Page 13 of Finding Hope
“None taken. Vivienne is more like a sister to me,” Max explained.
Freddy nodded his agreement.
“However, and I would prefer this to remain between us, I do intend to marry soon. My father would enjoy seeing me wed, though to the bride of my choice.”
Gilford knocked lightly, then brought in a tray with ale and sandwiches. “I thought you might enjoy some refreshment after your travels,” he said to the gentlemen, and then bowed his way out.
“Don’t mind if I do,” Freddy said, and helped himself. “So if not Viv, do you have someone in mind?”
“Miss Hope,” Montford answered for Max.
“Oh, I see.”
“Freddy, have you been under a rock these past few months?” Montford asked with a shake of his head.
“I am aware they were always paired together, but that does not mean he means to marry her.”
“Quite right,” Max agreed. “Not everyone is suited to be a duchess, or wants to be one.”
Montford scoffed. “I have yet to meet a lady who lacks that ambition.”
“The Whitford ladies are lovely, but they were hardly brought up to run grand estates or be political hostesses,” Max argued.
“Who cares for that?” Freddy argued. “I’d rather marry someone I liked.”
“Hear, hear.” Carew raised his ale in a mocking toast.
“You have decided to take an interest in the Lords, then?” Montford always did his duty, and could not let this one pass.
“There are many things that cannot be ignored. I have no inclination to be a great politician, but also I will not shirk my responsibilities there,” Max answered.
“I will be glad of a comrade in the House. Carew rarely takes an interest in voting.” Montford shot Carew a speaking look.
“Back to the Whitford ladies. They are all intelligent, and could learn what they needed to know. Between your steward, your housekeepers and servants, your estates practically run themselves,” Carew pointed out.
“I’d hate to see Miss Hope hurt. It was clear that she was taken with you,” Montford added.
Max was instantly offended. “What makes you think I wish to hurt her?”
“Ever since the wedding breakfast, she has looked sad,” Carew remarked.
“How is that my fault? I have been here since then.”
Carew shrugged. “I assume you have invited eligible ladies here in order to choose your duchess. You and Miss Hope were sitting in each other’s pockets until the wedding, at which your mother announced your betrothal to Freddy’s sister—which you did not deny, by the by.”
“How could I do so without insulting Vivienne?”
“I agree it would have been in poor taste to do so then, but if you did not speak to Miss Whitford—she must assume it to be true.”
Max cursed. He hated it when he was wrong and had wronged. He had wanted to go after Hope and explain, but he’d been too furious with his mother to speak to anyone at the time. “She will realize once she arrives. Besides, there was never anything spoken of beyond friendship between the two of us.”
All three of his boyhood friends looked at him with disappointment. How did he tell them he was sure that HopeWhitford was his future duchess when he was not certain himself?
“Has it occurred to any of you that Miss Whitford might not wish to marry me?”
They all looked at him blankly.
“No.” They answered in unison.
