Page 6 of The Marquess's Imperfect Brid
“Of course, Father,” he said, careful to keep his tone neutral. “I am perfectly aware of this.”
The duke studied him as though looking for any indication that Gareth was not taking him seriously.
“I must ensure that you understand that that applies to all duties expected of a duke,” he said with a meaningful stare. “In truth, I had imagined you married before now.”
Gareth ignored the dread filling him as he shrugged.
“I only just returned home from two years abroad,” he said. “I have not yet even attended a ball.”
The duke nodded with more urgency.
“A man is certainly entitled to take his Grand Tour any time he wishes,” he said. “However, now that you have returned, you must begin focusing on marrying. And marrying well, at that.”
Gareth bit his cheek, taking another drink to ensure that there was no reaction to the heaviness Gareth was beginning tofeel as his father spoke. Thomas had told him what his parents were plotting. And Gareth knew this was the moment where it would be revealed to him by his father.
“I just returned yesterday,” he said, repeating his previous point as he thought about one of the first things Thomas had said to him before they took the walk in the gardens. “I am certain that I will have no shortage of unwed young ladies vying for my attention.”
The duke gave his head a firm shake, narrowing his eyes.
“There are many young ladies who come from good families,” he said dismissively. “However, our family’s reputation is immaculate, without a single blemish anywhere in our history. I secured it by making the match to marry your mother. Now, it is up to you to carry on that legacy by marrying a woman whom we know has a reputation equal to ours. And I believe that Cecilia is one such woman.”
Gareth made it a point to seem surprised.
“You speak as though you have already thought about this,” he said, some of his bitterness creeping into his voice.
The duke gave a dry chuckle, but he did not meet Gareth’s eyes.
“It is quite obvious that Cecilia would make an excellent match for you,” he said. “And it is equally obvious that she has an interest in you. We also know that she comes from a good family. You could certainly do worse for yourself.”
Gareth finished his drink, staring blankly at the empty glass. I could certainly do better for myself, as well, Father.
***
When Grace and Juliet entered the orphanage, the children’s faces instantly brightened. They waved to her from their seats, where Abigail had already settled them in preparation for their lessons. Abigail approached the women,embracing them both and pausing to give Lady Whiskers a pat on the head. The feline purred, turning to make her way through the children, which brought them even more joy as she wove herself in between them.
“Will you be teaching us a new song today?” one little voice asked.
Grace looked up into the bright green eyes of a boy named Benjamin. She gave him an innocent look and shrugged.
“Perhaps,” she said, causing the room to fill with the gasps and excited chatter of the orphans. “But first, we must practice our most recent one and see how well you all have done since your last lesson.”
The children straightened themselves in their seats as Lady Whiskers finished her rounds through them all and returned to Grace, taking her place at her mistress’s feet as Grace settled in on the bench. As Grace began to play, she allowed herself to disappear into the notes of the music, as she always did. For the next hour, she was able to forget about her nerves regarding her family’s house party. She drew from the beautiful music drifting from the pianoforte, and from the joy and delight from the children who relished her lessons.
After the lesson, Abigail dismissed the children to wash up for their lunch. She then smiled at Grace, patting her shoulder.
“Won’t you stay and join me for tea, dear?” she asked.
Grace nodded, returning the warm smile.
“I would be delighted,” she said.
Abigail led the way to the small vicarage parlor. Grace gasped when she saw that they would not be taking tea alone.
“Millicent, darling,” Grace said, rushing across the room and embracing her friend. “I did not know you were here today.”
Millicent Hughes beamed, gesturing toward the back of the vicarage.
“I arrived early this morning,” she said. “Father sent mewith money to begin purchasing items for the less fortunate for Christmastide. So, I came to speak with Abigail about which things I should buy and to help her organize the things she already has.”
