Page 6 of Marquess of Stone

“I trust you are enjoying the hospitality of our hosts?” he continued, his sharp eyes flicking briefly toward Lord Stone.

“The Fyre estate is completely enchanting,” Marian responded, maintaining a neutral tone, “and it has been wonderful to see my sister again.”

“Indeed,” the Viscount remarked, his smile becoming strained. “However, I must confess, I find the company to be the most enjoyable part of this… spectacle.”

Marian had to stifle the impulse to roll her eyes, but before she could reply, Lord Stone interjected. “And what a serendipitous turn of events that the company includes you, Viscount,” he said lightly though there was a subtle sharpness in his voice.

The Viscount’s smile wavered, yet he quickly regained his composure. “Indeed. It appears the evening will yield its share of surprises.”

Lord Stone nodded slightly, his gaze piercing. “No doubt.”

Marian, perceiving the tension between the two men, stepped back a bit. “If you’ll pardon me, gentlemen,” she stated, her voice steady, “I believe my mother is calling for me.”

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, her heart racing in her chest as she headed toward Lady Prudence.

“Marian,” her mother’s whisper was laden with ambition, “you must make an effort to engage. I did not overlook the fact that the Marquess has demonstrated… interest in you. Such attention is not to be disregarded, no matter what reservations you may have.”

Marian nodded, the movement instinctive as her mind drifted back to their moonlit encounter. The man who had stepped from the shadows that night seemed at odds with the polished nobleman who now gravitated towards her, yet something in his eyes — a glimmer of that same dangerous intrigue — suggested they were one and the same.

Lady Prudence’s keen eyes scanned her daughter, noticing the slight blush on her cheeks and the delicate rigidity in her posture. “It is quite unusual for you to be silent.”

“Mother,” she said firmly, “I have been… observing.”

“I suggest you do more than observe,” Lady Prudence said, her tone lowering as she stepped closer to her daughter. “This is a good opportunity, Marian. You cannot afford to waste it.”

Marian stiffened as a persistent annoyance churned in her chest. “I thought we were here to visit Lydia and her new husband, mother.”

“We are, but this is as perfect a chance as any to secure your future,” Lady Prudence said pointedly. Her gaze flitted briefly to the gathering crowd around, nodding her head toward the Duke of Myste, Viscount Crowton, and Lord Stone, who had now been joined by Diana. “It would serve you well to encourage the Marquess’ affections.”

Marian’s heart sank though she managed to keep her expression neutral. “He is hardly the sort of man I would consider.”

Lady Prudence arched a brow. “And why not? He is wealthy, well-connected, and undeniably handsome. What more could you possibly want?”

“You would have me consider a man who is spoken of being a rake?”

Her mother’s lips thinned. “Do not let your pride cloud your judgment, Marian. You are hardly in a position to be overly selective. Or would you rather your father secure a match with Viscount Crowton?”

Marian gasped. “You cannot be serious mother! He is old enough to be my grandsire!” she hissed under her breath.

“Well, consider that an indication of what your choices will be, should you fail,” her mother said coldly.

Marian nodded, trying her best to hide the trembling in her hands. “If you’ll excuse me mother, I believe Lydia was looking for me.” She turned away before her mother could question the lie.

As the evening drew to a close, Marian excused herself under the guise of needing fresh air. She took a deep breath. A welcome relief from the oppressive heat of the dining room, the cold that enveloped her seemed like a balm. She leaned against a tree, the rough bark at her back grounding her. She withdrew a small, folded piece of parchment from her sleeve. Her eyes scanned the words, her heart fluttering slightly as she read the words again for what felt like the hundredth time.

Her heart ached from frustration and need as her fingers stroked over the ink. Tonight, the burden of their expectations felt more pressing than ever before, even though she had composed the list in rejection of the life that others desired for her.

Then she was distracted from her thoughts by voices coming from the patio. She peeked in the direction of the conversation, her heart quickening as she caught sight of Lord Nicholas and Diana, their heads close in conversation. She moved closer, being careful to stay concealed behind shadows and shrubbery.

“Please, My Lord,” Diana’s voice rang, soft and clear, “I need to ask you not to play games with Marian. She has plenty to contend with.”

Though Lord Stone’s response was subdued, there was a clear indication of charm. “I promise you, my intentions are far from frivolous. Your sister merely… piques my interest. That is the God’s honest truth.”

The sincerity in his voice sent a ripple of confusion through her. She wasn’t sure if she should be relieved. And why did he have any intentions whatsoever toward her? Then anger surged and Marian’s blood boiled, both at Diana’s presumption and Lord Stone’s audacity. Folding the parchment tightly, she stuffed it back into her sleeve hastily. Without hesitation, she strolled toward them, making her presence known with a purposeful cough.

“Diana,” she called, her voice sharp, “might I borrow you for a moment?”

Both turned at her approach, surprise flickering across Lord Stone’s face before it was replaced by that insufferable smirk. Marian gave him a stern look that was intended to express her anger without using words.

---