Page 10 of A Virgin to Trap the Earl of Thornhill
Her mother’s lips thinned, a wounded expression flickering in her eyes. “Eris, you know as well as I that we cannot afford for you to be so choosy. After… after Lily, we cannot risk any more scandal. You must try harder. This is our last chance before her affliction begins to show, and we are ruined for life.”
Eris’ defiant resolve wavered. Her mother knew just how to play her, the mention of Lily striking a chord within her. She relented, taking a deep breath, “I will try harder, mother. I promise. I am just… I am tired this evening.”
Her mother sighed in relief, patting her hand gently. “That is all I ask for, dear. Remember, your actions do not impact just you but all of us.”
Just as Eris opened her mouth to retort, her father interjected, his voice booming as he joined them, the scent of brandy wafting around him. “Eris, my darling, your mother is right, you know,” he slurred slightly, draping an arm around her mother, who wore an expression of barely concealed exasperation.
“George,” her mother warned, casting him a censoring look.
“And now,” her father’s voice boomed, pulling her from her thoughts, “let’s have another round!” As he led her mother away, he looked back at Eris. “Remember, darling,” he called back to her, his voice tinged with more sincerity than she’d expected, “this weekend is important.”
And with that, Eris was left alone to wrestle with her thoughts and the prickling sensation of the Earl’s eyes on her from across the room. As much as she wanted to ignore it, she could not deny the pull she felt toward him. The rest of the evening promised to be anything but easy.
Relief washed over Eris as Felicity joined her, stopping her mother’s admonitions. Her mother graciously withdrew to join the gaggle of other anxious mothers on the sidelines.
Felicity, with her ever-effervescent spirit, broke into a playful smile. “It is rather like watching hens trying to corral their chicks for the roosters’ inspection, isn’t it?” She leaned in conspiratorially, giggling as she glanced at the assembly of eligible young ladies and their bustling mothers.
Eris could not help but return her friend’s smile. “Oh, Felicity, you do have a knack for the vivid imagery.”
They both shared a quiet laugh, the tension easing from Eris’ shoulders. Felicity’s warm, friendly energy was the balm she needed.
“So,” Felicity ventured, her tone softening, “the Earl of Thornhill, eh? It seems Lady Charity has already captured his interest, don’t you think?”
Eris glanced over to where Charity was, indeed, in deep conversation with the Earl. An inexplicable stab of jealousy jolted through her. Swiftly, she squashed it down. “Perhaps, but who could ever know the mind of such a man?”
“And the younger brother, Lieutenant Hudson,” Felicity continued, oblivious to Eris’ inner turmoil, “he seems to have taken quite an interest in you, Eris.”
Eris choked on her sip of champagne, coughing a bit too loudly. She could feel the eyes of a few bystanders on her. “I beg your pardon?”
Felicity just giggled behind her fan. “Do not deny it, Eris. I saw how he looked at you — as though you were a sonnet he wanted to recite again and again. He is always by your side.”
“Well, your observations are inaccurate, Felicity. Lieutenant Hudson is a kind man, but there is nothing between us,” Eris countered, her face heating. She dismissed the notion of attraction for either Hudson brother.
Felicity sighed dramatically, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I suppose, dear Eris, that I must admit to a pang of envy. To have even the younger Hudson interested would be a delightful distraction. But I have my sights set elsewhere.” Her eyes drifted across the room, resting on a tall, broad-shouldered man with a stern face. “The Duke of Montrose. My father has arranged for me to attend a ball at his estate in a fortnight. It could be a most advantageous match.”
Eris could only nod, finding herself caught in a comparison between the Hudson brothers. The elder, William, was a tempest — full of unpredictable and stormy emotions. He exuded an almost primal magnetism that drew her in and scared her in equal measure. Then there was the younger, Cassian — kind, courteous, and steady, like a safe harbor. A comforting presence, a safe harbor in the chaotic world of courtship and marriage.
Cassian would undoubtedly be the safer choice, an embodiment of calm stability and predictable affection. Yet, for reasons she could not fathom, her mind kept veering toward the storm that was William. Despite the tumultuous energy that surrounded him, there was an irresistible pull that she felt toward him.
As Felicity continued to prattle on about the upcoming ball, Eris was lost in her thoughts. Resolute, Eris made a silent vow. She would do what was expected of her, what was necessary. She would pursue the elusive Earl of Thornhill, come what may. She would brave the storm. And she would succeed, not just for her family but for herself as well.
ChapterSeven
The morning sun had barely risen, its muted glow seeping through the heavy drapes of Eris’ chamber, when she was startled awake. Her mother, the Viscountess of Blackwell, stood silhouetted against the morning light, her voice tense with expectation.
“Eris, wake up! We have much to do, and you need to be downstairs before the other ladies wake.” The urgency in her mother’s voice allowed no room for protest.
Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Eris sat up in her bed, the comfortable warmth of her linens a stark contrast to her mother’s icy demeanor. She stifled a sigh, her heart heavy with the prospect of the day ahead.
“Mama, it is much too early to wake. What are you doing here?”
“I noticed last night,” her mother began, pacing the room with a sense of purpose, “Lieutenant Hudson was quite taken with you. This is our opportunity, Eris. You must not let it slip.”
Eris’ heart sunk at her mother’s words. “Mother, I do not harbor feelings for Mr. Hudson,” she protested, her voice a mere whisper.
Her mother, however, barely acknowledged her words, her mind too focused on their objective. “Feelings have little to do with this, my dear,” she replied sharply. “We must make the best of the situation we are in. If the Earl is not interested in you, then his brother shall have to do. You must be presentable and charming. Do you understand?”
Before Eris could muster a response, her mother was already leaving the room, her instructions hanging in the air like a bitter perfume. Eris was left alone, her heart heavy and her mind clouded with uncertainty.
