Page 6 of The Earl's Reluctant Bride
Elizabeth observed her parents’ relationship and they had great affection for each other. They have a good marriage. They were both kind, caring, and compassionate, yet Elizabeth could not say they were in love. She had never been in love herself so she had no firsthand knowledge of it. Nevertheless, her parents did not behave in the way she perceived that people in love would. She would not learn more from her mother for people in polite society did not discuss such things.
Elizabeth had it on good authority from Amelia that there were ladies trapped in loveless marriages which brought them nothing but misery, and many others were unhappy because of the restrictions placed upon them. She dreaded such a union. She did not think she could survive it. Elizabeth would not oppose marriage, but she decided that when she wed, it must be for love. If her father ever knew that she dared to think of love, he would dismiss it as utter nonsense. He was too pragmatic for such a desire and he would say love had no place in marriage. She knew that he thought love was a fanciful notion. While her parents were content not to love, for Elizabeth this would not do. Shemustfind love.
Eleanor had procured a copy of the romance novelJane Eyreand Elizabeth and her friends had all read it together. They each took turns in reading and dramatizing scenes. Her parents would be horrified. Actresses were considered indecent, judged harshly by society and the public. Nonetheless, Elizabeth found their reading sessions quite entertaining and she fancied having a gentleman she connected with, just like Jane.
She wanted to believe it was possible that she would meet a handsome gentleman who would sweep her off her feet, they would fall in love, get married, and have children. She gave a gentle sigh of pleasure when she thought of it. The only dilemma was that she did not knowpreciselywhat love was. She pondered, if she did not know exactly what it was, how would she know when she fell in love? Elizabeth posed a question she was unable to answer.
Robert was Elizabeth’s older brother by ten years. He was slowly taking his place in the family, for one day he would inherit the title of Earl and the entire estate, following the laws of succession. Elizabeth would receive nothing more than her dowry, but such were the ways of the world that women had to live in. In this world, women were deemed to be weak and of a nervous disposition, so they needed a strong gentleman to care for them.
What nonsense!
She was perfectly capable of caring for herself, she was just not given the opportunity to do so. But things were about to change and Elizabeth would show the world what she was made of.
Elizabeth contemplated that it was not just her reputation that she risked, but also Amelia and Eleanor’s. They were dear to her heart and she cared for them, so they must not come to harm. She rechecked all the arrangements once more and finally satisfied, she prepared for bed. Tiredness overwhelmed Elizabeth and as soon as her head rested on her pillow she fell into a deep sleep.
The following afternoon Elizabeth went to find Mama. They had discussed going to Codicote and Mama promised to discuss it with Papa. Elizabeth found her mother was not in her bedchamber so she decided to go to the library. As she approached the library, she realized the door was ajar and her parents’ voices reached her ear. She stood stock still.
“Lizzy needs to wed and the Duke of Rochester is out of mourning,” her father remarked.
“So I understand,” her mother replied.
Elizabeth slapped a hand over her mouth to contain the instinctive cry of denial.What are they saying?
“I think the duke would make a good match for our Lizzy. He lost his wife in childbirth and unfortunately, the child did not survive. A sad situation indeed, but I know he is keen to wed.”
Her father did not sound sad because the duke’s misfortune presented him with an opportunity.
A sigh came from her mother. “I remember it well. He lost an heir, for the baby was a boy and he would be impatient to secure another. He only grows older. Time is not on his side,” was her mother’s matter-of-fact response to her father's ludicrous suggestion.
The Duke of Rochester!
Her father continued, “The more I think on it, the more desirable the duke becomes. He is a wealthy and powerful gentleman with important friends at court. I do not need to tell you, my dear, a match such as this would elevate our standing tremendously. Even more doors would be open to us.”
A tremor worked through her body, and Eizabeth realized then even if she told them she had formed an attachment with the viscount, her parents would not stand for it. Afterall, he was not a duke! Dread pooled in her stomach, and her throat burned.
“I agree, yet there is something that concerns me.”
“What is it, my dear?” the earl asked with a hint of concern in his voice.
“I am not one to engage in gossip ….” The countess said hesitantly.
“Nevertheless, you say you are concerned. Please speak freely.”
There was a moment of pregnant silence, and Elizabeth raised a hand to her chest, realizing a shiver of panic. She was appalled by the conversation thus far and she did not think things could get any worse, but apparently, they could.
“I heard that the duke mistreated his wife,” the countess finally said. “It is said that he has a terrible rage and that he beats her frequently. It is enough of a beating that she lay abed convalescing. Should we not be concerned for Elizabeth’s welfare?”
Elizabeth’s stomach clenched tightly.
Her father was dismissive. “I, for one, do not believe any of these rumors. It is all nonsense.”
“Why do you say so?” Her mother did not sound convinced.
The earl sighed. “Over the years I have had many business dealings with the duke, and he can be a bit rough around the edges, but he is no abuser. It may very well be that thehautetonhas exaggerated the entire affair. Such dreadful gossips.”
Her mother did not challenge his assumptions. “Perhaps you are right. Do you want me to tell Lizzy that we wish for her to be in the duke’s favor? We will need to prepare her for the duke is much older and she may be thinking of a young man that is more of a peer.”
“There is no rush, my dear. The season has not yet started so all in good time.”
