Page 18 of A Spinster's Unexpected Marriage
“Yes, yes, that is quite right.” James himself drew in a steady breath, pushing away the confusing thoughts within his own mind and settling himself again. “Thetonmust see me defend you, must be quite certain that I have come to care for you so that, when the time comes, I can be adequately heart broken and all will go as I hope.”
Martha smiled but it was not a smile of gladness, of happiness or of understanding. Instead, there was a sadness to it and though James did his best to ignore it, there was something about that look, something about the weight in her expression, that made him suddenly very confused indeed.
Chapter Ten
“I thought it was a little strange, seeing him come to your defence in that way.”
Martha let out a broken laugh. “I did too, until I realised what his intentions truly were.”
Miss Stockton clicked her tongue in obvious displeasure. “It seems most frustrating to me that he would behave in such a way but, then again, it should not be a surprise. After all, all he has ever done is live just as he himself pleases.”
“And has done everything to make certain thathegets whathedesires,” Martha muttered, her irritation growing. “Though I will say, there was some pleasure in having the gentlemen look at me with a new respect.”
“Because you are engaged to the Marquess of Granton.”
Martha nodded then winced. “It is because of him, yes, as much as I hate to admit it.”
“But no gentleman has shown you any interest as yet?”
Again, Martha shook her head. “Though it has only been a sennight. They will all now converse with me, which is a good thing. I was not certain that they would have all done so prior to his conversation with Lord Billington and Lord Rochester!”
Miss Stockton put her arm through Martha’s by way of encouragement as they continued through the park. It was a warm summer’s day and Martha found herself smiling contentedly, despite her own frustrating circumstances. She still had hope; hope that she would be free of this difficulty very soon and might then find herself by the side of another gentleman. A gentleman who would be nothing but the opposite of Lord Granton and who would consider her in a way that he never could.
“I am sure we shall find someone very soon.”
Martha tried to smile while inwardly battling doubts that would not leave her. “It seems to me that there is a great deal of difficulty in this, greater than I had imagined.” She glanced to her friend who was looking back at her with concern in her eyes. “It is not that I am without hope, for of course I am, but only to say that I did not realise that some gentlemen would be so unwilling to even consider my company! I thought that, with being engaged to the Marquess of Granton, I would find them all a little more willing to accept my company.”
“And how can you find and secure another match if you cannot even have gentlemen willing to speak with you,” Miss Stockton finished, completing Martha’s concerns for her. “Is that what you mean?”
Martha nodded, her throat constricting with a sudden tightness. “What if I have no choice but to marry the Marquess after all? What if all my endeavours come to nothing?”
“Now, do not fear such a thing, not as yet,” Miss Stockton said, firmly. “You are only just engaged, are you not? And the wedding date has not yet been set. All of society is talking about your engagement and though their conversation might focus on the Marquess and, thereafter, your father, that does not mean that there is no hope for you. Yes, society might have been reminded of your father’s indiscretions but again, I am certain that we will find some gentlemen that are entirely willing to set that aside.” She took in a deep breath and smiled though Martha was certain that it was rather forced. “We will find someone this very afternoon, I think.”
“This afternoon?” Martha could not help the surprise which filled her voice. “I do not think that – ”
“Look, there is a group of gentlemen and ladies there,” Miss Stockton proclaimed, gesturing to a small, gathered group standing a little away from the path. “Might we not go and speak with them? I am sure that someone will be interested in speaking with you.” Her eyes danced as she stopped suddenly, turning to Martha. “I have an idea! A thought as to what will make all of the gentlemen question why you are so favoured.”
Martha frowned, hesitant. “What do you mean?”
“Well, there must be something about you that has caused the Marquess of Granton, the rogue and the scoundrel, to set that life aside in order to pursue you, must there not?” Miss Stockton’s smile grew bigger. “Not everyone will have heard of the bet but even if they have, we can emphasise the fact that the Marquess himself has stepped away from the loves and the pursuits that he was once so eager to take a hold of, can we not? I can talk about how he no longer chases after every lady that he desires, how he has set his gaze solely upon you and quietly make the suggestion that there is something quite remarkable about you that has drawn the Marquess’ attention. Think of it, my dear friend! The Marquess says he will make it quite plain that he is half in love with you – for his own purposes, of course – but even that guise might be just what is needed to have the attention of others drawn towards you.”
A little uncertain still, Martha caught the edge of her lip, considering.
“It will be just what you need, I assure you,” Miss Stockton continued, evidently seeing the concern in Martha’s face. “I will do all the talking and by the end of it, I am quite sure that you will have every gentleman there eager to converse with you – or, at the very least, be willing to speak with you. That will be a good thing, will it not? After all, you do not want to be married to him, do you?”
“No, I do not,” Martha answered, emphatically, her mind suddenly clear. “You are quite right, Anna. I must do whatever I can in order to break my engagement. Yes, do whatever you think will show even the smallest hint of success.”
***
“You mustallknow that this is Lady Martha Newton.” Miss Stockton nudged Martha lightly, a bright smile on her face. “I am sure that you are all aware of the engagement which has taken place, are you not?”
“Between the Marquess of Granton and Lady Newton?” one of the young ladies said, as Martha’s cheeks grew hotter and hotter, very well aware of all the attention which was being placed upon her at present. “Yes, I believe that the entirety of thetonknows of it!” She sniffed and looked towards Martha, a question in her eyes. “I must say, I was rather surprised to hear it.”
Wondering silently if this young lady was one of the Marquess’ many conquests, Martha spread out her hands, trying to smile. “I too was rather surprised, Miss Westerly.”
“Ah, but the Marquess has been so devoted, has he not?” Miss Stockton asked, her voice loud enough to capture the attention of everyone present. “I have heard – and seen – that there has been a vast change in his character and his behaviour this last sennight.”
One of the gentlemen cleared his throat and sniffed. “Yes, I suppose that is true,” he admitted, his eyes now going to Martha’s and settling there. “You must be rather remarkable, Lady Newton, to have captured the heart of the Marquess of Granton and altered him so significantly.”
