Page 16 of Falling for a Forsaken Marquess
“However, there are a few things I must warn you about,” Mrs Mellors added, her face suddenly serious.
Agnes’ heart sunk. The news had probably been too good to be true, and the woman was about to tell her something that might dash Agnes’ hopes to pieces.
“What is it, Mrs Mellors?” the baroness asked, sounding worried.
“Well, Lord Hampton is not an easy man to get along with,” the woman explained. “I have had the pleasure of speaking with him, and I must say that I found it challenging. His mother assured me that he would warm to the idea of marriage, so I do not want you to be worried. You simply need to use your charms to convince him that you are the perfect wife.”
“Her charms?” the baroness repeated.
“Miss Humphries has many wonderful qualities such as her cheerfulness and sweetness that is certain to charm even the most stubborn men,” Mrs Mellors explained. “Now, I have arranged a meeting in a few days and wish to know your thoughts on the matter.”
Hearing Lord Hampton was a complicated man did not deter Agnes in the slightest. Getting married wasn’t about her happiness but making sure her sister got all the joy she deserved from a favourable match.
Agnes was willing to do all she could to make her marriage a success and hoped the marquess did his part and gave her family some respect. Having ties to a duke and duchess would undoubtedly elevate their status, and no one would be able to look down on them again.
“Where will this meeting take place?” her mother asked.
“In Cheltenham. The duchess was adamant about that, I’m afraid,” said Mrs Mellors. “I understand that it might be difficult for your family to travel there, but that is not a problem. I will gladly chaperone Miss Humphries while she and Lord Hampton get to know each other.”
Limited funds restricted family travelling plans, so Agnes was relieved the matchmaker had another solution.
“We would be forever grateful to you, Martha,” the baroness said. “I know my Agnes cannot be in better hands. When do you leave for Cheltenham?”
“In three days. The sooner we leave for the town, the quicker introductions can be made. The duchess is excited to meet Agnes and would have had her in Cheltenham a week ago if not for my other commitments. Agnes is not the only young woman searching for a husband in Lydney, so I have been rather busy.”
“Oh?” the baroness said, her interest piqued. “Who else has approached you?”
“Lord and Lady Frampton,” Mrs Mellors answered. “They have entrusted me with finding a suitable match for their daughter and will also travel to Cheltenham to meet the gentleman. Of course, I shall be the chaperone for the first few meetings until a courtship is established. Thereafter, Lady Frampton will accompany her daughter.”
Agnes stifled a groan. The last person she wanted to see while in Cheltenham was Phoebe, but perhaps they would never have to cross paths.
“Who have you selected for Miss Philips?” the baroness asked. “If you do not mind me asking.”
“I usually keep such information confidential,” the woman admitted, “but we have been friends for some time, so I do not mind telling you the details. The gentleman is Alexander Wimbledon, Earl of Montague.”
Agnes doubted Phoebe would be impressed to know the matchmaker had chosen a man with a lower title, but Mrs Mellors knew what she was doing. There was a reason why Agnes had been paired with the marquess and Phoebe was paired with the earl, although she didn’t quite understand it yet.
Agnes had to assume they were matched in disposition and opinions, which would certainly help her find things to talk about once she met the marquess.
“Oh, how lovely for her,” the baroness replied, sounding pleased. “Are they happy with the match?”
“Time will tell, but they seem eager to meet the earl,” said Mrs Mellors.
“Do they know you have matched my daughter with a marquess?” the baroness enquired.
Mrs Mellors shook her head. “I did not mention Agnes during our conversation. Why? Should I have done so?”
“Oh, no, no, no,” the baroness quickly answered. “I was merely curious. I prefer that not many people know about Agnes’ trip to Cheltenham. I would hate someone to give her the evil eye and ruin her first meeting with the marquess. I’m afraid not everyone will be happy about her good fortune.”
Her mother had put that lightly. Agnes could only imagine Phoebe’s reaction once she discovered that she was looking to get married as well and might become a marchioness.
“I understand perfectly,” the matchmaker assured. “I had the very same problem with my daughters, but thank goodness their husbands were good men who saw the excellent qualities in my girls. Did I ever tell you how my Juliet almost did not get married two years ago?”
“No,” the baroness replied, visibly intrigued. “What happened?”
“A jealous young lady tried to seduce her husband the night before their wedding, but fortunately, my son-in-law saw through the little witch’s plan and put a stop to it. I cannot recall being more livid than the moment I found out about it the very next morning.”
The baroness gasped. “What a deplorable act! She should be ashamed of herself. Who was the seducer?”
