Page 8 of A Scandalous Love for the Enticing Duke
“How can they accept a proposal I did not even make? What absurdity is this? Did you not think to inform me beforehand? Before writing this letter to these people you speak of?”
“You know the Duke and Duchess, Nicholas. You will address them with the level of respect befitting their persons. Moreover, a proposal from us in your name is as good as a proposal from you,” his father scolded, and he scoffed.
Nicholas could not believe his ears. He stopped his pacing to regard his parents, to really see if they meant these words, for never in his wildest imagination had he thought they would be capable of such things. When they remained unfazed and unyielding, he realised that they were, in fact, not pulling a prank on him.
“You two are actually serious? You both have gone behind my back and set me up to be married to a girl I barely even know, someone I have never met in my entire life. And where did you get the idea that it would be peachy, making such a life-changing decision for a grown man such as myself?” His voice was slightly raised, and while this was the last thing he wanted to do, he could not help himself. Marriage? He was only twenty-eight years old! This was 1818! Who made arranged marriages for men, these days? In truth, though, if he was to admit, he was more vexed about the fact that his consent had not been sought before actions were carried out.
His parents remained quiet after his outburst, and as the silence continued, he forced himself to calm and resume his seat. As he got over his anger, he spoke again. His voice was a reasonable volume this time.
“I do not think it entirely fair that I am only hearing of this now, after the deed has been done. While I apologise for raising my voice, I too demand an apology.”
It was almost a grumble, but the Duke and Duchess heard, anyway.
“We apologise, son,” they chorused right away, and he raised his head, so he could hold their gaze. They were smiling at him, and he knew that they were indeed, sorry. He found his lips curving in a brilliant smile of their own, in response. He loved his parents and knew that they wanted the best for him.
“So, what can you tell me about this Lady Agnes?”
“Oh, she’s wonderful!” his mother exclaimed, rising from her seat to come to him. As she arrived at his side, she perched on the arm of the sofa which he sat and placed her arm around his shoulder.
“I have met her a couple of times. You would have too if you did not shy away from social functions, especially balls. She is as fair as the morning star, quite sensible too. She strikes me as calm, a lady who has her wits about her, and who would do a great job, organising and managing her household. Her hips look excellent for child bearing too. No doubt, she would birth you beautiful heirs. Thankfully, she has the bosom to feed them all, including you. There is absolutely nothing to worry about, Nicholas.”
Nicholas felt heat stain his cheeks at his mother’s words. His intended wife’s bosom and what he would do with it, was not a topic he found comfortable discussing with his mother. He cleared his throat and looked at his father who mirrored the teasing smile that had been in his mother’s voice.
“Why now? I was going to get married, eventually. I was planning towards when I clock thirty.”
“Thirty, twenty-eight, what difference do a couple of years make? Your grandfather used to say there is no better time than now. Wise man, he was.” Nicholas heard his father, but he was more concerned about how his old man looked. He seemed pale and frail, and he spoke with care. Though that was not quite glaring, his father was always sharp and about, but ever since he arrived, the Duke had been on his chair, not moving an inch.
“Of course he was Father, bless his soul. Are you feeling well?” He felt his mother stiffen beside him, but before he could turn to look at her, Henry answered.
“Ah. I am afraid, not so well. I have been battling a flu for about a week now. It’s left me weakened, but I can feel my strength gradually starting to return.”
It must be a serious flu to knock his father down so hard, Nicholas thought. He even looked like he had lost a few pounds of weight. He battled with going to him but sound judgement won. His father would not want to be treated like a weakling, so he remained where he was.
“Do feel better, Father. I would love to see you up and about in no time.”
Henry gave a hearty laugh, no doubt at the concern in his voice, and his worry eased. If he could laugh so well, then obviously, there was nothing to worry about.
“That you Will. By the time the season rolls around, I’ll be as good as new. You will partake fully in this season too if you must court your betrothed.”
Hearing that word made it sound all the more official, and Nicholas wondered if he was indeed ready to take this step. Yet, he knew his father was right. He was bound to get married at some point. What difference did now make from later? Better to get it over with while he could. In fact, now that his initial shock and anger had vanished, he almost felt grateful that his parents had taken the chore of finding a wife off his hands.
“I suppose that is fair.” The prospect of participating in the season held no thrill for him, but if he was to be married, then he had to socialise more.
“I must say this though, if upon meeting the Lady Agnes, I do not find her agreeable, I am afraid I would have to call off whatever agreement already stands between our family and theirs. I understand that love grows in marriage as you two have so often told me and proved. However, I will not enter into a marriage with a woman whom I do not feel the slightest bit of emotion for.”
His parents exchanged meaningful looks, and he knew they were having a perfect conversation. It was something that always awed him, right from when he was little. He wondered, like he usually did, if he was ever going to be able to have this surreal connection with the woman that would be his wife.
“That is reasonable and only to be expected, since we would not want a failed marriage for you, either. We agree.”
“Thank you, Father.” Henry gave him a curt nod, and he turned to look at his mother.
“You too, Mother. I shall do my best to make the both of you happy and proud.”
“Oh dear!”she exclaimed as she palmed his cheeks, cradling his face. It did not matter if they were still discussing his marriage. He knew he would always be a little bit to his mother.
“Seeing you happy and doing the right thing by your heart, gives us that joy and pride. You are the best son anyone could have asked for.”
“Now, you are going to cause me to shed a tear,” he teased. “Do not let Benjamin hear that, though. You know how he gets at the slightest hint of your preference for me.”
