Page 25 of A Virgin to Trap the Earl of Thornhill
Eris recognized the complexity of her situation. She was acutely aware that her parents’ hopes for a strategic marriage to the eligible Cassian was not entirely misguided, particularly given the precarious state of their finances. Marrying Cassian could provide the security her family needed. Yet, Eris was equally aware that her feelings for Cassian, while friendly, lacked the spark of romance.
She sighed, running her hands through her tousled hair as she prepared for the day. The thought of marriage, a union that should ideally be based on love, being used as a pawn in a game of financial stability unsettled her.
However, she understood that the reality of their social class often required sacrifice, and perhaps hers would be marrying a man she respected but did not love to ensure her family’s survival. Her stomach twisted at the thought, but she steeled herself, determined to do her duty.
Yet, as the morning light streamed in through the window, she clutched her pillow as if her dreams had been real and he had laid next to her. She let out a sigh, reminding herself of the task at hand. For her family. For Lily. And above all, for herself. No matter how alluring William was, no matter how much he stirred her, she would not let him distract her from her goals. She would avoid him at all costs for the rest of the fortnight and beyond.
Nanette came into the room with a tray and a much-needed cup of tea. Her hands, nimble with years of service, poured the hot brew into a porcelain teacup. The scent of the tea, a blend of Eris’ favorite bergamot and lavender, was enough to calm her nerves slightly.
“The gentlemen have left on an early morning ride, Miss Eris,” Nanette informed her as she offered her the cup.
A small sigh of relief escaped Eris’ lips. She took the cup from Nanette, wrapping her fingers around its warmth. A day away from the Thornhill brothers would be a welcome reprieve.
“Thank you, Nanette,” she murmured, taking a sip of the tea. Its warmth spread through her, reaching the very tips of her fingers and toes.
“Now, let’s get you ready for the day, shall we?” Nanette suggested.
As Nanette carefully undid the fastenings of Eris’ nightgown, she gave her a concerned look. “What’s the plan for today, Miss Eris?”
Eris turned to look at herself in the mirror, the pallor of her skin even more pronounced against the rich white of her nightgown. “The Dowager Countess is leading a tour of the gardens, followed by a discussion on botany,” she replied. “Only for the ladies as far as I know.”
Nanette nodded, moving toward the wardrobe. “In that case, the moss green walking dress would be most appropriate. The color will complement the greenery nicely.”
The dress that Nanette selected was a beautiful creation of moss green silk with a high neckline trimmed with delicate cream lace. It fell to Eris’ feet in soft waves, and the way the fabric hugged her figure was flattering without being overly provocative. Once Nanette had helped her into the dress and secured the back, she moved on her hair, brushing it out until it shone and fashioning it into an elegant, loose chignon. Strands of curls were left to frame her face, and small pearl pins added a delicate charm to her overall look.
As a final touch, Nanette dabbed a small amount of rosewater onto Eris’ wrists and neck, the fresh, sweet scent comforting in its familiarity.
“You look beautiful, Miss Eris,” Nanette said, stepping back to admire her work. “Ready to face the day.”
“Thank you, Nanette,” Eris replied, taking a deep breath before descending the grand staircase.
As she approached the drawing room, the sound of Sir Percival Fairchild’s voice could be heard, punctuated by what sounded like the Dowager Countess’s exasperated sighs. Clearly, the gentleman’s pursuit had not waned. Eris could not help but feel a twinge of sympathy for the Dowager Countess. At least the day would begin without the Thornhill brothers around to add to the tension.
As Eris entered the dining room, the aroma of freshly baked bread and bacon filled her nostrils. Her stomach, surprisingly, grumbled in response. Seating herself next to her mother, she noted the large spread on the table — sizzling bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, fresh fruits, buttered toast, and pots of various marmalades.
She reached for a piece of toast, spreading it generously with strawberry jam, and took a large bite, relishing the sweet, tangy taste. She was hungrier than she had thought.
“Oh, what a waste of a morning,” her mother muttered under her breath, casting an annoyed glance at the empty chairs. “All the eligible gentlemen are off gallivanting and hunting. Another lost opportunity.”
Eris paused in her chewing, a thoughtful look crossing her face. “Actually, Mother,” she began, her tone playfully coy, “I wouldn’t consider it a ‘lost opportunity’ per se.”
Her mother glanced at her, a curious yet hopeful expression lighting up her worn features. “And why is that, Eris?”
“Well,” Eris continued, taking a sip of her tea to mask the grin tugging at the corners of her mouth, “Father is riding with them, is he not? I dare say he’s in the perfect position to impress the Thornhills and sing praises of his eligible, accomplished daughter.”
Her mother’s eyebrows shot up, her annoyance slowly melting away to be replaced by a gleam of renewed hope. “Why, yes, you’re right, Eris. Your father would never pass up such a chance. Perhaps the day is not entirely lost.”
Eris set down her toast. “Besides, Mother,” she added, “it’s a beautiful morning for a garden tour. We can enjoy the day and not worry about…”
“Trapping Lieutenant Hudson?” her mother interjected with a hint of a scowl. “We cannot afford to waste a single day, Eris. Lily is getting bigger by the day!”
Eris took a deep breath, opting for a more diplomatic approach. “We aren’t going to trap anyone, Mother.”
Her mother huffed but didn’t push the matter further.
With breakfast concluded, the ladies began gathering for the Dowager Countess’ garden tour. Sir Percival, his expression hopeful, made his way over, only to be stopped by the Dowager Countess.
“Sir Percival,” she said, her tone firm, “this tour is for the ladies only. I am sure you can find something more suited to your interests.”
