Page 33 of The Uncompromising Marquess
Joseph rubbed one hand over his eyes. “I do not understand. She has no interest in marrying him but yet her parents – ”
“I am sure it is her mother’s doing,” Lady Wickham interrupted, speaking quickly now. “She has been determined to be the only lady in London to marry off each of her daughters during their first Season – even if this is Florence’s second time in London. She has never tried to understand Florence, has never thought to show any sort of compassion for the anxiety that binds her whenever she steps out into society. She caresonly that Florence makes a match – and Lord Cheswick appears to have offered himself as a prospective husband although I do not understand why.”
Recalling what the gentleman had said, Joseph scowled. “He mentioned Lady Florence’s dowry and money coming to him upon their marriage.”
“Despicable.”
“He also stated that he had come to my ball without my invitation,” Joseph said, speaking slowly now as thought after thought began to crowd in upon his mind. “He spoke of the cake, stating that no one would have any interest in Lady Florence after seeing such a disaster, myself included.”
Lady Wickton’s eyes rounded. “You cannot think thathehad something to do with it?”
“As a way to make certain no gentleman would think to consider her? Knowing that I had some interest in her, he wanted to do what he could to push me from her because he is aware – as are the rest of theton– that I have very high standards indeed of what is required for anyone in my company.” Running one hand over his jaw, Joseph shook his head. “She must know of this. There must be a way to stop this engagement going forward.”
“She needsyou, Lord Applegate.” Lady Wickton’s eyes fixed on his. “She is so very ashamed, she has practically hidden herself away in the house, certain that you are angry and deeply upset with what took place.”
Joseph let out a low groan. “I did not reach out to her either, which no doubt, would make her all the more certain of that.”
“Yes, it has done,” Lady Wickham confirmed. “But can you not do something, Lord Applegate? I will not tell you what I expect or hope for, but I know there is a connection between you. Perhaps it is a connection you should not like to see severed?”
Considering this, Joseph began to nod slowly. “Yes, that is quite true,” he agreed, slowly. “But I shall have to think carefully about what to do. Lord Cheswick’s motivations must be revealed to Lord and Lady Applegate, else, I am sure, they will not end the connection between their daughter and Lord Cheswick, not when it has already been announced.”
“Oh, thank you,” Lady Wickham breathed, reaching for his hand again. “I pray that you can save her from this dreadful fate, Lord Applegate. You are the only one who can.”
16
Florence stared dully at the bowl of brandy in front of her. They were all meant to be playing Snapdragon, but she could not think of anything other than Lord Cheswick and her impending engagement. The way he had spoken, not only to her but also to Helena at their recent meeting, had cast nothing but dread into her heart, and that thought practically consumed her.
“Are you ready, Lady Florence?” Lady Maude, the daughter of their host for the evening, beamed at her, excitement like flames in her eyes. “Hurry now, else you will have burned fingers!”
Trying to smile, Florence made a half-hearted attempt to pluck a raisin from the blue flames. Heat nipped at her fingers, and she drew back, hearing Lady Maude’s exclamation of glee.
“It is your turn now, Lady Wickton!”
Florence watched as Helena tried to take a raisin from the bowl, but she too, did not appear to have any real interest in the game either. Thankfully, Lady Maude did not seem to notice their indifference and gestured to the next player to take their turn.
“He will arrive now at any moment, I am sure,” she whispered as Helena looked at her. “Whatever shall I do? The news of our connection has already spread through society, and mother informs me that he intends to announce we are engaged this very evening!” Her throat closed up as she forced the last few words from her lips. “I simply cannot stand up beside him when I am so broken!”
“All will be well,” Helena replied, with a confidence that Florence could not understand. “Even if Lord Cheswick appears and makes a fool of himself, you need not worry. I will be with you.”
“But he will cast you aside and will force us apart once we are wed,” Florence replied, her whisper growing louder now. “What shall I do then? I cannot be without you, but I fear I shall have no choice!”
“Lady Florence? Shall you be successful this time?”
Looking back at the dancing blue flames, Florence heaved a long sigh and then reached for a raisin. This time, despite her poor attempt, she managed to pick one up and quickly popped it in her mouth. It burned a little but the sweetness came after, though it did nothing to raise Florence’s spirits.
“Well done, Lady Florence!” Lady Maude exclaimed, clapping her hands as if she were a child. “Now, since you have had such success, might you step away and permit someone else to join?”
With a nod, Florence stepped back from the table, and Helena, with a smile to Lady Maude, followed after her. Her breathing was becoming a little quicker now, her chest squeezing tight as her gaze roved over the room, fearful that Lord Cheswick had arrived without her awareness.
“All will be well,” Helena said again, looping her arm through Florence’s. “Florence, I must tell you that I do not think you will have to marry Lord Cheswick.”
Confused, Florence turned her head. “Whatever do you mean? Of course, I must.”
“You could refuse.”
Florence shook her head. “I could not. My mother will force me, one way or the other, to give my consent.” Tears began to burn in her eyes. “Whether by force or by shame, I will be wed to him. I do not have the strength to refuse.”
“There are other things that could be considered,” Helena suggested, with a firmness in her expression that gave Florence even a flickering hope. “You can come to reside with me if you wish. We will protect you until you are of age, and you can then do just as you please, with no parent to force you.”
