was, the marquess had cut all ties with her family and remained absent from Town. She’d had no chance to approach him – no opportunity to make amends. Until now.
Her pulse quickened. She wondered how far away his estate might be. If the Foxboroughs felt they had to invite him to an evening affair in the winter, he must be quite close – at least within an hour’s drive by carriage. Pressing her lips together, she considered those around her. None would provide her with the directions she required.
Perhaps it was just as well. Athena picked up a biscuit and bit into it with a sigh. She knew herself well enough to realize it was probably a foolish idea – the sort of idea best scrapped before it fully formed and began to grow roots in her brain.
But when she got up the following morning after a restless night of contemplation, she accepted what had to be done. If she was to find true happiness, she would have to make peace with the man she’d hurt. It was the only way forward.
Resolved, she called for her maid to help her dress. “I need to know how to get to the Marquess of Darlington’s estate. Can you please find out for me, Mary?”
The maid was silent a moment before she said, “Of course, miss, but if you’re thinking of going there, I ought to caution you against it.”
“Duly noted,” Athena said.
“It really wouldn’t be wise.”
“You’re probably right, but it’s one of those things I cannotnotdo.”
Mary finished fastening the back of Athena’s gown. “Very well, but at least allow me to accompany you.”
“Thank you, but you must stay here and cover for me. I’ll be as quick as I can. I promise.” It took a few more added pleas to acquire Mary’s full cooperation, upon which Athena went to breakfast with her family.
“It’s still cloudy, but at least the rain has stopped,” Abigail said. “We could take a walk to the village and shop for Christmas gifts. I’m sure Lilly and Lucas would love the chance to purchase a few things for their parents with their aunts’ and uncles’ help.”
“An excellent idea,” James said with a loving smile aimed at his wife.
Everyone else agreed.
“There’s an excellent tea shop where we can stop for pie,” Lady Foxborough said. “It’s the perfect place for us to warm up with refreshments.”
“It sounds wonderful,” Athena said, deliberately softening her voice to a weaker tone than usual, “but I am hoping I can be excused.”
“Excused?” Her mother gave her a baffled look. “You love fresh air and long walks, not to mention the chance to chase your niece and nephew along a country road.”
“True.” Indeed, she would miss that part a great deal. “Unfortunately, I woke with a terrible headache. I think I would be better off staying here and getting some rest.”
“Oh.” Her mother glanced about as if unsure of what else to say, except, “Of course.”
One hour later, Athena watched from her bedchamber window as her family set off on their walk. Bundled up with hats, scarves, and mittens, Lilly and Lucas skipped ahead until they reached the large stones at the edge of the driveway. Athena smiled when they scampered up onto them, and Charles hurried over to give them a hand for support.
Stepping back, she went to her wardrobe and sought out her breeches. She always wore them under her skirts when she went outside in the winter. They added an extra layer of warmth she’d never been able to garner from stockings alone. And since she favored riding astride over using a sidesaddle, they also helped avoid chafing.
Donning a heavy wool cloak and gloves, Athena listened to Mary while she told her how to reach Lord Darlington’s estate, then went to the stables and picked out a horse. Ten minutes later, she was galloping across the fields, determined to accomplish her task before anyone realized she’d even been gone.
#
ROBERT CARLISLE, ONCEthe Earl of Langdon, now the Marquess of Darlington, stared at the numbers he’d tallied and smiled. Finally. After six long years of hard work, the investments he’d made were starting to turn a profit. Closing the ledger, he sank back in his armchair and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Lord, he was tired, but it seemed his dedication had paid off.
Rising, he went to pour himself a brandy. It wasn’t even noon yet, but damn if a celebration of sorts wasn’t in order. The liquid trickled into his tumbler with a rippling effect that tempted him as much as the brandy’s golden color. Warmth seeped into his veins as he drank, instilling a calm he’d not known in ages.
His life, some might say, had been blessed with privilege. Most would raise their eyebrows at him if he spoke a single complaint. After all, there were men who were far worse off. This was indisputable. And yet, he did not think himself blessed with good fortune. Quite the opposite, in fact.
