Page 7 of The Duke's Spinster Bride
“Does it? Well, even the most trite novelist is bound to have a good idea eventually.” She grabbed a flute of champagne from a nearby servant, leading them away before Frederick had the chance to help himself. “And do not think I cannot tell that you are trying to change the subject, my dear Frederick. We were talking of marriage, not novels.”
“As I said, grandmama, I have no wish to spend the rest of my life shackled to a woman who sees only my fortune and estates. And I doubt you wish for such a woman to be my duchess.” Frederick gestured to the small path that led to the house and the Dowager Duchess’s rooms.
“Of course not. That would be a most tedious endeavour.” She smiled at a woman who was approaching them, dismissing her with a wave of her hand before she could come another step.
Frederick could see the look of disappointment on the woman’s face, but was relieved that his grandmother seemed intent on having him to herself.At least for now.“Then you see why I am not in want of a wife.”
“I see why you have no desire for a match of convenience, not why you have no wish for a wife. For love.” The Dowager Duchess shook her head. “At this rate, I fear I will be dead and buried and you will still be unwed!”
Frederick gave her a look, arching his eyebrows and letting a small smile steal across his face. “You are healthier than most women half your age. I suspect you will outlive us all.”
“You flatter me, but that does not change the creaks I feel in my joints. Besides, I have no desire to outlive my grandchildren, three husbands is quite enough.” An unreadable look stole across the Dowager Duchess’s face, and for a moment, Frederick thought he saw pain there.
Before he could say anything, the look vanished and in its place his grandmother fixed him with a steely gaze. “Come now, tell me, why are you so reluctant to get married?”
He stumbled, and tugged at the collar of his shirt. “I have already told you.”
“You have told me part of it, but I suspect only the smallest.” His grandmother pursed her lips. “I would understand your reluctance to marry.”
He swallowed.I cannot tell her the truth.“If I promise to look for a bride this season, will you promise to leave the subject alone?”
“Are you promising to search for your future wife?” Her eyes brightened and a smile spread across her face.
“Yes.” He hastily continued before his grandmother could speak, “Though I will not settle for anyone. She must be the right woman.”
This last part was a lie. As far as he was concerned ‘the right woman’ would never come along; he had absolutely no intention of courting the kind of passion his grandmother seemed determined for him to find. And without love, his only option would be to settle for one of the many women who only wanted his fortune.
He hid his thoughts with an easy smile as his grandmother nodded. “Very well, I shall let the matter be.”
“Thank you.” He felt her slip her arm from his as they walked into the centre of the pavilion.
“Thank you, my boy. You have brought an old woman joy.” She stepped away from him, raising her voice so that her next words carried across the lawns. “How wonderful that Duke Caverton is finally looking for a wife!”
Frederick’s eyes widened but before he could do anything, his grandmother slipped away and at least a dozen women crowded around him.
She is too wily by half.
ChapterThree
“Iam sure it is fine.” Andrea scanned the crowd in the ball room, fidgeting as Cecily fussed over her dress for what seemed like the hundredth time.
It had been a week since the baptism, and she was at the Dowager Duchess Caverton’s ball. Cecily had spent much of the three days dragging Andrea to and from the modiste.
After much negotiation, Andrea had found herself wearing a dress more elaborate than she had ever worn before. It was a deep purple with gold embroidery, cut in the style of the continent with matching shoes and gloves.
“Fine is not good enough. Now hold still, this will only take a moment.” Cecily adjusted her gold necklace around Andrea’s neck and then nodded in approval. “Good. Now you look perfect.”
“I feel like a fool.” Andrea rolled her shoulders out.
“You look radiant.” Her friend beamed.
Andrea tugged at the sleeve of her dress. “Everyone is looking at me.”
“That is the point. We want them to notice you.” Cecily gave her a reassuring squeeze. “Have you decided which of the men you will pursue? I still cannot believe the length of grandmother’s list. There must have been at least fifteen names!”
“Seventeen, actually.” Andrea patted the small bit of paper she had tucked in her glove. “And I thought I would start with Duke Havilliard.”
“A duke!” Cecily’s eyes widened.
