Page 13 of An Arranged Betrothal with an Icy Duke
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“Mother, we are to return to the estate.” Henry ruffled the newspaper in his hands and continued to read about the latest horse races rather than paying any attention to his mother’s reaction. It was only when she let out a rather loud exclamation that he was forced to set it down, looking back into her face and wondering why she appeared to be so astonished. Quickly realizing his mistake, he folded up his newspaper and tilted his head. “I should have said thatIam returning to the estate,Mother,” he clarified. “If you wish to remain here in London, then of course, the house is at your disposal.”
“It is not that which has astonished me, Fairglen,” came the reply as his mother picked up the teacup and held it to her lips. After a moment, she set it down. “It is more the fact that you have declared you are leaving London without any explanation as to why!”
Henry frowned. “I thought that would have been clear after my visit to Lord Tidemore’s last evening.”
His mother blinked rapidly, before setting the teacup down rather sharply. It rattled on the saucer.
“You do recall that his townhouse was where I was last evening, were you not?” Henry continued, mildly. “I told you what my intentions were and since I have found the young lady to be suitable, I have decided to return to my estate and take her with me.”
His mother snatched in a breath, leaning back in her chair in obvious shock.
“I am now engaged to the lady, so it will not be improper, if that is your concern,” Henry continued, wondering why his mother appeared so astonished. “Her father will accompany her and during the next few weeks, I will determine whether her character is as her father states. I do not want to see even a hint, even atraceof deceit and so, in that regard, a time under my own roof with the young lady there also should give me adequate opportunity. If I find that she is inclined towards secrecy or mayhap too stubborn for my liking, then I will end the engagement and all will be well.”
“She… she is the daughter of a viscount!”
“Yes,” Henry said, quietly. “She is.”
“And you expect to engage yourself to her?”
“No, Mother. We are already engaged. Her father must have informed her of it either last night or this morning.”
The Duchess closed her eyes, one hand gripping the edge of the table. “Fairglen, you are being ridiculous. This is much too hasty and –”
“No, it is not. The last time I found myself engaged, I did so after some time in the company of the lady. I thought my heart had an affection for her, only to prove to myself that I did not truly know her at all. Now, however, I have opportunity to take my time and be cautious, while, at the same time, making preparations for a wedding. I cannot see any difficulty in this and I certainly do not want to have any sort of argument. What I should like, Mother, is your support.”
The Duchess shook her head but said nothing, turning her head away from him.
“As I have said, I am returning to the estate in a sennight’s time. You may join us, if you wish, or remain here in London. It does not concern me what you do.”
After some moments of silence, the Duchess took in a long breath and then let it out again, shaking her head at him. “Why must you be engaged? Why could you not simply court the lady?”
“Because it would not be proper to spend many weeks at my estate with a young lady such as she under my roof. We must be engaged.”
“And you think you will be able to discern her character in that time?”
Henry nodded. “I do. In addition, she will be able to understand all that is expected of her as a Duchess and that cannot be considered to be a bad thing. I think it might work out very well, provided her character is as her father states and that she can be trusted.”
His mother considered this, nodding slowly before she answered. “Then might I suggest, my dear, that you make a house gathering?”
Henry frowned. “Why should I do that?”
“Because you must see this young lady as she is. You must be able to discern whether she will be suitable as a Duchess, must you not? And she must experience what it will be like tobein such a role. Therefore, why do you not invite a few close friends along with you? It would mean that things would also be a little less… intense for Miss Tidemore.”
“I do notwantto invite other people,” Henry protested.
“But think of this young lady – though I know that such a thing must be difficult for you given that you are not inclined to such things!” His mother spoke a little more sharply now, her eyes flashing. “You are not considering this young lady at all, are you? All you are thinking on isyourrequirements! I am sitting here telling you that it would be better forherto have more company aside from just myself and you, but simply becauseyoudo not want to do such a thing,youdecide that – ”
“Very well, verywell, Mother!” Henry interrupted, growing weary of his mother’s complaints. “Do as you wish.”
His mother blinked. “Me?”
“Yes, you may organise the house gathering but I want no more than two other families.”
“Three.”
Henry rolled his eyes. “Very well. Three. I shall call upon Lord Tidemore tomorrow and inform him that his whole family are invited to the house.”
