Page 9 of Falling for a Forsaken Marquess
Agnes drew in a deep breath and launched into the decision she had taken soon after her card game with her sister.
“I wish to be married.”
Her parents jerked their heads at the same time, turning to look at each other in surprise before refocusing their attention on her.
“Married, dear?” her mother repeated. “This seems rather sudden. Is there any reason for this request?”
Most mothers would not ask any questions but start planning how soon they could make their daughters a focal point of all the available men. The baroness, however, had accepted that her eldest daughter might never marry and had been content with the decision.
A little selfishness was involved as Agnes’ parents felt they could not do without their daughter and thus didn’t push her to marry, but they had never dismissed the subject entirely.
“I think it time that I put the past behind me and find a good man to take care of me,” Agnes replied. “I do have some criteria for the gentleman that we’ll all have to take into consideration. He must have some wealth to elevate this family and gain some respect. This should assist Lavinia in finding the right suitor when her time finally comes to marry.”
Agnes said nothing about her sister’s blooming love, believing it best to keep the news between them until they could discuss the matter further.
“Well,” her father began, scratching his chin. “I am not sure what to say, dear. You seem determined to marry, but what brought this change about? You cannot mean to marry solely for the benefit of your sister. We likely have a few more years before we need to bother about the topic.”
The baron was a shrewd man and could dig deeper into matters, whereas others would remain at the surface.
“I am twenty-three, Papa,” Agnes explained. “I would like to try this road one more time before I become a spinster. Also, we cannot deny that my marriage could help Livvy make a good match with a man worthy of her hand.”
“I suppose you are right,” the baroness agreed. “Although I think I need to sleep on this request.”
Agnes could almost see her mother’s thoughts. The baroness was torn between being happy about Agnes’ interest in marriage and worrying they might not cope so well without her.
“Yes, sleep on it, and perhaps you can find the best way to get me married before the year comes to an end,” said Agnes.
“But that is just months away!” her mother protested. “Surely you do not mean to marry so quickly?”
“I have always wanted a wedding around Christmas, Mama,” Agnes said, smiling. “Something about the happy season and snow falling makes everything seem magical.”
The baroness smiled, her eyes watering. “You have always wished to be a bride, dear. I would be a fool if I did not help you.”
Agnes’ body slumped a little as some of her tension eased away. “Thank you, Mama. How soon can we begin our search?”
“I need a little time, but I can speak to Martha,” her mother told her.
“Mrs Mellors?” Agnes asked.
“Yes, dear. She is a successful matchmaker and has the ear of many influential people. I am certain she can help us.”
For just a moment, Agnes considered telling her parents that it was all just a joke and she did not wish to marry after all, but the thought of her sister being rejected kept her silent. Lavinia needed her chance at love, and getting married was Agnes’ only chance to make it happen.
Agnes’ dowry was no different than when Magnus walked away from her, but hopefully, Mrs Mellors could find a man who did not mind her humble state. She would just have to prove that she could be the perfect wife to the first gentleman who showed any interest in her.
Chapter 3
Several days later, Martin decided to come to the house at the unfashionable hour of eight in the morning with plans to have breakfast with William. If not for his excellent rapport with the duke and duchess, William doubted his friend could have got away with it.
The meal was not yet ready since they only ate around ten, but the housekeeper had provided a tea tray with some biscuits to avoid hunger pangs. The effort was for Martin as he could never do without food for too long, whereas William could gladly skip breakfast and have something lighter a little later.
“Will you tell me what is bothering you, or will I have to pull the information out of you?” Martin asked, adding a second lump of sugar to his tea.
The men had not managed to meet the day after their society meeting due to an errand Martin’s father had given him in the neighbouring county of Oxfordshire. Disturbing the family before their usual waking hour was the man’s way of making that up, but fortunately, William was usually awake before seven, although he did not leave his room until half-past nine.
“A lot has happened since you left for Oxford,” said William, stirring milk into his tea. “The most significant news is I’ll probably be married before the year is over.”
Martin nearly spat out his tea but managed to contain his mouth’s contents. A little dribbled on the side of his lips, but he quickly wiped it away and put his cup down.
