Page 21 of A Tenuous Betrothal
Rhi’s heart thumped. “And if I wish for a fewmoreweeks’ time to determine whether I like the man?” Her eyes bored into the prince’s.
“Granted,” he said. “And might I add that we are not simply looking for any sort of man. He must be someone my father would approve of. He must be someone worthy of her. I imagine we won’t have much trouble finding the cream of this group in London. She will draw considerable attention. I shall need help sifting through those to find one who is worthy.”
Her Grace’s eyebrow rose, but she said nothing.
All seemed in agreement over their plan, and Rhi hoped it was indeed a good one. Regardless, she was relieved that the prince seemed to wish to ensure her happiness.
When a servant curtsied in the doorway, she was sent after the modiste and the pile of invitations.
Chapter Eight
Breakfast had been cleared, butthey remained in the room, moving on to the plans for that evening and their first week in London. The women had been discussing all manner of things for nearly an additional hour now. Marc shifted in his seat across from Miss Davies and Sophie, eyeing the growing pile of correspondence. His cravat was too tight. It would not sit comfortably around his neck, no matter which way he moved.
Sophie shifted the rather large stack of invitations closer to Miss Davies. “Let’s create a pile of those whose hosts have relations to eligible men.” Her smile grew. “It was only a year past that I was in your same position. Most of the same men are still available, and there are some good ones. Prince Marc was here for my Season as well.”
“Oh? Was he a contender?”
Both pairs of female eyes turned to him.
Sophie placed a hand at her heart. “Pardon me, but no. Prince Marc hasn’t placed himself on the list of those seriously considering marriage as of yet, at least not here in London.”
When Miss Davies searched his face, he just nodded. He’d told her as much.
She looked away, but not before her expression said she’d like to explore more of the inner workings of his mind. “I’m at a disadvantage here,” she said. “At first, at least, I shall look to Your Grace to advise me.”
Sophie started sorting through the correspondence. “Let’s choose tonight’s gathering first and then move from there. Once thetonis made generally aware of your presence, I am certain my husband and I will begin receiving different types of invitations. We might skip the soirees completely.” She paused at one ornate invitation. “Except for those issued by mothers of potentials.”
“About this evening...” Marc shifted again. “Perhaps I should attend as well.”
“Would you be interested?” Sophie leaned forward. “How involved would you like to be in this process? Bartholomew and I are happy to step forward as sponsors if you would rather not be involved. He can help sift through the hopefuls, even advise if necessary. And he could handle the legal discussions and the permissions when suitors come courting...” Her eyes widened in sincerity. “If you wish, you can simply enjoy the Season.”
He stretched against his cravat again. “This is all very kind.”
“And convenient.” Miss Davies’s face was blank, but he imagined all kinds of accusations hurtling in his direction.
“While you are indeed making this most convenient for both of us, I do feel I should remain somewhat involved,” Marc said. “I’d like to perhaps add the benefit of my watchful eye and perceptions.” He cleared his throat.Confound this cravat.“I’d like to come tonight, if it is possible to secure an invitation, and to future events, until a suitable match has been selected.” As he stumbled over every word, he leaned back, trying to act as though he weren’t supremely bothered by the whole thing. And whywashe bothered? He should be most pleased.
But the cravat... he shifted again in his seat.
“You should come, if you’d like. It will make even numbers simpler for the host.” Bartholomew nodded. “And if all is going smoothly, we could slip outside together and monitor the veranda or listen to conversations at cards, that sort of thing.”
“Exactly,” Marc said. “You never know with the men of theton. They’ve been known to stoop to all kinds of measures to secure a fortune.” He turned to Miss Davies, “Your dowry is healthy. And you are... well, you will be well sought after. And we cannot be too careful.”
What was wrong with him?
Sophie eyed him again as if he’d grown an extra set of hands. “As for tonight, we have an invitation from Lord Habberdash.”
Marc nodded. “He’s respectable, if a bit boring.”
Sophie shook her head and talked directly to Miss Davies. “I was going to say he’s charming, and he’d do well by you.” She set the envelope in a certain place. “Lord Kittering,” she said next.
Alarm shuddered through Marc. “Oh no. He’s the very worst sort of man.”
Sophie moved that envelope to another spot on the table with a small smile. “We could go to a small dinner party.” She lifted the next invitation to study it.
“What’s the benefit of this particular party?” he asked.
As of yet, Miss Davies had not said anything about the invitations.
