Page 33 of A Maid's Fateful Courtship
“Well, now… Anthony has come back without any changes to his character whatsoever,” the marquess said, with a rumble of laughter in his belly. “I swear that boy will never grow into a man.”
“I do not know, I believe he has a good head for business,” Ethan suggested, but he knew his youngest of brothers still had some maturing to do.
“Cedric seems to have got over his mother’s absence, at long last,” Marcus added, a sudden sadness glazing his eyes.
“Yes, he took our mother’s death the hardest of us all. Yet he shows a flint-hard front to the world around him,” Ethan said, showing a fondness for his brother as he smiled.
“And then there is you, my boy,” Marcus aired, showing that wanted to discuss his oldest son. “We have your sister to thank that we have not had much of an opportunity to discuss things.”
“Where would we men be without our women to organise us, Father?” Ethan spoke protectively of his only sister.
“Indeed, she does bring light into our lives.” Marcus nodded in agreement. “But all these celebrations have distracted us from any real debate. Finding you in here alone was a tempting opportunity I could not let pass me by.”
“What is it that you wish to speak with me about, Father?”
“Only to say that now you are home, we must discuss the matter of your settling down, my boy. Finding a wife and taking your place by my side as the rightful heir.”
“I see Aunt Geraldine has been whispering in your ear,” Ethan uttered, knowing how his aunt wished for all the brothers to be wed.
“She certainly makes her opinion known, does she not?” Marcus chuckled. “But no… no, this one I have concluded all by myself. When I noticed you with the pretty Lady Matilda at the dining table, it came to mind that she would be a good match for you. Do you not agree?”
“She is very agreeable, I grant you that, Father,” Ethan acknowledged. “But I would like to settle into home life before I make any decisions about the future.”
“And you will, Ethan, yes… you will. But do give this matter some consideration. We, none of us, are getting any younger.” Marcus chortled, for he was always one to keep conversation light-hearted. He had no desire to pressure his son. But the points he made were important and it was a time to be making decisions for the sake of the estate.
“I will give it some thought, Father, but I hope you have many years of rule left in you yet. I would prefer you to continue as marquess of the estate,” Ethan said.
“There is more reason than that of estate affairs, as to why you should take a wife,” the marquess offered in a more serious tone. “It is not healthy for a young man to be alone. I do believe Lady Matilda could provide you with many years of happiness and joy.”
“Yes. I do not doubt she will make a good wife for the right man,” Ethan added, wishing he could tell his father that he wanted one woman in his life. But in his heart, he knew the time was not right for him to be bringing up his thoughts on the treatment of Josephine.
“I see no reason why you cannot be the man in Lady Matilda's life,” Marcus retorted.
“You will be a fine husband, and I am of the opinion that you are ready to take on much more responsibility. Business can be put aside for now. But the matter of taking a wife should be a priority, whilst we are all in the mood for partying.”
“As it happens, Father, it is a deed that has been at the forefront of my mind for some time,” Ethan dared to suggest. Would he dare to push the topic all the way, and admit to his father that his love lay elsewhere?
“Grand, my boy, that is all I need to hear,” Marcus conceded.
“I know all too well about the intricacies of marriage. Much against your aunt’s opinion, I have never wanted to remarry, not after I lost your mother. She was everything to me. Instead, I vowed I would concentrate on my sons and give you all the best start I am able to offer. That is why I insisted you all went out and experienced the world around you.”
“We know, Father, that you meant to give us the best start in life,” Ethan returned. He would say no more as he could see his father becoming emotional. Something the marquess never did was to show any care for himself. He had been a devoted husband and father, and his family loved him for it.
“Your sons are better for their travels. Once the welcoming parties are over with, I do believe you will see the benefits of all your hard work.”
“Well said, my boy, because it was hard for me to send you all away,” Marcus admitted. “The manor house became so quiet with only your aunt and me rattling around in it. Now it is time to bring life between these old walls. The sound and sight of children will be a welcome addition.”
“You have three sons, Father. So, make sure that you have this talk with my brothers, too,” Ethan said, grinning at thought of his brothers’ becoming parents.
“Oh, I will, mark my words, but you are my heir, and this estate needs new blood,” Cedric suggested, a look of sobriety affecting his eyes once again.
“For now, though, we had better prepare for the grand finale that your sister has planned for us this evening. I look forward to seeing you dance with the delightful Lady Matilda.”
“I am sure I will, Father. It would be good to return to discussing the future sometime soon, for I too have ideas to put forward.”
“Good! Splendid. An heir with bright ideas is exactly what this place needs,” Marcus voiced as he stood up to leave. “I will leave you to your private thoughts once again, for I must put my feet up and rest before this evening’s event.”
“Yes, Father,” Ethan said as he too stood up and gave a slight bow of his head in respect as the marquess left the room.
