Page 25 of Finding Hope
“He left the party?”
“Before it really started. The Duchess was furious.”
“’Tis a wonder, then, that he decided to host this one,” Patience remarked.
“I agree. I believe it was for his father,” Montford said quietly. “Poor Rotham has had so many lures thrown out to him. I do not envy his plight.”
“Frankly, I am surprised he does not wed someone just to stop the nonsense,” Carew added.
“That is exactly what the Duchess wants and therefore why he has refused so far. I do not blame him. I would not want to marry just anyone either,” Freddy said.
Hope listened, feeling ill. Had she known, she would have guarded her heart more closely.
They quieted as the soup was removed, and several dishes, such as John Dory fish in a creamy mushroom sauce, salmonwith lemon and capers, and roasted partridge wrapped in bacon, were placed around the table for them to serve themselves. Hope wanted none of them, though she selected one and made a small effort.
Something occurred at the head table, causing everyone sitting there to laugh. Hope tried not to feel left out.
“I agree that Rotham threw this house party for his father. Perhaps the Duke begged him to choose a bride before, you know…” Patience stated as though the conclusion were obvious.
Hope noticed the looks that passed between the gentlemen. Was Patience right?
Suddenly, the fish in her mouth tasted like ash. She hated the thought that she only had a short time to prove herself. That made everything even worse.
Her Grace thoughtshe was so clever, Max fumed inwardly. She had rearranged the seating plan to make certain he was sitting next to Vivienne Cunningham and as far from Hope Whitford as possible. The Duchess might not have full power, but she was determined to put a spoke in his wheel however she could. Next time, he would warn Diana and the servants not to let her Grace make changes. Max had left the seating to Diana, because he didn’t want subconsciously to favour Miss Whitford. However, he knew Diana would not have paired him with Vivienne. It would serve her right if he sent her back to London for the slight she’d served the Whitford ladies that night.
Part of the problem with Miss Cunningham was that she agreed with everything Max said and would giggle the rest of the time. Truly, she would be better served to stay in the schoolroomwith Susan and Joy until she had matured a little, being only a few months beyond them in age.
Max looked at the other table with longing. They were talking and laughing openly like old friends do. He dragged his gaze back to the main table and muttered something to his other dinner partner that really required little participation from him. Summerton was in the midst of one of his monologues on the new corn laws. Lady Alice objected to something Summerton said, and they began a belligerent discussion usually reserved for gentlemen within the confines of a club. Why was it again that he did not think Hope qualified? He would try to ascertain how she felt about things when next he had the chance, but his mind was made up in one respect. Lady Alice, with her opinionated disposition, was definitely not compatible.
Vivienne was speaking with Lord Wilton, so Max took the opportunity to survey the other ladies on his list.
He turned to see Lady Matilda watching him with a predatory look. He raised an eyebrow at her, letting her know he saw her watching. He had never really given her much consideration since she was younger than Lady Agatha, but there was definitely something about her that was uncomfortable. He had seen that look before in determined mamas…and card sharps.
With a coy glance, she began to mouth something at him that he could not make out, so he scowled, hoping she would take that as disinterest, and turned back to the discussion between Lady Alice and Summerton. He would definitely have to look out for Lady Matilda. She had entrapment on her mind, or at the very least, seduction. That part was certainly unexpected.
The relief Max felt when Diana stood up to escort the ladies to the drawing room was undeniable. However, when he looked at the other end of the table and saw his father was looking very peaked, Max stood, too. “For those of you who wish tostay behind and drink port, you are welcome to do so. I think, however, that we may relax the rules a little during this party. Consider yourselves at liberty to go where you will.”
A couple of the older men looked at him with surprise, but accepted the port and settled into conversation. Max went to his father.
“Would you like to retire, sir? You look a little tired,” he said quietly in his ear.
“I think I will. There has been more excitement in one day than I’ve had in the last three years.” He chuckled lightly, but pushed himself to his feet. He further shocked Max by holding on to his arm, then bid farewell to the remaining guests. They seemed to understand and made no objections.
It was a long walk to the Duke’s quarters, and Max wondered if they should find somewhere more convenient to put him for these festivities. He would see that was done in readiness for the times when the Duke did not wish to walk so far.
The Duke’s valet was waiting for him when he arrived, and looked relieved to see his master. “Your Grace, you have overdone yourself!” the long-time retainer scolded, but it was evident it was only from concern.
“Nonsense, Hartley. But I am ready to retire now.”
Max turned to go, but the Duke stopped him. “Thank you for this, Max. But I will never forgive you if you marry Lady Alice.”
Max laughed. “You need not concern yourself on that score, Father.”
“Miss Whitford, on the other hand, is enchanting.”
Max smiled. He could not deny it. “Did you truly serve with her father, or was that for the benefit of the Duchess?”
“Oh, yes,” the Duke replied with a twinkle in his eyes, not actually answering either question to satisfaction.
