Page 35 of The Allure Of Lord Devlin
Only it so was for her.
She knew who she wanted, and she wanted Devlin.
She would not let him walk away without a fight.
ChapterTen
Montague House was still thrilling, no matter how many times Dharma visited. To her surprise, she was having the most pleasant of days. Lord Fencourt was very entertaining in his knowledge of the exhibits, and Mrs. McTavish seemed genuine in her pleasure at visiting the museum.
“Thank you for the kind invitation. I wondered if we would be friends. They led me to believe you were looking at a marriage with Lord Devlin.”
Straight to the point, no finesse. Oh, Fiona knew they had been courting. “You know how these things are. Lord Devlin is more like a brother to me.”Oh, I can lie well.“I had considered Lord Devlin as a potential husband, but mainly to help my best friend’s financial situation. Now that Lord Devlin has his tin mine, that is not such an issue.”
Fiona looked at Rosemary walking arm and arm with Hawthorne. “Plus, your friend looks as though she will have an offer of marriage herself this season.”
The Scottish widow was not to realize the friend she was talking about was Devlin. “I do hope so. They make a lovely couple and it’s a love match. I don’t think there are enough of those amongst theton.
“Is that what you hope for? A love match?”
“Why not?” She smiled at Fencourt, who was exclaiming over some Roman coins in the glass case behind them.
“Fencourt certainly looks like a man in love,” Fiona said as she slipped her arm through Dharma’s as if they were best friends.
“That is not for me to say. I’m not in any rush to be married. I want to take my time and be assured of my choice. Once chosen, I have to live with that choice.”
“You’re so young, or is it privileged? For some women, a bad husband is better than no husband at all.”
What could she say to that? How often had she seen the women of her class bartered for family wealth or alignment? She suspected a woman with no financial means would have to marry a man in order to survive unless she could find employment. A woman like Fiona, a beauty, would easily find a husband. Had she been in desperate financial straits? Is that why she married her husband? Was a man you didn’t love preferable to a life fighting on the streets for survival? She’d driven through the streets of London. She knew what it was like for those without money or security.
Before she could reply, Fiona asked, “You obviously know Lord Devlin well. Is he a man of honor?”
So this is what Fiona wanted, and why she’d come to the museum with them. She wanted to learn if Devlin would stand by his offer. “He is indeed. The rumor surrounding his father has made Devlin the most honorable man in England as he’s tried to rebuild the Devlin name. Why do you ask?”
She laughed gaily. “No reason. I’m simply wishing to learn more about the man I shall marry.”
“He is a kind man. A man who always thinks of others. He has sacrificed much in the pursuit to clear his father’s name, so if you are here to help in that endeavor, he will feel like he owes you for the rest of his life. Clearing his father’s name is his life’s goal. Nothing or no-one gets in the way of that. It’s one reason I don’t wish to marry him.”
“You don’t wish to see his family name restored?”
She stopped walking and waited for the others to catch up. “I think he’s wasting his life in the past. He should think of building a brighter future.”
“No wonder he decided you were not the right lady to become his marchioness.”
That stung. Stung a lot, but Dharma didn’t let her anger show. “You’re probably right. You must have made quite the impression on him to see him offer for you so soon.”
Fiona leaned close as the others drew near. “We are very compatible, in all ways. Especially in the boudoir.”
Rage tore through her and it took an almighty effort not to slap her knowing face. “You are shocking,” she teased, and said no more, simply turning to greet Rosemary.I should be on the stage.
They wandered further through the house until Fiona said she needed the retiring room. Rosemary and Dharma looked at each other. “Shall I show you?” Rosemary offered.
“No.” The short, sharp word even had Fencourt’s eyebrow rising. “That is, I can find it on my own. Just directions, please.”
Rosemary told her and added, “We will wait for you at the end of the gallery.”
They watched her walk away, and then Hawthorne whispered something in Rosemary’s ear before saying, “I’ll organize some refreshments to be served in the dining room before we go. Rosemary, would you like to join me?”
“Of course.”
