by Quinn, Ella
“Am I being too direct? I have never actually made conversation with a gentleman I wasn’t related to before.” Not that it mattered. She did not know how to be anything other than what she was.
“No.” Gazing at her, he slowly shook his head. “At least you are not too frank for me. I have simply never before met a young lady like you. You are extremely well informed.”
This matter of making conversation was much more difficult than Euphrosyne had thought it would be. “I do not know how to take that.”
This time the corners of his nicely formed lips tipped up. “Take it as a compliment. You are an intriguing woman.”
Her cheeks warmed even more, and Euphrosyne wondered how red she’d become. “Thank you.” As she did not know what else to say next, she continued with the conversation they’d been having. “Prinny is actually the only example in heir producing we have thus far. But with two of the royal dukes now married”—the Duke of Kent had wed on the same day as his brother—“perhaps one of them will soon have an heir.”
Lord Markville cracked a laugh. “I sincerely hope you are correct.” He pointed ahead of them. “In the distance you can see Farley castle.”
“The guide book said it was mostly ruins and had a ghastly story about the Lady Tower. Do you know if it is true?”
“It is. Poor Lady Elizabeth Hungerford was almost starved to death by her husband, the first Baron Hungerford, before he was executed.”
“I read that he also attempted to poison her.” Euphrosyne shivered at the delightfully morbid story. “I must see the castle.”
“You should also know,” he said in a dry tone, “that the lady went on to marry and lived, it is believed, a happy life.”
“Oh, pooh.” Euphrosyne was not going to be put off by a happy ending. “That does not negate the evil that was done to her there.”
Unfortunately, the guide book had been correct about the condition of the castle. When they arrived, there was not much of the tower to see. Half of the wall was gone and all the floors. “I must say, I am disappointed.”
“Come, I’ll show you the crypt. It is much more impressive.”
The burial room beneath the chapel was very interesting. The room was musty and damp, lending an atmosphere of being in a dungeon. Some of the figures on the tombs had death masks, and one could easily imagine them in life. She couldn’t believe he had actually brought her here. Her father wouldn’t have allowed her to see it. “You’re right. This is much better. We have a large tomb at Somerset where all my ancestors are buried, but my father maintains that it is not suitable for ladies.”
“In that event, I sincerely hope this satisfies your taste for the gruesome.” Humor tinged his voice, and she suspected he was making a game of her.
She shifted her gaze to him. The look in his eyes now wasn’t at all humorous. Instead, he seemed to be searching her for something. “Yes, it does. Thank you for escorting me.”
“It was my pleasure. I forgot how fascinating I found the crypt.” He heaved a sigh. “I was allowed to view my family’s remains, and they are not nearly as interesting.”
“No death masks?” She took his arm as they climbed the shallow stone stairs back to the main floor of the chapel.
“Unfortunately, not.” Tilting his head to one side, he lowered his brows. “My house had several notable personages. I have always wondered why we don’t have any masks.”
“It does seem unfair.” She enjoyed seeing him like his. Less the marquis and more the man.
“I have to agree.” He smiled down at her. “I should see if I can remedy the problem.”
He sounded so sincere she couldn’t help but laugh and was pleased that he laughed with her. She would definitely like to know him better.
Chapter 3
Markville’s chest tightened when he heard Lady Euphrosyne laugh. It was as if he’d been waiting all day to hear her express some joy. She was an interesting mix of naïveté, maturity, and an innocence he rarely, if ever, saw in a lady of her age. She did not attempt to flirt with him or engage him in strained conversations about himself or show an exaggerated interest in him like most of the young ladies he’d met during the last Season. Eventually, she would have to learn how to go on in the ton. Yet, even on such a short acquaintance, he knew she’d easily navigate the dangers of Polite Society without losing herself when the time came. He could imagine her holding French style salons, and political dinners. Of course, she would first need to be married. He set a slow pace up the stairs, wanting to learn more about her before sharing her with the rest of their group. Even so, the short flight of stairs was not long enough to meet his needs.
His sister awaited them in the chapel.
“Have the masks changed much?” Sarah screwed up her face in disgust.
“Not at all.” What had changed was his appreciation of them. Markville had enjoyed sharing the death masks with a lady who was as drawn to them as he was.
Lady Euphrosyne laughed lightly. “They were quite interesting. What is there to see here?”
“The medieval painting is of interest.” He led her to a work beside a stained glass window. “What do you think?”
“It’s beautiful.” She glanced up at him, her eyes glowing with happiness. It was hard to believe such a simple thing could mean so much to her. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I am happy to show you about.” Ignoring what he knew of her father, he started making plans in his mind to guide her through more of Bath and the surrounding area. What harm could there be in spending a little more time with her?
“Is everyone ready to ride to the inn for luncheon?” Hawksworth’s tone suggested it was not a question at all, but a command.
“Yes, of course.” Lady Euphrosyne tucked her small hand in the crook of Markville’s arm. “We are coming.”
After a substantial luncheon—during which Markville learned that Lady Euphrosyne had a healthy appetite—the group started back to Bath. For a while, the ladies rode together, making plans to visit the shops. Hawksworth and Paulet were off to the side engaged in a discussion when Jeremy came up next to Markville.
“I’m glad to see you’re enjoying yourself more than you thought you would.” His brother-in-law glanced at Sarah.
“Yes, I am.” He had been rather curmudgeonly, and he’d been unable to make out why. The mood had started during the Season, and, despite everything going well, he’d been unable to shake it off. Now, after seeing his sister and brother-in-law together along with Hawksworth and his wife, Markville rather thought he was missing something, or someone, in his life. “Is it my imagination, or is there some matchmaking going on?”
“Between whom?” Jeremy’s tone was too innocent and uninformative for nothing to be occurring.
Markville arched one brow. “I was referring to Paulet and Lady Laia.”
His brother-in-law didn’t even flinch. “Indeed. It’s early days, but I believe there is hope in that direction.”
Jeremy’s tone hadn’t changed, but Markville got the feeling the man was leaving something out.
“And is Sarah, perhaps, thinking of another match?” Markville wouldn’t put it past his sister to encourage him and Lady Euphrosyne. Although, why he cared he didn’t know. He liked Lady Euphrosyne, but her father was a different matter, and she was not close enough to her majority to make her own decisions. He also did not wish to be pushed into something for which he was not ready. Not that anyone could make him dance to their tune. And it was past time he looked at starting his nursery. Damn. Even to himself he sounded contrary. Was he so set in his ways that he was afraid of changing them? Or was this just another example of him being difficult?
His brother-in-law studied him for a while. “I shall not deny that my wife wants you to find the happiness we have found. Yet, as she had not met Lady Euphrosyne before today, she could hardly have decided to match-make.”
That put him in his place. “You make a good point. I must apologize.”
“I’m not saying she won’t do it”—Jeremy cracked a laugh—“just that she didn’t start out the day with that intent.”
That made Markville grin. “It’s not as if I’ve had a great deal of luck on my own.”
“As Sarah would say, you have simply not met the right lady.” Jeremy glanced at the Lady Euphrosyne. “In the event you require any assistance, we will be happy to oblige.” He inclined his head. “I believe I shall retrieve my wife.”
When Markville reached the ladies, positions shuffled and he was once more riding next to Lady Euphrosyne.
Why shouldn’t he see if they got on together? All his life he’d been cautious, always concerned that every part of his and his family’s life was in order. And where had it got him? He was close to thirty years of age and had no wife or children in his nursery. Except for the lady now riding beside him, he hadn’t even been more than ordinarily interested in a female. Oh, he would have married the Duchess of Wharton if Lord Quartus hadn’t beat Markville to it, but it would have been out of duty, the need to have a wife, not out of love. And why shouldn’t he have a love match if he wanted one?
If he fell in love.
Perhaps all this time he had been looking for the wrong things.
Samson sidled closer to Lady Euphrosyne’s mare. “Have you planned out your time in Bath?”
“Only part of it. We are attending the ball next week.” The corners of her lush pink lips curled up. “Your sister has been telling us about the stores in Bath. It is a sad fact of my life that I have never been shopping without my mother, and we do not even live near a large market town. It is only a small one some half-mile or so from the gates.”
Markville fought to keep his jaw from dropping. From a relatively young age, his sister had had the run of the fairly good-sized market town near his main estate. The hell with Lady Euphrosyne’s father. Markville was going to do everything he could to see that she experienced everything she wished to while she was here. “I’m told that while the stores are not as extensive as in Town, they are quite good.”
Her open countenance displayed all her joy. “That’s what Sarah said. I am looking forward to visiting them.” Lady Euphrosyne’s smile faded. “Whenever my mother decides we may go.”
He hoped that would be soon. Although, try as he might, he could not summon enough interest in shopping to suggest her accompany her. Still, Bath had other sights. “As you are attending the ball, I shall beg a dance from you if I may.”
Her eyes lit up, and she smiled again. “I would greatly enjoy standing up with you. Thank you.”
There was a breakfast a few days after the ball at Sidney Gardens. If he could convince his sister to act as his hostess he could get up a party and invite Lady Euphrosyne and her family to accompany them. He’d have to find out if Bath had something akin to the Grand Strut in Hyde Park. If there was, he could ask her to accompany him. For the first time, it forcibly struck him why the London Seasons existed. It was extremely difficult for a bachelor to plan entertainments when he could not host them for mixed company without a female being in charge of it. He had never given it much thought before, but one did not attend Lord So-and-so’s ball. One attended Lady So-and-so’s ball, or musical evening, or Venetian breakfast, or any other event. And he would have to address the issue of gaining permission for Lady Euphrosyne to accompany him to anything. Perhaps he should offer to go shopping.
Over tea, later that afternoon at the hotel, he held his cup out to be refilled and turned to his sister. “Have you thought about inviting Ladies Laia and Euphrosyne to go shopping with you one day?”
“Shopping?” Sarah gave him an arch look.
“Yes, indeed.” He took a sip of tea. “You have extensive knowledge of the stores. It would be helpful to them if you showed them your favorite ones.”
Still regarding him, she set her cup down. “Yes, I think that can be arranged. We have a house to see early tomorrow. There is no reason why I cannot invite them to go shopping later in the morning. They are both very nice ladies.”
“Yes, indeed.” Something tickled his throat and he cleared it. “Er, I could accompany you.”
Her lips began to twitch, and he hoped she didn’t laugh at him. “My dear brother. As much as I love you, you would be decidedly de trop when it came to selecting some of the items, such as stockings, that will be needed.”
An image of Lady Euphrosyne in nothing but stockings and garters invaded his mind, making him very glad he was sitting down. “I hadn’t thought. You are correct. Thank you. Send your bills to me.”
“Now there is an offer I shall not refuse!” Sarah brought her cup up, hiding her mouth, but her eyes were bright with mirth.
“I shall see you at dinner.” He left the parlor before his sister lost her countenance. Still, it felt good to do something for Lady Euphrosyne. Even if it was as simple a thing as shopping. Although, as much time as ladies spent in the occupation, perhaps it wasn’t such a meaningless activity at all. And he was glad his sister had agreed to help him. Now all he had to do was get rid of this cock-stand.
The next morning, Euphrosyne went over everything Lord Markville had said to her and what she had said to him. She had the feeling he was used to much more sophisticated ladies, but he’d been kind and fun to be with. She wondered when she’d see him again. If she saw him at all. Despite talk about shopping and other excursions, no actual plans had been made. And she and her sister would have to ask Mama before they could do anything. Euphrosyne did not even know what a gentleman who was interested in a lady would ask her to do.
Once again, Meg and Hawksworth joined them for breakfast. They departed before Euphrosyne could draw Meg into a conversation.
Euphrosyne and her sister were in the morning room when a footman presented her sister a letter.
“Laia, who is it from?” Euphrosyne put down the book she’d been pretending to read. “I wonder why Joseph did not wait for Mama to look at it.”
“Mama said I could receive local correspondence from ladies.” Euphrosyne suppressed the urge to lean over her sister’s shoulder as Laia opened the note, spreading the fine pressed paper on the table.
“Listen to this, Euphrosyne. We have been invited to go shopping with Lady Sarah.” Laia looked up from the letter. “How very nice of her.”
Nice? It was above all things wonderful! But would their mother let them go? If they accepted the invitation before asking, surely Mama would not stop them. “You respond to her, and I shall fetch our bonnets and gloves.”
“Yes. I’ll do just that.” Laia pulled out a piece of paper.
Euphrosyne hurried out of the parlor. No time had been mentioned, but it was better to have their bonnets, gloves, and reticules at hand when Sarah arrived.
It took longer than Euphrosyne had thought it would to decide which of her two hats to wear. Then she sent her maid to fetch a bonnet and gloves for her sister, and picked up her own.
Oh, and she must ask her mother if they could go. She hurried to Mama’s room, knocked, and entered Mama’s parlor. She was seated at her desk.
“Good morning.” Euphrosyne waited until her mother put a piece of paper down.
“Good morning.” The look her mother gave her was encouraging. “Do you need something?”
“Yes. Lady Sarah sent an invitation asking if Laia and I would like to go shopping with her this morning. May we?”
“Of course.” Mama smiled. “I see no reason why you should not.” Opening a drawer, she drew out a wooden box, unlocked it, and handed Euphrosyne several coins, and a few bank notes. “For larger purchases, you may have the bills sent to me.”
She had never had so much money before! Naturally, she would give half to her sister, but still, to have such freedom! Going back to her bedchamber, she counted out the money and divided it up between her reticule and her sister’s.
Before returning to the parlor, she glanced out the windows in the front of the house, just as a carriage made its way toward the
town house. Could it be Sarah so soon? Euphrosyne must hurry in the event it was.
Dashing back into the morning room, Euphrosyne handed Laia her things. “I think I saw her carriage coming.”
“It is too soon for that, but this is so exciting.” She tied her hat’s ribbons off to the side. “We have never been shopping without Mama.”
“It is thrilling, and it really should be common.” Euphrosyne pulled on her gloves. “We have been kept far too close.”
“I agree.” Her sister nodded. “But now that we are away from Father and have more freedom, we must be careful not to abuse it. Even Mama must be careful.”
“When I marry”—Euphrosyne donned her other glove—“it will be to a gentleman who will not try to rule me.” What would Lord Markville be like as a husband? He had tried to make his sister do as he wished, but, from what she’d been told, he’d wanted to ensure she would not lose her inheritance. It wasn’t his fault Sarah thought he was trying to keep her from Jeremy. That had all been a misunderstanding. And now he was buying them a house.
Her sister’s lips pinched together as if she would make a comment.
Just in time to forestall a lecture about the duke choosing her husband, Perkins knocked on the open door. “My ladies, Lady Sarah is here.”
“We will be out straightaway, Perkins.” Euphrosyne drew her arm through her sister’s and began walking to the door. “Let us agree to have a good time while we can.”
“Yes, let us do just that.” Laia lifted her reticule. “This is heavier.”
“Mama gave us money for shopping.”
They reached the hall, and Sarah turned from gazing at the corner niche holding a plaster bust of someone. “This house is very nice. Jeremy and I are discussing buying property in Bath.” She bussed their cheeks. “Shall we go?”
“You see,” Euphrosyne whispered to her sister. “There are many gentlemen who treat their wives as partners.”