Page 9 of Choosing Her Earl at Last
“Michael,” Collin’s voice called out as he approached.
Michael turned toward his cousin with a smile. “Enjoying yourself?”
“I am indeed!” Colin’s exuberance was palpable. “I have just met the most astonishing woman. She is extraordinary! I have asked her to come and meet my parents. I am pleased to see that you have arrived and can meet her as well.”
“And where is the lady in question?” Michael asked, looking behind his cousin.
“She has gone to find her sister and will join us momentarily.”
“And what is the young lady’s name?” Colin’s mother asked, smiling at seeing her son’s happiness.
Before Colin could answer, a lovely young woman materialized beside Colin, and he smiled down at her with adoration. Michael’s mouth went dry as Emmeline Frampton came to stand behind the young couple. The lady in question was none other than Rebecca Frampton, younger sister to the love of Michael’s life.
At the sight of the marchioness, Colin’s parents stood and inclined their heads in greeting. “My lady,” they greeted in unison.
With all of the gossip that had been floating around the ballroom about the Marchioness of Worthington’s return, everyone within earshot was watching them and straining to hear every word.
The look of adoration on Colin’s face as he looked down into Rebecca Frampton’s eyes caused a chill of memory to pass over Michael’s heart. It was the same way that he had once looked at Emmeline. “Might I speak with you in private for a moment?” Michael requested of his cousin, speaking softly so that no one else might hear.
Confusion passed over Colin’s features, but he nodded his assent. “If you will excuse my cousin and I for but a moment,” he bowed over Rebecca’s hand.
“Of course,” Rebecca agreed, all grace and smiles. She gave Michael a questioning look but did not voice her thoughts. Emmeline stepped forward and discreetly took Colin’s place at her sister’s side, engaging in conversation with Colin’s parents so as not to make the moment any more awkward than it already was.
It was the sort of thoughtfulness that Michael had once admired her for. Growling low in his throat, he shoved his emotions aside and led Colin out onto the balcony, which was now free of men.
“You should choose another debutante,” Michael got right to the point, not bothering to mince words.
Colin’s brow wrinkled in a frown. “Why? Rebecca Frampton is beautiful, intelligent, charming, an excellent dancer…”
Before Colin could wax poetic on the myriad of Rebecca Frampton’s virtues, Michael shook his head. “That may be so, but she is not the right choice for our family.”
“I know that you and her sister have a history, but Rebecca Frampton is not her sister. She has a mind of her own and is not afraid to voice her own opinions or to stand firm on her convictions. You should hear the way that she speaks of the working man’s plight or the state of politics. She is truly a marvel.”
“Subjects best suited for a man,” Michael noted.
Colin shook his head. “I admire her for her courage to be different, to break free of the mold that society has created for her sex.”
“Frampton women cannot be depended upon,” Michael argued. “They will tell you one thing and turn around to do the complete opposite. You cannot trust the women of that family.”
Colin’s frown deepened. “I am disappointed in you, cousin. I thought you better than to pass judgment on one family member due to the actions of others. You were once above such trivial judgments. I asked you to attend to be of assistance in finding a bride of good character. Miss Rebecca Frampton is beyond repute. She has done nothing wrong.”
“Her family is shrouded in mystery and gossip with the passing of the marquess under suspicious circumstances,” Michael reminded him. “No member of their family is beyond reproach.”
“By that reasoning, I would be tainted by all of the gossip that surrounds you, dear cousin,” Colin pointed out, his gaze reproachful. “The Frampton family could deem me unworthy by that argument.”
Michael had nothing that he could say to that. It had not occurred to him that his own reclusive behavior and the gossip around it had negatively affected the rest of his family. He had not shut himself off from his family, only society, but a sudden surge of guilt pierced his conscience. “Colin, it was never my intention for you to suffer for my actions.”
“I know that, and I hold nothing against you for it. Please extend Miss Rebecca the same courtesy.”
Not waiting for an answer, Colin turned and left the balcony to rejoin his parents and the Frampton sisters. Reluctantly, Michael followed. The little group talked for a time, Colin and Rebecca dancing once more before other young gentlemen stole her away for their turn around the dance floor. When the ball was drawing to a close, the Frampton sisters, accompanied by their mother, came to bid Colin and his family farewell. Theodocia, in a break with propriety that was quite out of character, completely ignored Michael’s presence.
“Lady Frampton, might I have permission to call upon Miss Rebecca?” Colin asked as he beamed down adoringly at the debutante in question.
“You may,” Theodocia granted her permission, much to Michael’s surprise. Colin would inherit his father’s baronet title, but it was nowhere near the rank of a Marquess.
If Michael’s title as an earl had not been good enough for Emmeline’s parents, how would Colin’s inheritance stand a chance? Michael frowned but kept his own counsel. In spite of himself, he dared a glance at Emmeline to find her solemn-faced, her eyes cold and angry as they bid one another farewell.
Chapter 5
