Page 20 of The Marquess's Imperfect Brid
Gareth sighed, even though he had known it was coming. It was hardly his idea for Lady Cecilia to attend the picnic, or any event which he attended. And it certainly was not his doing that she believed she could gain his affections. But to say such things to the duchess right then would only cause a scene. And being in the presence of Lady Grace, at an event hosted by her own family, no less, he simply would never do such a thing.
“I apologise, Mother,” he said. “I thought it proper to mingle with the family of the host of this lovely gathering.” And I would rather spend time with Lady Grace and her friends than with Lady Cecilia, no matter what, he added silently.
The duchess sneered over his shoulder at Lady Grace and her friends, narrowing her eyes when she looked back at her son.
“You will take Cecilia out on the lake. Gareth,” she said. “I will not allow you to turn your back on a lovely, cultured young lady who is quite interested in getting to know you. I do not need to remind you of how important it is for a future duke to carry and present himself in a certain way, especially in front of others, or how critical it is for you to fulfill your duties.”
Gareth pressed his teeth together, desperate to tell his mother that none of her scheming would make him choose to marry Lady Cecilia. He knew that his mother’s only concern wasthat he put up the appearance that he was interested in Lady Cecilia. She did not care if he truly was interested in her, as long as the ton believed that he was, and as long as he fulfilled the duty of marrying, and bearing a child with her.
He did not say a word about his misgivings or unhappiness with his mother, however. Again, he thought about how he did not wish to cause a problem for all to see during what had been, moments before, such a lovely day. Instead, he nodded curtly, taking a slow, deep breath before he spoke.
“Very well,” he said sharply. “I shall take Lady Cecilia out in a boat.”
Satisfied, the duchess of Darendale smirked at her son.
“Splendid,” she remarked. “Pray, do proceed my dear. I have no doubt you shall find it most delightful.”
Gareth turned so that his mother would not see him roll his eyes. I am absolutely certain that I will not, he thought bitterly as he approached Lady Cecilia. He offered a polite bow as he held out his hand.
“Care to join me, my lady?” he asked, deliberately keeping his words and tone as formal as possible. But as always, Lady Cecilia was oblivious to Gareth’s coldness. She giddily took his hand, placing her other hand on his arm and squeezing it with a sickening smile on her face.
“I cannot wait, Gareth,” she said, batting her eyes in the way that made Gareth’s stomach flip.
He silently led her to a boat, barely waiting until she was properly seated before he began rowing. He was not surprised when she moved herself closer and held onto him.
“I best hold close to you,” she said with what Gareth assumed must have been her attempt at charming innocence. “The waves on the water from the other boats could topple us.”
Gareth set his jaw as he rowed. He realized he should not have expected her to assist in the rowing. And he could not helpthinking that Lady Grace would have at least offered to help. Although if it were her in the boat with him, he would have been happy to do all the work. And to allow her to cling to him like Lady Cecilia was, as well.
“I can guarantee your safety,” he said blandly.
Lady Cecilia giggled as though he had told the funniest joke.
“Well, should I ever find myself in a predicament, I would be honoured to be rescued by you,” she said with another laugh.
Gareth could not tell whether she was trying to be witty or charming. But neither was appealing to him. In fact, the only thing that was appealing was to return his thoughts to Lady Grace. He felt a terrible nagging guilt at having abandoned her on the lake shore. He would have much rather been on the water with her warmth and radiance than stuck with Lady Cecilia and her weak, false efforts to gain his favor.
He was too glad when the boat ride came to an end, and he was able to release Lady Cecilia back onto the shore. He did so with mechanical effort, unable to fake the kind of warmth he felt with Lady Grace. He looked around, longing to return to the comfort and understanding he felt when he was with her.
***
“Grace, darling,” Millicent said as they looked toward the water.
Grace tilted her head, not taking her eyes off the lake. She strained to see Lord Hayewood, having felt an unjust disappointment when he had taken the lovely Lady Cecilia out in a boat.
“Yes?” she asked absently, straining to get a better look at the pair.
Millicent giggled, causing Grace to look at her with curiosity.
“Sweet Gracie, do you really not realise that you have an admirer?” she asked.
Grace shook her head, spotting the couple in their boat. The young woman appeared to be giggling, with her fingertips poised up to her lips. She could not see the marquess’s expression clearly, but his posture was stiff and he seemed to be focused ahead instead of on the woman beside him. That made sense, though, did it not? He was the one rowing the boat, after all. Naturally, that is where his attention should be.
“Do not be foolish, Millie,” she murmured, her heart sinking as the marquess turned toward the young woman for a moment. Clearly, they were conversing, and she had just said something that drew his attention. “With a beautiful woman like Lady Cecilia in his life, he could never have room for me.”
Millicent laughed again, patting Grace on the back.
“If you were not thinking the same thing, then how did you know to whom I was referring?” she asked.
