Page 15 of The Penitent Duke
Rosalind nodded, a sense of relief washing over her. “Thank you, father. I do value your understanding.”
“Of course.” He smiled at her though Rosalind was sure that she saw a little glint in his eye, as though he somehow was a little upset at having to even tell her of the Duke’s offer. “You will make the right decision, Rosalind, I am sure, whatever it is you decide.”
She tried to offer her father her best attempt at a smile which, she was sure, was nothing more than a wobble. Her mother moved closer and embraced her as best she could and Rosalind leaned into it, tears threatening to burst forth all over again. Doing what she could to calm herself, Rosalind took in long, steadying breaths and squeezed her eyes closed, trying to quieten the frantic thoughts rushing through her mind. Everything in her wanted to push back from the Duke of Strathmore, wanted to decline him with as much strength as she could and yet the sensible part of her told her that it would not be wise to turn her back on the possibility. Not as yet anyway.
“I think I would like to talk to the Duke of Strathmore before I make any sort of decision,” she said, pushing herself away from her mother just a little and looking back at her, seeing the concern shining in Lady Fairmont’s eyes. “You would not be upset if I chose to do so, would you?”
“Not in the least,” her father said, before Lady Fairmont could say a word. “We would understand entirely, I am sure. Would you like your mother or I to be present with you when you speak with him? He is to call upon us later and –”
Another shock jolted through Rosalind’s frame. “The Duke of Strathmore is cominghere?”
“Yes, he is.” Lord Fairmont rubbed one hand over his eyes. “Forgive me, I thought I had mentioned that he intends to call upon us this afternoon.”
“Why?”
Lord Fairmont harrumphed, looking a little embarrassed. “Because I do not know his reasons for desiring such a match. I believe he recognized just how astonished I was at his suggestion and, therefore, he said he would come to call today. The truth is, I should like to hear why he wishes to marry so soon. I am concerned that there may be some other reason aside from the fact that he requires a suitable wife.”
“I agree, though if there is not and he seeks only to wed, then that is not something your father and I would pull you back from.” Lady Fairmont searched Rosalind’s face. “There is much that needs to be explained, I think.”
Rosalind rose half out of her chair. “I should like to speak with him. Alone.”
Her father blinked rapidly but then lifted his shoulders. “Very well. I can trust your judgement, Rosalind and if you think it best to speak with the Duke of Strathmore alone, then you shall.”
“With the door open,” her mother interjected, a frown on her face. “I will not have the servants whispering.”
With a small but brief smile, Rosalind nodded. “Thank you.”
A slight frown flickered across her father’s forehead. “Will you be quite prepared by the time this afternoon comes? I know this has come as something of a shock to you and you will have much to say to him but you must be careful in what you ask and in how you speak. I say this not to berate you but to caution you.”
Rosalind nodded. “I understand what you mean. You do not want me to behave in a way that might bring about any further embarrassment to our family but I do not think that you need to be concerned. The Duke of Strathmore does not appear to be in the least bit concerned when it comes to propriety and the like, given what he has asked me! But I shall behave quite correctly, I assure you. I shall be prepared and poised, though I shall speak my mind at the very same time.”
Her father smiled, glancing at his wife. “Which is just what we would expect of you,” he said, gently. “Very well, Rosalind. Speak to him as you wish and then think on all that has been said. The decision is yours to make.”
Chapter Seven
Lucian cleared his throat, pacing up and down the drawing room, his hands clasped behind his back. This was not at all what he had expected, for neither Lord Fairmont nor Lady Fairmont had been waiting in the drawing room to meet him! Instead, he had been shown into an entirely empty room and was now waiting for Lord Fairmont to deign him with his presence! It was most unexpected and, Lucian considered, somewhat rude.
Muttering to himself, he pushed one hand over his dark hair, which then fell loosely over his forehead. Brushing it to one side, he came to a stop upon spying the brandy in the corner of the room. Shrugging inwardly, he did not hesitate but walked directly towards it, fully intending to help himself. After all, it was the least that could be done for him, given their tardiness! Picking up the decanter, he removed the top and prepared to pour a measure.
“Might I ask what you think you are doing, Your Grace?”
Lucian started in surprise, looking across to the door and seeing none other than Lady Rosalind standing, framed within it. He tried to open his mouth and respond but Lady Rosalind arched one eyebrow and the words failed on his lips.
“I do not think that my father would approve nor appreciate what you are doing,” Lady Rosalind continued, coming a little further into the room but leaving the door wide open. “Might you set the glass down, Your Grace? If you wish for a measure, then I can send for my father and you might ask him yourself.”
Lucian’s jaw tightened. He was not in the least bit pleased with how Lady Rosalind was speaking to him and certainly found himself a good deal irritated with her sharp words to him. All the same, however, there was a slight flush of embarrassment rushing up his chest and into his face and, albeit reluctantly, he did set the glass down.
“I thank you.” Lady Rosalind gestured towards one of the chairs, her eyebrows still lifted. “If you might sit, Your Grace? I believe that we have some things we need to discuss.”
“We?” Lucian did not move, though Lady Rosalind made to sit down regardless, folding her hands in her lap and looking back at him with a sharp gaze. “I am here to discuss something with your father.”
Her chin lifted a fraction. “No, Your Grace. You are here to discuss the proposal of marriage with me. After all, I am the one you seek to wed, am I not? Therefore, I am the one that you should speak to.”
Lucian did not know how to respond to this. To his mind, he ought only to be speaking to the lady’s father, given that Lord Fairmont would give his consent to the match. Why would the lady herself be involved?
“You think that my father would simply inform me that I am to marry you?” Lady Rosalind let out quiet laugh as she shook her head, a slightly teasing sound in it, irritating him further. “Your Grace, I believe you misunderstand my father if you think that he would ever demand that I wed a gentleman that he has chosen for me! He informed me of your request but now, it is entirely given to me.”
“I hardly think that you are best placed to make such a decision.” Despite his irritation, Lucian made his way to sit opposite her, seeing how a hint of color touched her cheeks. “A lady cannot understand the situation with all its complexities. Nor can she often see what is best for her. She is much too emotional that way, I fear.”
