Page 5 of Foolish Bride
“What would help, Mother?” The question came out less kindly than she intended.
Mother looked up, and a weary sadness dulled her usually clear blue eyes. “What I am going to tell you is not easy for me, Elinor. These kinds of things are just not discussed. Your father had much difficulty in his explanation to me, and I dare say probably left out quite a bit. Now, I will tell you, but at this point who knows where the story has gone wrong with so many people between the source and you and me.”
Elinor couldn’t think of a single response.
“Sir Michael was in an accident of some kind while working on behalf of England. He was in France.” She looked up at her daughter hopefully.
“He did mention that he would be traveling on the continent for a few weeks. He promised to return a week from now and told me that I should not be concerned about his missing the wedding. He said it rather jokingly, and so I took little notice.” Michael often went away on some business for the crown. Never asking the nature of his business, she’d accepted him at his word.
“Yes, well, I do not know the exact nature of his business in France, but I do know that it was official and important, according to your father. I also do not know the exact nature of the injury or how he obtained it. I cannot tell you exactly where he was in France. I do not know when he returned to England.”
“Mother, what do you know?” Elinor’s frustration leaped to her breaking point.
A deep sigh shook Mother’s shoulders. “It would seem that his ability to be a proper husband has been compromised.”
Elinor waited for her to continue. This couldn’t be all the information she would be receiving.
Virginia took a deep breath and her expression eased, as if satisfied with her explanation and would say no more.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
Her mother’s frown returned. She pulled her handkerchief out of the waistband of her skirts and dabbed her bright red cheeks. “It means that you cannot marry him.”
“But why? You have not told me anything.” Hysteria was one more bit of strange conversation away. Her skin itched, which meant red blotches were appearing all over her neck, arms, and face. It happened whenever she was hysterical, and there was no way to stop it.
“I have told you enough,” Mother said.
“No. You have told me nothing.” Elinor stood and walked toward the door.
“Elinor, stop.”
She faced her mother. “Tell me what has happened, or I swear I will go directly to Michael and ask him myself.” She scratched her neck making the blotches worse.
“He is no longer able to father children,” Virginia screamed.
Elinor stood still and let what Mother said seep into her mind. “This is certain?”
“Your father had it from Lord Marksbury at his club. I cannot imagine the earl would make up such a tale.” Virginia pressed two fingers to her temple, which meant she was developing a headache.
It was difficult not to sympathize, but she had to get to the heart of the matter. “Perhaps his Lordship was mistaken. Where did he hear this news?”
“I do not know. You know how fast news travels in London, dear.”
“And how in error those rumors often are.” Anger welled up from her gut.
Virginia stood, walked over to her, and placed an arm around her shoulder. “I understand that you would wish the rumors were false, my dear, but I am afraid we must look elsewhere for a husband for you.”
Her life was once again turned upside down by the will of London gossip. She shrugged off her mother’s embrace and stormed across the room. “Look elsewhere. You make it sound like we are purchasing a dress. I will not be looking anywhere, Mother. I will marry Sir Michael Rollins or no one at all until I hear from his lips that he does not want me. Father can do as he wishes, but I will not cry off. I am not quite sure how anyone could know whether or not my fiancé is capable of producing an heir, but I am certain that London’s gossips will not stop me from having the man I am in love with.”
“Do you mean to disobey your father?” Virginia’s eyes were wide and her skin pale as death.
To actually state such a thing would be foolish. Her father would likely lock her in her room, or worse, exile her to the country estate. She must be smarter than them. “I will think on all you have explained to me, Mother. I realize I have become overwrought. I would prefer to go to my room now, if that is acceptable to you.”
“Quite understandable, dear; you will need some time. I completely understand. We will not accept any invitations for the remainder of the week. Monday will be soon enough to begin again. I do hate the thought of starting this whole marriage business again. We were so close.” Sighing heavily, she closed her eyes.
Elinor left her mother, curtsied to her father, who hovered outside the door, and rushed up the steps to her room. She had to have a plan.
Sitting at her desk, she pulled out her journal and made a list. Perhaps the most important one of her life.
