Page 15 of A Lady's Curves
“I remember that as well.” I think about how often Mae used to laugh. I suppose I laughed more in those days too.
Louisa and Phillip approach and stand silently for a moment.
Phillip says, “I must take my leave.”
Ann and I stand.
Ann says, “It was good of you to come, my lord.”
He bows deeply, gives one last look at Louisa, and strides from the room.
No one speaks until the front door closes and Jenkin takes up his post in the parlor doorway.
Flopping into a chair, Louisa lets out a long breath. “He’s very nice and his knowledge of music is vast.”
“That’s good, isn’t it?” I venture.
She nods. “Mother said she thought father would approve him. Father knew the last viscount and they were friends.”
I look across to Ann for guidance.
She shrugs and sits back on the settee with Honoria.
Sitting in the chair next to Louisa, it hits me how little choice young ladies have in life. Ann made her own decision not to marry where she didn’t love and has been ostracized by society for it. Louisa likes Phillip, but her father could easily deny him should he offer.
I’ve never given the subject much thought before. I’d hate it if Louisa were unhappy. “What do you want?”
“Time to decide if one man or the next will make me happyfor the rest of my life.” She wipes away a tear. “I know I’m expected to marry, and I want to make my mother and father proud. I don’t want to be shut into a marriage where I’m unloved and forgotten until a son is born.”
It’s the most I’ve ever heard her say. “Have you told your parents this?”
“No. Of course, not. They just want me out of their house and managing my own. If mother had had sons, it would be easier, but with three daughters, they have to hope for a male heir from one of us before Father dies, or the estates will go to a cousin none of us knows.” It sounds as if all or part of that was repeated by someone else.
“What if I tell your father your wish to finish out the season before you make any decisions? Would it help?” My brother-in-law has always been cordial to me and I think he’s a bit afraid of me. That could work to my advantage.
Louisa sits up straight. “Why would you do that, Uncle? Father might get angry.”
“I’m not afraid of your father, but I am concerned with your future happiness.”
Before I have time to draw breath, Louisa is out of her chair and leaps into my arms. “You are not at all the way Mother describes you. I think perhaps she doesn’t know you at all.” She stands up and pulls her shoulders back. Chin high, she says, “I will speak to my father. It’s a small thing to ask for and perhaps he will see it as a way to garner more attention from worthy gentlemen.”
Cunning. I had no idea. “If you need my assistance, you need only ask.” As she turns to leave the parlor, I take her hand. “Louisa, I mean that in all things for the rest of my life. Should you need me, you may always call on me as your uncle to help you.”
Tears fill her eyes, but she doesn’t shed them.Instead, she smiles. “I think that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you, Uncle Oscar.” She squeezes my hand and grins before leaving the room.
Both Ann and Honoria are dabbing at the corners of their eyes.
“Well done, my lord.” Honoria takes a deep breath. “I think I shall lie down before dinner. Do you need anything of me, Ann?”
“No. Go and rest.” Ann smiles warmly at the dowager and watches her leave.
We sit silently for long moments. Ann will not meet my gaze, and I can’t decide if she’s embarrassed about something or detests me. Unable to bear the quiet, I ask, “Did I say something wrong with regard to my niece?”
Meeting my gaze, the soft pink of her cheeks heightens. “No, Oscar. You said everything right. I wish I’d had an advocate like you when I was her age.”
“I don’t. If you had, you might be married now rather than my Everton Lady.” I blurt it out before I can think better of it.
She bites her lower lip and her breath quickens. “It’s quite warm in here. Would you like to walk in your garden?”
