Page 31 of Foolish Bride
“Michael.” Dory finished her sentence.
Elinor nodded.
“Well, then that’s the answer.” Sophia brightened and stood.
“What do you mean?” Elinor stared from one smiling friend to the other. She felt more the fool now than before her ended engagement.
Dory clapped her hands. “You will marry The Duke of Kerburghe. We shall just have to figure out a way so that it is his idea.”
“How do you propose to do that?” Sophia asked.
Elinor took a biscuit and nibbled the corner. “I am once again sounding rather desperate for a husband, and it is very degrading.”
“Nonsense.” Dory’s enthusiasm soared, and she gestured wildly. “You are not desperate, but we shall help you marry the correct man. If, in the process, you decide that you prefer Middleton, then we can change tactics, as they say in war. And ladies, this is war. We shall have our victory.” She thrust her fist in the air.
“Dorothea.” Sophia giggled.
“Sorry. I got carried away.”
“Indeed.” It was the most fun Elinor had enjoyed in a long time. “I was beginning to think of the two men as countries rather than dukes.”
Sophia cleared her throat. “I hate to put a damper on your war-waging, but you still haven’t told us how you intend to get Michael to marry Elinor.”
Dory shrugged. “First we must have them meet accidentally a few times in London. But the real battle will be fought in the country, when we all go to your annual house party, Sophia.”
Sophia smiled. “Shall I invite Middleton then?”
“Of course.”
Both were pleased with the plan, but Elinor hated the sound of this. She walked to the window seat. “I do not like the idea of trapping Michael or any other man into marrying me. I am also not sure I like the idea of using Middleton for our purposes.”
Dory crossed to her and took her hands. “He loves you, Elinor. You know he does. In fact, he told you so last night. He just needs to be reminded of what is important and what is not. Once he realizes he has made a mistake, then you can refuse him if you wish. The point is to give you the option you were not given before.”
“Refuse Michael.” The notion was ridiculous.
“Works wonders.” When Marlton first asked for her hand, Sophia had refused.
Dory was determined, and Elinor was a tad excited to be part of one of her plots. They were always so interesting. “How will we make sure Michael sees me in London, and what of Middleton?”
Dory perched next to her in the window and lay her long finger on her chin. “Last night was a boon for us. We know he still cares for you. I will talk to my brother and see if he knows of any of his grace’s engagements. As for Middleton, I am afraid he is a casualty of war.”
“Dorothea, that is not kind.” Elinor liked him too much to hurt him.
Dory shrugged, took a biscuit, and ate it. “You told him you were in love with someone else. He knows what he is getting into. I think we have been more than fair. And if his infatuation with you pushes our plan with Michael forward, all the better.”
“You are ruthless.” Excitement bubbled in Elinor’s belly.
“I will check with Thomas. He may know where to find Michael and may wish to help. I’ll feel him out before asking his assistance.” Narrowing her eyes, Sophia fussed with her gloves.
“You will not tell Marlton?” Dory asked.
Sophia shook her head. “My husband is too honest. He would go to Michael immediately. We may need that if all else fails, but it is my experience that men prefer to think things are their own idea or that fate played a hand. They do not like to be manipulated by the women in their lives.”
“Agreed.” Dory clapped again before agreeing to play another of her original pieces, this time on the harp.
Chapter 7
Elinor was ready for the theatre a full thirty minutes ahead of time. She paced her room for ten minutes, then forced herself to sit at her vanity and looked in the mirror for a full minute searching for something to fix. She stared so long, her image faded and blurred.
