Albert toasted his father, biting back the same remark he had made to his mother when she said the same thing to him earlier that day. The first course of the meal was served just then, and Albert found that he really was hungry.
As they ate, his mother beamed at him, her eyes lighting up as she touched his arm.
“Darling, I almost forgot,” she said. “Michael, Penny and James are coming in several days. They’re coming from the countryside to stay with us for a little while.”
Albert nodded, smiling despite his dread at the news of his uncle’s, aunt’s and cousin’s arrival. He was uncomfortable, even around them. He wondered if that was the reason why his father had summoned him home. But why had his mother not been the one to write to him about it?
After dinner, Walter Billington motioned for his son to follow him. Albert guessed that his father was ready to talk to him about the reason why he had called him back home. The men entered the earl’s study, where Luke poured himself and his son a drink while Albert made himself comfortable in one of the chairs opposite his father’s at the desk.
“I can imagine that you’re wondering why all the cloak and dagger about asking you to come here,” his father began.
Albert nodded, trying to seem casual.
“I have wondered once or twice,” he said.
His father chuckled.
“Yes, well, I’m glad to see that you came so quickly,” he said. “I’m getting on in age, and I want you to take on more responsibilities. You’ll be earl one day, after all, and only the heavens know how soon.”
Albert let out a small sigh. He had to admit that he was a bit relieved. While he was no longer as happy about inheriting his father’s title as he had been before his accident, he was relieved that his father wasn’t telling him that he was dying. He loved his father, to be sure. But he also wasn’t ready to take up the earldom so soon.
“Of course, Father,” he said. “Where should I begin?”
The earl looked at his son, and Albert saw something strange in his eyes. Albert wondered if he had jumped to the conclusion that his father wasn’t ill a little too soon.
“By taking a wife,” he said. “I’ve already arranged for you to marry. As future heir to the earldom, it’s our duty to produce an heir and carry on the family name.”
Albert choked on his drink, coughing until his airway was clear again. He looked at his father, sure he hadn’t heard him correctly.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?” he asked.
The earl nodded, his expression serious.
“To ensure that you produce an heir, I’ve arranged a marriage for you,” he said. “She’s a respectable lady, and her father is wealthy and prominent in the ton. But you will soon get to see for yourself. We will be having dinner with your future betrothed and her family tomorrow evening.”
Albert stared blankly at his father. He struggled to believe the conversation he was having with his father. Had his father really put him up for an arranged marriage without his consent?
Chapter Three
Martha stared in awe as the carriage in which she, her mother and Isabel were traveling reached the marvel that was Burlington Arcade. It was a new addition to London, and it was already one of the most popular shopping venues in the entire city. Martha had never been to any covered shopping venue, let alone Burlington Arcade. And as they exited the coach in front of the arcade, she saw exactly why it was already one of the most exclusive and luxurious shopping areas in the country.
It was impossibly tall: Martha couldn’t begin to guess exactly how tall it was. What she could see, however was that it contained many two-story units, inside which were many shops for the most stylish jewelry, hats and other various accessories. The arch of the covered top reminded her much of a Catholic cathedral in its sharp majesty, and she couldn’t help feeling like they were entering the grounds of royalty as they stepped inside to the main lobby.
Isabel was an instant ball of energy as they made their way to the first section of shops. She stared, starry-eyed, as she tried to decide where they should go first.
“Have you ever seen anything like it?” she gasped.
The viscountess shook her head, seemingly only marginally less impressed than her niece.
“I’ve only been to one other covered shopping centre,” she said. “I can assure you it was nothing like this.”
The women cooed over the crystal chandeliers and candelabras, pointing at the various paintings that hung on every inch of extra wall space. Martha closed her eyes for a moment, thinking about how beautiful a painting of the arcade would be. She thought she might try to paint it one day, if she could capture all the rich colors and elegant contours of the building. Soon, though, Isabel was grabbing her hand, dragging her to one of the fine jewelry shops on the first story of the building.
Once more, all the women gasped as they got a good look at all the finery inside the unit’s walls. Martha thought she had never seen such shiny diamonds, such rich pearls, and such vibrant rubies, sapphires and emeralds. There was even a whole display that appeared to be just for wedding jewelry: gemstones and pearly on white strings, strings of dainty diamonds that would nestle nicely in an intricate wedding updo hairstyle, and gloves that were embroidered with every color gemstone in the world, Martha was sure.
“Am I dreaming?” Isabel asked, looking around the store with wide eyes.
Martha laughed and shook her head.
