Page 72 of The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter
He invited the men for a ride while Daisy and Laurel offered to take the ladies into town for a little shopping. The plans were greeted with enthusiasm by all, and everyone went their separate ways to dress for their excursions.
The gentlemen and ladies would only be apart for the morning and regroup in time for luncheon to be served. Alexander had donned his riding clothes and thought he was the first to come downstairs when he noticed Lady Aurora seated on a bench in his garden with her head hung low. She appeared to be on the verge of tears.
Sighing, he walked over to her. “Has something happened to upset you?”
She nodded.
Not wishing to sit beside her and have her throw herself into his arms, which would be taken the wrong way by everyone, he simply placed a foot on the bench and leaned forward. “Care to talk about it?”
“My duke has proposed to someone else.”
No wonder she looked as though tragedy had struck. “I’m sorry. Truly, I am.”
“It was announced in this morning’s paper. Father noticed it and read it to me. The girl is some country mouse from a family of little consequence. Why would he want her?”
“That is an excellent question and one worth pondering if you ever hope to understand what makes for a good marriage. It could be that she truly cares for him.”
Lady Aurora huffed.
“A man, any man, wants to know his future wife is interested in him and not his wealth or title. We, too, have hearts that beat. We are not merely objects.”
She glanced up at him. “Then why are we not taught to think about such things? Why must it be pounded into our heads to be beautiful and charming when it is all for nothing.”
“Lady Aurora, it isn’t for nothing. But neither is it all there is to a happy partnership. The problem with the marriage mart is that it is looked upon too much as a means to a marital business arrangement. Some lords are in dire need of salvaging their estates and must set aside their hearts to seek an heiress. But even they hope to find both love and salvation in their bargain. Did you love him?”
“No, I hardly knew him. But I still must have a duke.”
“Why? Because you are set on becoming a duchess?” He sighed at her nod. “Duke Nevins has brought along his son and daughter. The son presently holds the courtesy title of marquess, but he will be a duke someday. Have you thought of that?”
“Oh. Well, I did. But it means I would have to wait my turn to become a duchess.”
“Is it such a terrible thing? Might I suggest you actually try to be interested in what he is saying, learn his likes and dislikes. You claimed your duke enjoyed Town life but he’s obviously chosen the country mouse over you, something you might have realized had you bothered to give a fig about him and not merely his title. You are now given a second chance with Nevins’ son. Get to know him. Perhaps the two of you would suit.”
“He has been ogling Lady Alicia.”
“Likely for reasons other than marriage. He might start looking at you with a serious eye if you paid him any notice.”
She cast him a weak smile. “You are now sending me off into another man’s arms. Have you no interest in me?”
“No, I’m afraid not. Nor are you interested in me. But I am always available to offer you guidance should you need it. Everyone deserves their happiness, and I truly wish it for you.”
“Be careful, Lord Ardley. I may decide you are perfect for me, after all.”
He escorted her back inside and was not surprised to find her merrily chatting with Duke Nevins and his son not five minutes later. Well, this was merely a weekend party and Lady Aurora had little time to waste if she was to secure a duke, or in this instance, a duke in waiting.
The men and women parted ways soon after, the men enjoying their bracing ride across the gently rolling hills of his countryside. The women had already returned from town and were showing off their purchases to each other by the time the men returned.
He was pleased to see Duke Nevins’ son find his way to Lady Aurora’s side immediately upon entering the parlor. “What did you purchase?” Alexander heard the young man ask her.
She smiled prettily. “This brooch. I noticed your cravat pin at breakfast this morning and admired it. It brings out the darker blue of your eyes. Subtle and yet quite attractive. You have a very elegant way about you. When I saw this brooch, I thought about you. I hope the color will look half as nice on me.”
“It shall pale in comparison to your beauty.” The young marquess offered his arm to her. “Would you care to walk out in the garden with me?”
Alexander stifled a grin.
How easily Lady Aurora had the young man in her thrall. But these young ladies and gentlemen were here for the very purpose of making a match. He expected her to come away from this party with the promise of a happy result.
Lady Charlotte was seated on the settee showing off some fluffy woolen thing she had purchased, a doll of some sort she immediately namedLambykins. Ah, because it was a little woolen lamb.Brilliant.She then began to make her squeaky, cooing sounds again which the two young lords kneeling beside her seemed to delight in.
