Her grace blinked at her son, waiting for him to elaborate. When he didn’t, she cleared her throat.
“Would you care to share the reason for your good mood?” she asked.
Michael chuckled. In truth, he couldn’t wait to share the news. But he loved the suspense in the air as he delayed speaking.
“Well, it turns out that there was a price for that vase which I have been chasing, after all,” he said.
His mother looked marginally disappointed, as though she had been expecting a big reveal.
“Oh?” she asked. “Is that all it took to put such a smile on your face?”
Michael nodded.
“It was,” he said. “But I also have something that will put a smile on yours.”
The dowager once more perked up. She set aside her napkin and laced her fingers together, resting her chin on them.
“Well, do not keep me waiting,” she said.
Michael laughed.
“Very well,” he said. “I am to be married. To the daughter of the Earl of Tockenham.”
His mother’s hands fell onto the table as her mouth dropped open. Michael had to bite his cheek at his mother’s shocked expression. She stared blankly at him, clearly trying to process the unexpected announcement.
Michael waited patiently for her to speak. It felt good to have surprised her so, even if it was with news he had never thought to ever deliver to her.
“Oh, darling,” his mother said at last, her entire face lighting up like a ballroom during a dance. “How did this ever come about?”
Michael shrugged. He didn’t want to tell her the details of the arrangement. He felt that didn’t matter, and it wasn’t really a woman’s business.
“I spoke with the earl and made him a lucrative offer,” he said. “He accepted, and the matter is settled.”
His mother laughed, clearly satisfied with his response.
“I couldn’t be happier, Michael,” she gushed. “Congratulations, darling.”
Michael grinned. He silently cheered himself, not for getting married, but for successfully acquiring the vase. Outwardly, however, he simply raised his glass to his mother.
“To a brilliant future,” he said.
His mother joined the toast, barely sipping her drink before continuing to gush.
“I know of the Townsends,” she said. “The earl and countess are very respectable people, and any daughter of theirs would surely make a good wife. And their reputation is completely flawless. Truly, you have chosen your bride very well.”
Michael nodded, letting his mother go on. He was glad that she was happy. But most of all, he was glad that she would never again pester him about marriage. And he would have his coveted artifact to boot.
“I couldn’t agree more,” he said.
His mother sighed, looking at him with awe.
“Just think of it,” she said. “My son, married at last. Oh, I can hardly wait to start telling all our friends in the ton.”
Michael shook his head slowly. He hadn’t thought of it, but news of the betrothal would surely travel fast. He wanted to keep the entire affair a secret, at least for as long as he could. He told himself that it wasn’t because he wasn’t entirely proud of his motivations. But the thought lingered at the back of his mind, and he had to work to dismiss it.
“Now, Mother, don’t go making a big fuss,” he said. “I haven’t even spoken to Lady Lydia yet. I think it would be rude to start discussing plans involving her before she and I have even met.”
The dowager’s face fell, but only for a moment. She slowly nodded, biting her lip thoughtfully.
