Page 36 of King of Rogues
Her mother clicked her tongue. “I have it on good authority from Kitty Steele that he is kind and decent where women are concerned. That is all you need to worry about. Give it time, and you won’t even remember Viscount Walsall.”
A long period of awkward silence followed. Then Euphemia sighed. “No. I will not marry him. I love Simon. Not only that, but I have promised him my heart. You can say what you like Mama, but I am not marrying Monsale.”
The key in the door clicked once more, and it was opened.
“You will stay here and think on your words. When you are quite yourself, then you may rejoin the rest of the guests,” said Lady Marshall.
“But Mama.” Naomi flinched as Lady Marshall closed the door decisively behind her.
“You can’t make me marry that brute. He might have all the money in the world, but he will never be my darling Simon,” muttered Euphemia.
Following a silent interval, where Naomi could only surmise that Euphemia was quietly sulking, the door finally opened and closed one last time.
I like Lady Euphemia; she has a backbone. She won’t be forced into marrying Monsale.
It was now apparent that Monsale had offered for Lady Euphemia. But she in turn, wasn’t keen on the match. Unfortunately, the young woman’s opinion wasn’t the only one which counted. The main issue lay with Lady Marshall. The countess had got her sights set on being the mother-in-law of a duke.
Naomi knew enough from her own experience of being raised in a noble family, that determined society matrons were a force to be reckoned with; and once they had their minds set on something it was nigh on impossible to dissuade them. But if Euphemia continued to stand her ground, she still had a chance.
Is that what I want? He has chosen her—over me. If Euphemia says no, and won’t go through with the marriage, Monsale may have to come crawling. But even then, doesn’t that make me only the second best? The consolation prize.
After slipping the shawl from her face, Naomi quickly fixed her hair, then headed back into the party. She was badly in need of her mother’s counsel.
To her disappointment, the duchess couldn’t be found anywhere. The only family member she was able to locate was her father. The Duke of Redditch met her just inside the foyer.
“Ah, there you are, my sweet child. I have been looking everywhere for you. It’s not good form that you, an unwed young lady, cannot be easily located at a function. I’ll be having a word with your mother regarding this behavior.”
I am almost twenty-seven years of age. I am not some naïve debutante.
“Papa, I was in one of the private rooms for the ladies. I promise I wasn’t anywhere I shouldn’t be, and right this minute I am trying to find Mama. Have you seen her?”
Her father fell silent. An odd expression sat on his face. The duke was by nature a demonstrative man, not one for keeping his thoughts or feelings to himself. Naomi got many of her characteristic traits from him. A quiet Duke of Redditch was usually the portent of something bad.
“She has gone with Monsale. He wished to discuss some private matter with her.”
A worried Naomi met his gaze. “What sort of matter?” she pressed.
The duke shook his head. “I think he believes that the list is not working. Or some such thing. The first two candidates for his duchess were from all reports most unsuitable. And while he thinks this third one might do the job admirably; she is apparently unwilling to accept his proposal.”
Which leaves me.
There were eight days until Monsale, and his new bride had to swear their oath of fealty before the Prince of Wales. Time was counting down fast.
If Monsale felt the need to urgently speak with the duchess, that could only mean good news. Right this minute, her mother was likely giving her future son-in-law pointers on how he could successfully woo her daughter.
Naomi could almost taste victory. If not tonight, then early tomorrow, Monsale would be on the doorstep of Redditch House requesting a private audience with her father.
How do I play this if he does ask for my hand?
He would have to declare himself. Offer up his heart. Make all the promises he rightly should have made a long time ago. He had kept her waiting all these years, it was only fair that some groveling was involved.
I just want him to say he loves me. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. I can deal with the rest.
She wiped a single tear away, determined to maintain her composure.
“When do you expect Mama to return?”
“I have no idea, but she asked that I take you home. From the sound of things, she and Monsale have much to discuss.”
