Page 11 of Rescued from Betrayal
“It was kind of him to double the amount of my dowry, Mother. He did not have to, you know.”
“And why should he not? It is his fault that you are to lose your position in Society, unless of course his new bride cannot provide an heir. Perhaps she will die in childbirth. Many women do, you know.”
Melior gasped. “Mother!”
“Do not appear so shocked. It is a fact of life.”
“But how can you wish for such a thing? Lady Jillian does not deserve such a fate.”
“I did not say I wished for it; I only said it could happen. Now, we must discuss how you plan to get Lord Caraway to propose.”
She blinked at her mother. Was she implying what she thought?
Melior tugged at one of her curls, then began placing her pins in a straight line on the table.
“Melior Louise,” her mother said in a warning tone.
Her head shot up. “I suppose I could see if he wants to walk in the garden.”
“In this weather? You’d catch your death. Best to catch him when he goes to the men’s retiring room. There is a cloakroom not far from there where you can speak privately.”
A blush spread over Melior’s cheeks and down her neck. “Are you suggesting I compromise myself?”
“Of course. How else can you guarantee a proposal?”
She would not do it. Could not. Perhaps she could find a way to speak to him privately in a more appropriate place. She began shaking her head before she even realized it.
Her mother jumped to her feet. “You have a name to live up to. Melior means superior and youmustbe superior, just as your Grandmother Melior. She was an exquisite duchess, and you shall be as impressive of a marchioness. But you cannot attain such levels if you do not take some risks.”
“Maybe Uncle Percy’s marriage will not sway Lord Caraway’s interest. It is not a given that children will be born. PerhapsUncle Percy could persuade him. Lord Caraway may yet declare himself, especially if he finds out how much has been added to my dowry.”
“We cannot risk it.”
“But you said—”
“I know what I said,” her mother snapped. “We would not be in this position if you had simply accepted any of the other well-connected gentlemen I suggested these last five seasons, but you insisted on taking your time. Now you have a once in a lifetime opportunity and I will not let you throw it away.”
Take risks, don’t take risks. The way her mother contradicted herself made Melior’s head swim.
“You are not getting any younger, Melior. If you cannot secure Lord Caraway, I will be forced to have your father make arrangements for you to marry the Earl of Penbrose. It would be a step down to be sure, but he seemed eager enough last we spoke.”
Her mouth fell open. The Earl of Penbrose was Lord Caraway’s uncle and had to be almost eighty years old. The idea was completely ludicrous. And yet her mother seemed to think it a perfectly suitable plan.
“Do not look at me like that. I am only considering additional measures to secure your future should you fail. So which will it be? Lord Caraway or Lord Penbrose?”
Her mother glared down at her and Melior wilted in her seat. “Lord Caraway,” she mumbled.
“Good. Now shoulders straight, chin up, and do not miss a single step tonight. Remember, my darling, you are superior. We settle for nothing. Don’t be a fool and marry a second son as I did. Hopefully you can secure Lord Caraway since he’s young and has no older children that could banish you to the dower house should he die. But if not…”
And with the unspoken threat hanging in the air, she left.
Chapter 5
Melior did her best to keep her head up and her stride even. It was important that not one flaw show this evening. Following on the heels of her parents and brothers, she greeted the host and hostess. Lord and Lady Durham’s home thrummed with life as ladies and gentlemen greeted one another. The multitude of pale gowns against men’s dark evening attire brought on a bout of nerves.
There were far too many ladies to make the evening a success. She’d done her best to stand out, but she’d have to work especially hard to keep Lord Caraway’s attention. Unless she had help. Her eyes landed on Edith.
She made a beeline toward her. What were friends for if not to help one toward an advantageous match?
