Page 41 of The Curious Life of the Unfortunate Duchess
“Indeed.” Leonard could not be sure but he thought he heard a note of disappointment in the Viscount’s single word.
Is he upset that I am interested in marrying Elizabeth or is there another matter on his mind?
Leonard decided not to pursue it, unsure if he had imagined the pitch of Percival’s voice.
“The only question which remains is if Mr. Follett will accept the union.”
The Viscount’s back stiffened and he tightened the reins in his hands. At his feet, one of the hounds yapped, indicating he sensed something in the trees beyond but for the first time since the hunt started, Percival was disinterested in another kill.
“I fear that without a mother, my brood has lacked in certain areas of discipline and etiquette. My demands have oft taken me away from Gordon on business and with Frances being…”
He trailed off, not wanting to admit to his oldest daughter’s affliction.
“With Frances being how she is,” Percival continued. “Elizabeth has inadvertently taken over the role of mistress of the house. She did not ask for the title and she does her duties without complaint but she is not David’s mother, nor is she a governess. I believe that David forgets this on occasion and sees her as someone to be put upon a pedestal. Sometimes I fear about the healthiness of such a relationship.”
“She deserves to be upon a pedestal,” Leonard interjected. “A lady who can do all that and keep her wits without a frown? I understand why the boy is protective of her. I do not fault him and I hope I can convince him that I only wish the best for her—and for your family.”
“You are a kind soul, Duke. Not many dukes have the tenderness of heart you portray. It shows in every aspect of your life. Your house staff is well cared for, your peasants in order. You are wealthy and yet unhated. You are handsome and yet not arrogant. Your humility humbles me.”
“And your flattery causes me to chuckle, Lord Gordon. There is no need to tout my attributes. I assure you I am well aware of them all.”
Percival laughed and shook his head.
“I am merely commenting on what I see. If you perceive that as flattery, forgive me but it is not intended as such. My Elizabeth is truly blessed to have you in her good graces.”
“I have you to thank for that, I believe. If you had not accepted my invitation, I would have had a much more difficult time of convincing Miss Elizabeth of my affections and intentions.”
“I am certain you would have found a way. Mr. Barlough managed.”
“Is that not something?” Leonard commented, raising an eyebrow in awe. “I have known Herbert Barlough my entire lifetime and never has he courted a soul. He took one look at Miss Follett and was instantly in love. I daresay, Lord Gordon, you daughters have the ability to bewitch the most stoic of men.”
“My daughters are special,” Percival agreed proudly. “If only David could display some of those qualities, I would be the happiest man to walk the earth.”
It was disappointing to hear the Viscount speak of his son in such a manner. Leonard had been so close to his father, it boggled the mind to imagine Aylmer speaking in such a way about himself.
“Mr. Follett is young,” Leonard offered, uncertain of how to answer. “All young men do offend their fathers in some way.”
“You did not.”
Leonard stared at the older man.
“I am certain I did,” he replied although he could not be sure that was true. “I may not have heard about it but surely there are matters I know my father would not have happily seen me through.”
“Indeed,” Percival commented slowly, a light sparking in his eyes as he recalled a memory regarding Leonard’s rebellious youth. The Viscount’s eyes rested on Leonard again.
“I do wish now that I had spent more time in Pembroke, speaking with your father. He truly was a great man. May God rest his soul.”
They fell into silence. The trees gave away to produce the lea between the woods and the manor house beyond. In the distance, Leonard could make out the other hunting party, already back at the estate.
“They have already returned,” Leonard commented.
“I am unsurprised. David has never seen anything through.”
“It is my own fault. I know how Herbert despises to hunt. He was undoubtedly in a hurry to return to Frances.”
“Perhaps, going forward, we should bring Lord Follett along with us and leave Herbert to entertain the women,” Leonard suggested. “I imagine Mr. Follett would enjoy spending the day learning from you.”
“Perhaps we will do that,” Percival replied but Leonard was left with impression that he did not wish to do that.
