Page 27 of Snowbound with the Scoundrel
Clarissa did understand that all too well.She hadn’t attracted many beaux back when she’d had no dowry and a threadbare wardrobe.Only Rupert Dupree, who had promptly jilted her.
At least… she thought he had.Clarissa glanced at the far end of the table, where Rupert was chatting away with their hosts’ son, Lawrence.By all appearances, it was a jovial conversation.And it had been gallant of him to accompany her onto the roof, even if he had only been in the way.
In truth, Clarissa wasn’t sure what to think about Rupert Dupree anymore.
Clarissa offered Miss Cuthbert a sympathetic smile.“I remember all too well what that was like.”
Teacup halfway to her mouth, Miss Cuthbert gave her a curious look.“Remember?What do you mean, remember?”
Clarissa began buttering her toast.“Oh, I’m sorry.I thought it was common knowledge.My elder sister, Eleanor, married the Duke of Norwood two months ago.This brought about a sea change in our financial fortunes.”
Miss Cuthbert gestured to Clarissa’s gown.“You clearly got a new wardrobe.”
“This gown is actually borrowed from Lady Emily.”Clarissa nodded at her host’s daughter, who beamed at her from a few seats down.“My trunk has gone astray, and she was kind enough to lend me these lovely things.But you are correct—the duke was generous enough to purchase new clothes for me and my sisters.”Having finished spreading the butter, Clarissa took up the pot of marmalade.“But he did more than that—he has insisted upon dowering the three of us.”
Clarissa’s dining companion from last night, Lady Ashington, looked up from her tea.“Did I hear that correctly?Norwood has dowered you, my dear?”
“He has,” Clarissa confirmed.
“How much?”the marchioness asked, getting straight to the point.
Clarissa swallowed, conscious that the room had fallen silent as everyone strained to hear the lateston dit.“We each have twenty thousand pounds—”
“Twenty thousand!”Lady Ashington exclaimed.“That is a very respectable portion.Very respectable indeed.”
“I am extremely grateful for His Grace’s generosity,” Clarissa began.
Lady Ashington did not seem to be attending.“With your looks and your new connections, there is no reason you should not make a splendid match.No reason in the world.”
“Oh!”Clarissa shifted in her seat.“I honestly haven’t thought much about marrying.”
“Well, you’re going to think about it now,” Lady Ashington said.“I am going to take you under my wing.Let’s see, who is looking to marry next year?”
“What about the Earl of Feltham?”Lady Emily asked.
“Lord Feltham is an excellent suggestion,” Lady Ashington said.“He is young, rich, handsome…”
Clarissa could not believe this was happening.She had never considered herself as the potential bride to an earl, not once in her life!
She attempted to infuse her voice with good humor.“If Lord Feltham is such a good match, perhaps you should set your cap for him, Lady Emily.”
Lady Emily screwed up her pretty face.“Oh, no—Stuart is practically a brother to me.I could never see him that way.”
“There is also Viscount Burlton,” Lady Ashington noted.“Not quite as handsome as Feltham, but he has all his teeth.And he’s bookish.I fancy you would prefer a husband who is a bit bookish, would you not, Miss Weatherby?”
“I… I honestly haven’t given it a moment’s thought,” Clarissa admitted.“I had assumed I would never marry, after…” She cleared her throat, conscious that Rupert Dupree, like everyone else at the table, was listening.“You know.”
“Of course, dear.Of course,” Lady Ashington said.“That is why you need me to guide you.Let’s see, Lord Feltham, Lord Burlton… I should really get some paper and write these down.”
“That is an excellent suggestion!”Lady Emily exclaimed.“Have you finished your breakfast, my lady?Perhaps we could repair to the morning room to make a proper list.”
“As much as I appreciate the kind gesture,” Clarissa protested, “it is truly not necessary.”
Giving no sign that they were listening, Lady Ashington and Lady Emily rose from their seats.“Do you recall the name of that young diplomat?”Lady Ashington asked.“The extremely handsome one who recently returned from Denmark.”
Lady Emily brightened.“Do you mean Mr.Anthony Bainbridge?That is an excellent suggestion.I can picture Miss Weatherby as the wife of a diplomat.”
“As can I,” Lady Ashington murmured.“Do you speak any languages, child?”
