Page 48 of Finding Hope
Rotham had been very attentive as well, but his care for her was simply as that of a friend, which only made things worse. Perhaps she could have a good marriage with someone like Brosner.
As she lay in bed, contemplating the posset Jenkins had left for her, there was a light knock on her door.
Hope saw her sister’s face as the panel cracked open. “May I come in? I wasn’t sure if you would still be awake.”
“Yes, of course.”
Faith entered, closing the door behind her, and then climbed on the bed next to Hope, just like old times.
“What are you doing in here? I thought you would be with Westwood.”
“He is visiting with his friends, and I wanted to see how your head was feeling.”
Hope reached up to touch the bandage. “It is sore to the touch, but my head is no longer throbbing, thankfully.”
“I am relieved to hear it. I thought you might need to talk alone. Patience and Grace are worried about you. They said you have not been yourself lately.”
It was true, but Hope did not want to make her sister feel guilty or responsible. “Naturally, I have been missing you.”
“And I, you. But there is also the matter of Lord Rotham. Do you wish to tell me about it? Has something happened?”
“There is not much to tell. The Duchess loathes me and does not think I am a suitable bride for her son.”
“What mother ever thinks someone good enough for their son?”
“The Dowager adores you,” Hope pointed out.
“I am fortunate,” Faith agreed.
“I have decided to consider other suitors. Lord Brosner has been very attentive.”
“Has he indicated a desire to court you?” Faith asked.
“Not in words, no,” Hope conceded.
“I only ask because Westwood says he desperately needs to marry a fortune.”
“Of course he does!” Hope retorted cynically. “I finally meet someone else I think I could muddle along with, and he cannot afford to consider me.”
“Have you given up all hope of Rotham?”
“It is very clear that he has brought all these ladies here to pick a bride. He has been paying each of them marked attention.”
“Any one more than the others?” Faith asked, considering.
“Actually, no. I cannot say he seems to favour any one person. He has even continued to be very civil to me, but there is not the easiness that we had before.” Hope fidgeted with the embroidered edge of the coverlet. “I do not want a marriage where I am considered beneath my husband in every way.”
“Tell me he has never said so,” Faith demanded, incredulous.
“Well, no, not he, but the fact that he is considering other ladies is enough to tell me he, too, doubts my suitability.”
“Perhaps he is only considering other ladies to satisfy his mother,” she countered.
“I do not know, Faith. Mayhap I am not suited to be a duchess. I have no desire for any of this.” She waved her hand around. “I know I always thought I wanted a grand match, but I would be happy living a simple life in a cottage with him.”
Faith took Hope’s hand and squeezed it. “I understand completely. But do not give up just yet. Maybe things are not as they seem.”
“I certainly doubt it. I cannot help but wonder if the notes I am receiving are because of his previous partiality for me.”
