Page 74 of A Marquess' Season of Secrets
It was unfortunate that a time would come when he would wake up and realise that Isabella was no longer under his roof because the woman was determined to find her identity and leave him, and Nash had promised to help her.
Is there the possibility of asking her to stay? It seems wrong to do so, but I do not wish to watch her depart from this house.
“Your Grace, I feel rather ashamed to admit that I was supposed to ask you something several days ago, but I have been hesitant to do so,” said Johnson.
“I have never known you to be hesitant about anything.”
“It concerns Isabella and your parents’ room,” the valet explained.
“Yes?”
“She wishes to make some changes to the room. She mentioned organising everything into a date, artefact, and country, and possibly adventure as well. Isabella has an adventurous spirit within her that is similar to the one you used to have before you suppressed it.”
Nash ignored the part about him suppressing his adventurous spirit and focused on the man’s comment about Isabella.
“You sound as though you approve of her,” said Nash. “Have you had a change of heart?”
“I do not know if I would say that, but she reminded me of you. I believe your mother would have liked her.”
Nash’s eyebrows rose. “That is high praise indeed coming from you. I suppose she can do whatever she feels is necessary.”
“Indeed?” the valet asked. “You do not mind?”
“Perhaps I would have said no if you had asked me a month ago, but it doesn’t bother me now. I’ll personally tell her to go ahead when I see her, but for now, I must deal with this tea.”
“The best of luck, Your Grace,” Johnson said and sounded like he meant it.
Nash thanked him because he would need all the luck he could get to go over the hurdle ahead of him. Johnson left him as Nash reached the house, vaguely mentioning the need to complete a chore.
Nash had a feeling the valet was avoiding the women as well, although he had nothing to worry about. It was Nash who would need to deal with the women and pretend to enjoy the company. Nash hoped he would see Isabella before he went into the parlour, but she was nowhere to be seen. Disappointed, he braced himself and entered the room.
“Nash!” his sister exclaimed. “I was beginning to wonder what had happened to you. Come in and take a seat. Our tea will arrive soon.”
“Good day, Your Grace,” Catherine greeted, getting up to give a brief curtsey.
“Good day, Lady Spencer.”
The woman pouted prettily, looking up at him with her big blue eyes. “Will you forever be so formal with me? Eleanor calls me Catherine, and I hope you will as well.”
“Of course, he will,” Ellie assured her.
Nash gave his sister a questioning look as he sat down on an armchair across from Catherine’s settee. He had a feeling his sister had wanted him to sit there, but he was not interested. This woman was supposedly the perfect bride for him, and Ellie had done nothing but sing her praises since the woman accepted the invitation.
Ellie clearly did not know him well because Catherine had none of the warmth, cheerfulness, and kindness he had come to need. Perhaps he might have been interested if Ellie had managed to find someone similar to Isabella.
“The dinner party was such a lovely time,” said Catherine. “The night reminded me of the dinner parties we used to have before we moved here. I expect Papa is still trying to make good connections before he agrees to host anything.”
“That is wise of him,” Nash commented. “It is best to be careful about the people one invites.”
Catherine smiled, exposing her short teeth. “I will tell Papa you agree with him. He will be most pleased.”
Nash’s attention was drawn to the door when it opened, and Isabella walked inside with their tea tray. She briefly glanced at him, but it was enough to influence his mood for the better.
“Put the tray right here, Isabella,” Ellie ordered, pointing at the table. “Be careful not to drop anything.”
“Yes, My Lady,” said Isabella.
“Catherine, have I ever told you about Isabella’s story and how Nash found her?” Ellie asked.
