Page 15 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
Chapter 7
Lady Vivienne Ravenscroft, daughter of Cressida Ravenscroft, Countess of Sagewood, joined her mother for tea in the drawing room of Sagewood Manor. The manor was smaller than Ashbourne estates, but the Ravenscroft’s had recently come into wealth and their surroundings were entirely suitable.
They had arrived in London recently as Vivienne’s adoptive father inherited Sagewood Manor from a relative he had known nothing about. It was an estate that was worthy of great tales, and many knew of it far and wide.
“Good morning, Mother,” Vivienne said. Her voice sounded overly accommodating, even to her own ears.
“It is always a good morning with you,” the countess responded with a crooked smile.
Vivienne never knew how to react to her mother. Sometimes, her mother was in a pleasant mood, and other times she was erratic. It was difficult to determine the mood and manner she would be walking into when it came to this woman.
“Do have some tea, dear,” Cressida urged her daughter.
Vivienne sat across from her mother, and the pair poured their morning tea as they made small talk.
“Did you sleep better last night, dear?” Cressida asked Vivienne. Her eyes regarded her daughter shrewdly.
Vivienne shrugged and smiled slightly. She had not been sleeping well since they had moved to Sagewood Manor. The bed was too lumpy and there were countless pillows on her bed. It was quite a chore to clear just enough of the bed to be able to lay prone and be comfortable to fall asleep.
“You need to eat better,” Cressida urged. “A well-rounded diet will fill you up and help you sleep. Do not skimp on calories, my dear.”
Vivienne agreed with her mother, but she knew her mother didn’t mean it. In fact, Cressida rather liked how thin Vivienne was. Cressida praised her for her small waist and ample assets, telling her it would help in the pursuit of finding a husband. Why, she had the ultimate shape to secure a husband. She saw no issue with highlighting this point to her daughter.
The rest of teatime was spent talking about the latest fashions. “There is a new satin fabric in lavender that I must try,” Cressida commented to her daughter. “I think I’ll send for the seamstress this afternoon.” She nibbled on a biscuit thoughtfully.
Their teatime was interrupted by a servant with a message. “Yes, what is it?” The countess was not known for her gentle manner.
“Lady Sagewood, I have mail for you,” the servant said, handing Cressida an off-white envelope.
It happened to be the latest scandal sheet. The latest rumors and gossip intrigued and entertained her, and could most assuredly be counted on to be used as leverage in the Ton.
Cressida carefully perused the scandal sheet, taking it all in. Even if her mother had not said a thing, Vivienne could have predicted the information just from her mother’s eyes alone. They held a wicked dance of whim and retribution within them.
“The Duke of Ashbourne has arrived in London,” Cressida said, a glint of anticipation sparked in her eyes. “This is, indeed, magnificent news, daughter.”
Vivienne had heard of the late duke’s passing and knew he had a son. She was surprised to find out he was back in London as last she heard he had been traveling. This land all around them did not seem as if it would fit into the studies that Gabriel Ashbourne was said to have immersed himself within for so many years.
Turning toward Vivienne, Cressida made her demands. “You must capture the duke’s favor. It is a must. This cannot be left to bear for another woman. Simply put, you cannot fail me nor yourself in the matter of gaining his attention. The Ashbourne’s are of great importance to us.”
Cressida’s voice was stern, and Vivienne swallowed at her mother’s tone. Certainly, this was not being presented as an option, but rather as an order.
Terrified of invoking her mother’s unpredictable wrath, Vivienne obediently accepted the direction from her mother though she wanted to protest, stand up and exit the room promptly.
Vivienne did not know the duke and did not want to be forced into a marriage. Especially by her mother but she knew that was what would happen. Cressida was nothing if not forceful, and her mother was not known to deviate from a set plan once she had it firmed up within her mind.
“Yes, Mother,” Vivienne conceded with a fake smile on her small face hoping to appease Cressida. This was not the moment to incur the wrath of her mother for stating that she would rather do anything but go after the new Duke of Ashbourne. What a bother.
Vivienne had doubts that she would be able to impress the younger duke. She knew of her own beauty and possessed poise and confidence. Yet, it seemed to be outside of what might truly be useful for her own life. Still, defying her mother was not going to be worth the wrath.
Vivienne knew how her mother acted when things did not go her way. It was an ugly sight to behold. A very ugly sight indeed.
The doors to the drawing room swung open forcefully. Teacups rattled and both women glanced up quickly, surprise etched across their faces. Vivienne narrowed her eyes when she saw who it was.
“Ladies, I am making this grand entrance to wish you both a very good morning!” The Earl of Sagewood said as he entered the drawing room. It was a delicate sort of room, to be clear. The paintings and furniture spoke of gentleness and beauty. The Earl’s entrance was at odds with the fragility of the room, being both awkward and bombastic in nature.
Vivienne hid her distaste for the Earl of Sagewood. This man was not the best choice for her mother, but she was unable to change the current situation. She held no power whatsoever in the arrangement between him and her mother and so must bear the weight of it, as unpleasant as it was.
The Earl was a round man who had dark features and a dimple as large as a canyon on his chin. Vivienne had no idea what drew her mother to the man except for the fact that he was willing to be a father to a child who wasn’t his own. His character and personality left a lot to be desired.
