Page 34 of The Uncouth Duke of Longford
Rachel’s heart squeezed with the pain of her father’s words but she did not let that pain push into her expression. “Yes, Father. There is a great deal of seriousness within the Duke’s interest for he soon will come to seek your permission to court me.”
Lord Carmichael’s mouth dropped open and Rachel’s face flamed with heat.
“Are… are you quite certain of this?”
She nodded. “I am.”
“Are you sure of his interest?”
Again, she nodded, all the more embarrassed that her father did not believe her words. “The Duke of Longford and I took a walk some days ago and during that time, he stated very clearly that he wished to court me. I, however, have been considering it and have now given my attention to it. I have come to a decision.”
“I… I see.” Her father looked at her doubtfully, perhaps still disbelieving that all she said was true. “The Duke of Longford asked to court you and you have been considering your answer all this time?”
Rachel nodded.
“But why?” her father wanted to know. “I cannot understand you. If this is as you say, then why would you have to consider the Duke of Longford? I –”
“Is everything quite all right?”
Rachel turned her head to see her mother pushing open the door, a look of curiosity in her eyes. She groaned inwardly, having hoped that this conversation would have been kept from her mother for the time being until she was able to talk to the Duke of Longford himself.
“Yes, everything is quite all right,” Lord Carmichael smiled, beckoning his wife in. “I must ask you something, my dear.”
“Oh?” Lady Carmichael put one hand onto Rachel’s arm. “What troubles you, Rachel? Why is it that you have come to your father?”
Rachel hesitated. “Mama, the Duke of Longford has asked to court me.”
Lady Carmichael’s hand tightened on Rachel’s arm and she let out a squeak, one hand flying to her mouth, her eyes rounding.
“Can this be true, my dear?” Lord Carmichael asked, as Lady Carmichael blinked furiously. “Is this something that you have been aware of?”
“When?” Lady Carmichael whispered, drawing closer to Rachel as she held her arm in a vice-like grip. “When did he ask you this?”
Rachel hesitated, hoping that her mother would not be angry with her. “When we took a walk together in the park.”
“What?” Lady Carmichael’s hand loosened on Rachel’s arm and she stepped back, the color draining from her face. “You did not tell me!”
“That is because she says she told the Duke she had to think about her answer,” her father replied, making Lady Carmichael squeak an exclamation all over again. “Do you mean to tell me that this is true then, my dear?”
Rachel spread out her hands either side. “Mama, I wanted some time to consider it. What if the Duke and I do not suit? If the courtship comes to an end, then thetonwill speak ill of me and –”
“But what if it does not come to an end?” Lady Carmichael interrupted, clearly ignoring her husband and instead, coming closer to Rachel again, staring into her face. “Do you not understand, Rachel? TheDukehas asked to court you! You could be a Duchess! Why ever would you say that you required some time to consider? I do not understand it. I do not understand you! I cannot imagine why –”
“I will tell him my decision when I next speak with him, Mama,” Rachel interrupted, having no desire whatsoever to have her mother criticize her. “He was very agreeable to my request for some time to consider. However, I wanted to inform my father before I spoke with the Duke of Longford, so that he would not be surprised when the Duke came to speak with him.”
Lady Carmichael closed her eyes and let out a slow breath. “We must hope that you have not irritated him by your desire totake your time,” she said, emphasizing the last few words. “He may decide that you are no longer the object of his interest because you have delayed so much. What if –”
“He will not, Mama,” Rachel replied, firmly. “Now, if you are both quite contented, I shall write to the Duke this very afternoon and tell him that I should like to speak with him. Will that satisfy you both?” Finding a streak of anger breaking through her heart, she took in a deep breath and lifted her chin, looking at her father. “Will it be enough to convince you that I am speaking the truth?” She looked to her mother. “And will it satisfy you that he hasnotrejected me?”
Lady Carmichael blinked and then, much to Rachel’s surprise, let out a squeal of excitement and threw her arms around her. “How delighted I am to hear it!” she cried, as Rachel swallowed her surprise. “Go! Write to the Duke at once and inform me – informus– the moment you receive a reply.”
Seeing the slightly curt nod from her father, Rachel took this as a sign to take her leave without saying anything more and, with a brief smile, she detached herself from her mother and walked out of the room. Her whole body was alive with a sudden anticipation, even though, as she reminded herself, she was accepting the offer of a courtship which had only one singular purpose.
And yet, there is hope,said a whisper in her heart as Lord Wrexham’s words came to mind.Perhaps, at the end of it all, I shall find myself a Duchess after all.
***
“I was glad to receive your note.”
