Page 5 of The Duke's Scandal
This did not bring Amos any encouragement, making him wonder if he should remain at the estate instead of going to London, as he had first thought.
“All the same, there are bound to besomeyoung ladies who will not think only of that,” Flora said, a hint of desperation in her voice. “You cannot discourage him, Galbraith! You must do all you can toencouragehim.”
Lord Galbraith lifted his shoulders and let them fall for what was now the second time. “I am speaking only as I think right,” he said, turning his attention back to Amos. “We are good friends now, are we not? Therefore, I must suggest that you be cautious when you make your way through society. There will not only be young ladies pursuing you but also their mothers, their fathers, aunts and uncles! There will be many of thetonwho have no interest in you personally but only in the Dukedom and what it might potentially bring them.”
“Galbraith, please!” Flora sounded desperate now, perhaps afraid that Amos would refuse to go to London after all. “I cannot think thatanyof this is in any way helpful. I am sure that – ”
“He is right.” Amos scowled, rubbing one hand over his face before he sat back in his chair with a heavy sigh. “I had not truly thought of such a thing, though I was aware thatthetonmight be a little more… eager in their desire to become acquainted with me, but I did not think seriously about the consequences of that.”
There came a short silence in the room, which made Amos’ heart twist. His mother, sister, and brother-in-law were all clearly aware that finding a bride who would want to marry him for more than just his fortune and standing might be somewhat difficult, and yet he himself had never really thought of it!
“If you wish, I would be glad to come to London with you.”
This made Amos’ eyes widen in surprise, just as Flora caught her breath.
“I do not mind returning to society for a time,” Lord Galbraith continued, glancing at his wife. “If Flora would prefer me to stay here with her, however, then I would, of course, do so.” Smiling, he reached out and took her hand and Flora quickly returned it, showing no upset at such a statement. “Whateveryouthink best, my dear.”
Flora looked back at her husband, then turned her gaze to Amos. “It does sound as though you could do with a good friend, Amos.”
Amos frowned. “I do have some excellent acquaintances already, Flora. I am sure that they would suffice.” Seeing her smile begin to fade, he continued quickly. “Of course, however, I should be very glad to have such fine company, especially given his awareness of my present situation.”
“Then it is settled,” Flora declared, as smiles began to spread across every face – every face save for Amos. “Galbraith shall go with you to London, and mother and I shall remain here.” She turned to the Duchess. “Will that be satisfactory?”
“Morethan satisfactory,” their mother said warmly. “I should be very glad to have some time with you alone, my dear.”
Amos, who had not said a single word for some minutes, blinked and then cleared his throat. “It seems that all has been arranged for me, then.” A little uncertain as to how he felt about such a thing, he could not help but smile at the grin on Lord Galbraith’s face. “It seems to me, my friend, that you are quietly delighted about the prospect of returning to London.”
“I was not thinking about making my way there until it was suggested, but now – and almost immediately – a great anticipation fills me!” Lord Galbraith admitted. “I have not been amongst society for some time, and there will be many acquaintances there for me to speak with, I am sure. In fact,” he continued, getting to his feet, “I think I shall go and begin to make preparations at once. When did you say we were to leave?”
Amos grinned. “Within a sennight,” he answered, as Lord Galbraith’s shoulders dropped. “I must write to have the townhouse prepared, which I shall do this very afternoon.”
“Capital.” Lord Galbraith went to sit back down again. “And I am sure that, within a few weeks, we will have found you a suitable bride and you will, very soon, have yourself a very happy and contented situation.”
Amos let out a bark of laughter. “I am not certain it will be as simple as that, but I will be very grateful for your company,” he said, smiling. “To London we go, then! Let us hope it will be an enjoyable Season, at the very least.”
“And let us pray you have success,” his mother added emphatically. “For I should like to see you happy and settled here at the estate, Exeter.”
About to open his mouth and state that he was already very happy and settled, Amos chose to say nothing and instead, only smiled. His mother had always been furiously determined to see him wed and now, he supposed, she was to get what she wanted… provided he could find the right young lady to marry him!
I do not want someone who thinks only of my wealth or of becoming a Duchess,he thought, setting his jaw tight.I want to marry someone who knows me as I am, who cares for me and for our future.His brow furrowed.I only pray I will be able to find her.
Chapter Three
Isobella walked arm in arm with Lady Rosalyn through Hyde Park. “It issucha fine afternoon, is it not?”
“It is.” Lady Rosalyn smiled, then let out a small sigh. “It does feel rather strange having nothing to speak about, does it not?”
“Speak about?” It took Isobella a moment to realize what her friend meant. “You mean that there is no mystery for us to work out, yes?”
Lady Rosalyn chuckled softly. “Yes, that is what I mean. There have been so many things for us to decipher, to uncover and reveal, and now that there is nothing left, I find myself a little… sorrowful, in a way.”
“You shall simply have to find some books on the subject,” Isobella answered, with a smile. “There are bound to be many things written about mysteries and confusions, I am sure.”
“That is true.” Lady Rosalyn gave Isobella a sidelong glance. “I am, of course, meant to be thinking on otherthings, but I confess, there is a part of me that is always eager to learn and to study and to… well, tothink.”
Isobella laughed, squeezing her friend’s arm. “That is because you are a bluestocking, is it not? I fully understand what you mean, for I feel the very same way. There is almost an itch within me that cannot be satisfied unless it is scratched by my reading or discussing or, as you have said,thinking.”
“It is a great pity that so many of thetonthink poorly of us,” Lady Rosalyn murmured, quietly, her smile fading away. “I am grateful that we have found so many friends whodoaccept us, but there is still that weight of disapproval that sits upon us, is there not?”
