Page 33 of The Theory of Earls
At least he has the decency not to drag this horrifying situation out with a romantic declaration.
“I have come to the conclusion we suit, despite your background.”
I’m in desperate need of your dowry, though you are the daughter of a tin miner.
“I admire your maturity.”
A bit long in the tooth, nearly on the shelf, so I feel certain you’ll get no other proposal.
“Your aunt is in agreement.”
She doesn’t wish to fund another season nor wait to see if Carstairs reappears.
“I see,” was all Margaret managed to choke out. The aroma of the roses mixed with the smell of Winthrop’s talc invaded her nostrils and pores.
Oh, God, I’ll be smelling him the rest of my days.
“Miss Lainscott.” He mopped his brow with a hastily procured handkerchief already stained with sweat.
A bitter taste filled her mouth.
“I would be pleased if you would consent to be my wife.”
“I—” She swallowed and removed the hand at her mouth to press her fingers against her stomach. Margaret had one glance at Winthrop’s horrified face before she turned to the rose bushes lining the path. Leaning over the pale pink buds about to bloom, Margaret tossed up her breakfast right into Aunt Agnes’s prized rose bushes.
16
“Ishould die from embarrassment.” Aunt Agnes shut her eyes tightly as if to block out the sight of her unfortunate niece. Her painfully thin form stalked back and forth over the Persian rug in Margaret’s room, fingers curled into her skirts, like an agitated scarecrow.
Margaret shot her aunt a baleful glare from the comfort of her bed. It would be far too much to hope Aunt Agnes would perish from mortification.
“Breakfast didn’t settle well this morning. Perhaps the butter had spoiled, for I only had toast. I can’t imagine what else could have caused such a reaction.” Margaret congratulated herself for saying such a thing with a straight face.
“Apparently, yourunsettledbreakfast did not keep you from visiting the duchess earlier today. Henderson claims you seemed well enough when you arrived home.”
“At least I didn’t cast up my accountsonLord Winthrop.” The rose bushes had paid the price for her dislike of the pear-shaped lord and her utter horror at his marriage proposal. Thank goodness she’d had the foresight to become ill in the rose bush instead of all over Winthrop’s expensive, silly shoes.
Winthrop had sputtered, his pear-shaped form jumping back in horror at her distasteful display. He’d barely had the presence of mind to toss his well-used, sweaty handkerchief in her direction, the smell of which had caused Margaret to retch again into the roses. The bit of linen was still stuck among the thorns in her aunt’s garden.
Margaret had murmured an apology of sorts, while Winthrop made sounds of disgust, and rushed up the stairs to her room. After washing her face and rinsing her mouth, Margaret felt somewhat better as Eliza had helped her to bed. She lay, staring at the ceiling, dread slowly seeping into her core. A short time later, Aunt Agnes had appeared, turban tilting dangerously and peacock feather quivering with indignation.
“Winthrop washorrified, Margaret.” She stopped and put her hands against her hips, the bones of her knuckles poking through her skin. “As am I. Thankfully, he is an understanding gentleman. Much more than you deserve.” Aunt Agnes scuttled about Margaret’s bedroom like a tiny beetle, peering at the space as if expecting to find something else to chastise her niece for.
Margaret had been right to secret away her things earlier.
“I assured Winthrop his suit is welcome. The contracts will be sent over from his solicitor to mine. There are a few more points to be agreed upon. Minor things. But once I sign, you’ll belong to Winthrop.”
She swallowed back the bile hovering in her throat. “But I haven’t accepted him. I have another suitor, Aunt. I am expecting Lord Carstairs—”
Her aunt’s head snapped around so swiftly, the ridiculous turban nearly slid from her head. “Youragreement to Winthrop’s suit isn’t necessary. His proposal was only a formality. Lord Carstairs hasn’t called intwoweeks. I’ll admit, I was overjoyed when he seemed to pursue you, but as with most other gentlemen who come to know you, you’ve alienated him in some way.” She threw up her hands. “No one wants you but Winthrop, Margaret.”
Margaret knew that to be somewhat true, but it was still hurtful to hear the words aloud.
“You fail to acknowledgeIam your legal guardian.”
“Surely my father—”
“Meant for me to guide you. He knew I would save you from the same mistake your mother made in marrying him. Your future is mine to do with as I please and itpleases meto give you in marriage to Winthrop.”
