Page 4 of A Translation of Desire
He glared at Willa, thinking of various types of ways to get her back for encouraging their mother. What was missing? London was filled with impeccable ladies who were raised to become the perfect wives to lords. What did they lack? “Substance.”
His sister snorted, and his mother frowned at him. “What does that mean?”
He sighed. “I would like to meet someone who enjoys learning and has their own dreams.”
The duchess rolled her eyes. “Your bride’s dream will be to become a good wife.”
“Mother, I think he is saying he wants a bride who has other interests.”
“Your brother holds one of the vastest estates in the country. She won’t have time for such things.”
Movement at the doorway halted their discussion. Their butler Benson said, “Your Grace, your visitors for afternoon tea are here.”
“Thank you, Benson,” his mother said, standing. “Please show them to the drawing room. I will be there momentarily.”
Augustus did his best to conceal his excitement that this dreadful conversation was finally coming to an end. He had other responsibilities to occupy his time. As his mother said, his estate was vast, which didn’t include all his work for his import business.
His mother frowned at him again. “You must take this seriously. Choose someone. I want grandchildren, and I can’t allow your father’s line to die.”
A sliver of guilt shot through him at her words. She was worried about having an heir. He understood that her concerns were valid. No one could predict the future. “I will be more open-minded this Season.”
“Thank you.”
Both he and Willa watched as she left. Once her footsteps moved further down the hallway, he swung around to face his sister. “You could have warned me. The missive said it was an emergency.”
Willa smirked. “You should have easily ascertained what she wanted to discuss with you.”
“You could have tried to stop it or prepared me,” he sulked.
She sighed. “Honestly, Auggie, she does have a point. You are the duke. If I don’t get married, nothing will change. If you die without an heir, everything changes. She worries about that.”
He took another sip of his drink. “So, you’ve taken Mother’s side.”
Willa shook her head. “Of course not, but I’m glad we have a moment to speak alone because once Mother finds out this bit of gossip I’m about to tell you, she will likely be determined to see you wed this year.”
Augustus frowned. “What is it?”
“Lady Gillings will soon be out of mourning and is expected to come to the city.”
Hearing Catherine’s married name always startled him. She’d been the lady that, as a young man, he thought would be his bride. They’d been childhood friends and neighbors. Both of their families had assumed they would marry, but Catherine fell for the son of a viscount. Augustus had been twenty-two when she informed him that she loved someone else and wouldn’t give him up for a dukedom.
Her words broke his heart, but Augustus did find it commendable that she chose true love over status. Still, it hadn’t made it hurt any less. He’d wished her luck and did his best not to dwell on the what-ifs. His family received word last year that her husband had died of a fever. From what he understood, Catherine’s devastation had been unbearable, and she retreated to her husband’s country estate indefinitely.
His mother, always hoping for a marriage, suggested he contact her. Augustus was horrified at the idea and shut it down quickly. If she returned to London, his mother would be thrilled and determined.
“Do you still care for her?” Willa asked, interrupting his thoughts.
Did he? He didn’t know. He was so different from the young man who believed his whole future was planned out.
“I’m not sure. Honestly, I can’t see Mother trying to play matchmaker with Catherine and me. She just lectured me on my bride needing to be under twenty-five, not that I care about that requirement.”
Willa rolled her eyes. “If you loved her, that would trump everything for Mother.”
Augustus didn’t say anything.
Willa studied him. “Sometimes, I used to wonder if you loved her as much as you thought you did or if you had convinced yourself you did because everyone wanted you to marry her.”
He frowned at Willa. “I loved her, but so much has changed since then.”
