Page 26

“Challenged?”

“By disappointment.” Lady Asquith’s gaze strayed to a portrait above the fire. “By death.”

They both quietly contemplated the portrait of Asquith’s father.

Lenora had seen the painting many times, but she’d never truly studied the image.

The fifth Lord Asquith had the face of a good-humored man. A man at ease with himself and with the world.

“The two of you were in love,” Lenora quietly observed. She hoped Lady Asquith would say more. Understanding the fifth Viscount might give her clues to the inner world of the sixth.

Lady Asquith nodded. “Very much so. If I remember my conversation with your sister correctly, I told her not to confuse the institution of marriage in general with a marriage of minds. A marriage such as I had is a union born of a mutual commitment based on the willingness to hear and be heard, to bear unjudging witness to one another’s struggles, as well as one another’s strengths.”

Lady Asquith’s wistful voice left Lenora aching. A marriage of minds sounded like heaven.

And, Lenora suspected, having such a love vanish in an instant must have been a version of hell.

“You’re wrong.”

Lenora’s gaze snapped back to Lady Asquith, whom she found observing her with interest.

“I carry him with me—the lessons I learned, the hope he imparted—every day. A true union is worth the pain of that union’s loss. That’s what I was trying to explain to your sisters.”

“I see! You were trying to convince my reluctant-to-marry sisters.”

Lady Asquith slid Lenora a sly, sideways glance. “Tut! I am being serious.”

“So was I! Millie is reluctant.”

“Tell me, child, are you, like your sister Millicent, opposed to the very idea of marriage?”

Unable to give a false answer, Lenora shook her head no.

Lady Asquith nodded approvingly. “I had hoped that was the case.”

“Why?” Lenora ventured.

“Because I can be of help to you, of course. As I’m certain you are aware, Poppy, your mother, did not have a marriage of minds. Having observed her misery, I consider it my duty to make sure you do not go down the same path.”

Oh heavens. Lenora absolutely did not need Lady Asquith to meddle. She had meddled enough entirely on her own.

She answered carefully. “As soon as the Season begins, I will be sure to consult your opinion on any potential courtship.”

“My dear,” Lady Asquith said, “a wise young lady does not wait until the field is crowded to test potential suitors.”

“But,”—she panicked—“I’ve no way to do so now! I am not yet out.”

“True,” Lady Asquith conceded. “But everyone knows you and Millicent are to make your curtseys come spring. No one will think anything if you attend dinners and musicales among friends. Nor would anyone be surprised to see you taking in London’s sights, or shopping for clothes, trimmings, and such. Especially if you were with me.”

Lenora felt herself grow pale. “What did you have in mind?”

“Well, I was just discussing the matter with Sir Brenton...”

Inwardly, Lenora groaned.

Lady Asquith’s bachelor brother was fond of his sister, but what made him truly come alive was what Millie called stirring the pot. In fact, Emily and Nettie called him the spoon.

Lenora had always found his stories fun, but then again, she had never been the one in danger of being cooked.