“I enjoy riding and driving my Patheon. Racing is a passion of mine.”
Lady Frances blinked and glanced at the matchmaker who nodded.
“That sounds frightful! Your Grace must be very brave to engage in racing.”
Maxwell sighed. The last thing he needed was a wife to be in his ear about his racing habits the way his mother was.
“It is exhilarating. You might enjoy it if you tried.”
“Oh no, certainly not!” Lady Frances exclaimed. “I am terribly scared of horses.”
“A pity,” Maxwell said. A pity indeed. I have not a thing in common with her. Why did I ever agree to this? I have a feeling it will be a rather tedious affair, this courtship.
Chapter 11
Oh, this man. He will be the end of me yet! Alexandra unlocked her front door and let it slam shut behind her.
This had to rank amongst the most awkward first meetings of any courtship she had chaperoned. And it was all due to the Duke. He insisted on addressing all his questions to her instead of his future wife. To her credit, though rather timid and quiet, Lady Frances did attempt to make some conversation. Alexandra could tell she quickly became discouraged due to the Duke’s repeated non-committal responses.
The last half hour of their engagement had been rather dreary with Alexandra laboring hard to establish a connection. When this failed to occur, she had settled for a cordial agreement to meet again the following Wednesday for the weekly ball at Almack’s. The Duke had made quite the show of his dislike for balls, but relented in the end. He did not have much of a choice, after all. The match was in his best interest, as well as the Lady Frances’s.
Alexandra would have to step up her involvement or this courtship would go nowhere. She was also at a disadvantage because she did not know much about the Duke. Since he was reluctant to discuss the match, or invest much time in preparations, all her information about his likes and dislikes came from the Duchess. And if this afternoon was any indication, the Duchess did not know her son well at all.
According to her, the Duke was fond of the theater, the opera, and music, but by the man’s own admission, he did not care for any of them. Alexandra was almost certain that the friend he spoke of, who enjoyed taking him to these outings, was Lord Hendley. He had a broad interest in a great many subjects and would have been a much better match for Lady Frances than the Duke.
Unfortunately, Lord Hendley had neither the funds nor the grand title to satisfy Lord Cladborough’s demands. Besides, Alexandra would not dream of making a match that would require the Lady to accept a lower social rank. She would never match an Earl’s daughter with a viscount. It was one of the first lessons she’d learned from her mother. Always elevate the client to a higher position if possible.
* * *
She ascended to her bedchamber and changed to a more suitable outfit. She would have to meet with the Duke one more time to gather more of his personal likes in order to be able to further conversation. She did not look forward to visiting him at his home, however. It seemed inappropriate. No, she would set aside time at Almack’s to speak to him.
Chapter 12
“You are rather in a miff, Gatterlen,” Lord Hendley commented as he played his hand. They were in the midst of a friendly game of Piquet at White’s, having left Parliament early.
“What makes you say that?” Maxwell did not look up but instead scanned the cards.
“For one, the way you are playing, your windmill will dwindle to a nutshell in no time. For another, you are rather glum, and you have yet to tell me how your meeting with the Lady Frances went. It has been two days and you have not told me anything.”
Maxwell huffed and played his hand. He had a habit of letting Hendley win at these types of games. It was a way to help him out financially without putting his friend in the unfavorable position of having to ask for money. He usually was good at making it look like he was just given a bad hand. Today, however, he did not even have to try to lose. It came quite naturally.
“It was a disaster, Hendley, a disaster. By Jove, the Lady is a bore. We have not a thing in common and I could not wait for the meeting to be over.” He shook his head and grimaced at the memory. “I hardly wanted to agree to another meeting, alas, I have no choice. I must.”
Hendley’s eyes narrowed. “There was nothing you liked about the Lady? Remember, you do not have to fall in love upon first sight. You must simply make the match.”
“She was pleasing to the eye and she is well mannered. I do not doubt she would make a good wife to someone. She appears a rather timid woman, with a weak constitution. I fear if I were to make an offer and she accepted, her life with me would be quite miserable.”
“If you made on offer? Gatterlen, you must. As you have just said, you have no choice.”
Maxwell shook his head. How had he allowed himself to be in this situation? Oh, how he regretted it now. He laid his cards on the table and propped his elbows up.
“To be honest, the only pleasant experience was the matchmaker.”
“Miss Evans?” Hendley likewise placed his cards on the table, the game forgotten for now. “When we spoke last, I proclaimed in jest you sound as though you have a liking for the matchmaker, but it sounds as though you really do.” His friend looked at him with concern. “You know you would not be able to wed a commoner and …”
Maxwell waved his hand. “Faith! Hendley, I do not entertain such thoughts, and neither should you. I simply believe that the matchmaker is the best part about this unfortunate situation, for at least I have someone to spar with. Now. As my friend, I shall make a request of you.”
Hendley pursed his lips. “A request?”
“Come with me to Almack’s on Wednesday. I require company other than the Lady Frances and Miss Evans. Since you know Miss Evans, perhaps it will be of help. We can converse as a group.”
“Of course, old chum. I shall accompany you. I’ll take the opportunity to converse with Miss Evans and see if she has found some poor soul that is willing to wed some fellow whose dibs are not in tune.”
“Well, you may be in better shape once this game is over, for you have been beating me all night.”
“Perhaps if Your Grace paid more attention to the game than to his troubles with women, he’d have more success, eh wot?” Hendley joked and picked his cards back up.
“That may be so, my friend. That may be so.”
As it turned out, luck did not turn for Maxwell and he lost a rather large sum to Hendley. He did not mind, however. He had more money that he’d ever be able to spend and Hendley had none. If it had been any other Lord, he would have challenged them to another game, but as it was his friend, Maxwell decided to let it go and call it a night.
He returned home and readied himself for bed, though he could not keep his thoughts from traveling to the one place he knew they must not go to: Miss Evans.
Chapter 13
Her head was throbbing as she sat in the coach on the way to Lord Cladborough’s townhouse. She was to meet with Lady Frances prior to their visit to Almack’s.
She already knew the Lady would need much encouragement, for the meeting had gone so terribly. Sometimes her job could be rather difficult. Especially when one party was unwilling. Tonight, she would take the opportunity to speak to the Duke again, and to ensure he would be more forthcoming with his conversation in the future. Perhaps the carefree environment of Almack’s would encourage him to see things in a more positive light.
He certainly would need to dance with Lady Frances, which often proved a way to break the ice. Yes. Balls were among Alexandra’s favorite tools to bring a couple closer together. There was the light music, the physical touch–the only time a couple could touch before being official–and of course, the availability of ale and wine did not hinder things, either.
While the couple danced, she planned to make her presence known to the assorted ton, in hopes of gaining further clients. She had in the past week arranged for two more matches,
both of whom would meet for the first-time next week. This provided her with some comfort during this stressful period.
How she wished her mother was still alive. It would be so wonderful to have a companion to talk to about these things. Someone to share with and gain support from. Well, someone other than Mr. Holmes. While he was a very sweet old man and cared for her, she did not often discuss her work with him.
She did not have many female friends, if any. In fact, the time that she spent with her female clients was the most she spent with any woman. Often times, when meeting to discuss the courtship, spending time with the ladies could be quite fun. She thought back to her evening at Almack’s with Lady Chatterley and how she’d felt for one moment as though they were friends and how nice it was. Of course, these were business arrangements. Outside of that, she was rather alone. But that was because she like to keep to herself.
Still, sometimes, she would like to have a friend to talk to. The Duke kept coming to her mind, stirring many unwanted feelings. Having someone to talk to about these odd feelings would certainly help banish them from her mind. Alas, as she often did, she’d keep her own counsel.
* * *
“I feel as though he does not care for me at all,” the young girl said as she looked at the expensive marble tiles in her parents’ home. Alexandra sat across from Lady Frances and petted her hand.
“It is not your fault. The Duke is a rather stiff fellow. Do not worry. Tonight, at Almack’s, I shall speak with him again and encourage him to be more attentive.” The Lady did not appear consoled at all.
“It appears as though we have nothing in common. How is it supposed to be a successful match if we have nothing to talk about?”
Before Alexandra could answer, a booming voice sounded out from behind them.
“I have nothing to talk to your mother about and we have managed. A husband is not supposed to be your friend. He is supposed to ensure your station in society, provide for you, and father an heir. No more. No less. Conversation is not a requirement for a successful marriage.”
Lord Cladborough stepped into the drawing room and glanced from one woman to the other. Alexandra felt hot under his gaze. She knew that she had to make this arrangement a success. The Earl would not stand for a failed match. And she knew he was vindictive enough and powerful enough to ruin her reputation. She would never work as a matchmaker again.
“Certainly, My Lord.” she said addressing the man.
“Miss Evans, a word if you please.” Lord Cladborough indicated for her to follow him into the library, adjacent to the drawing room. She exchanged a glance with Lady Frances who looked uncomfortable but said nothing. Leaving the Lady on the settee, Alexandra followed the Earl. He closed the folding door behind them, shutting his daughter out of a conversation that pertained to her future. Alexandra felt badly for the young woman but there was nothing she could do.
* * *
The Earl did not bother to sit down. He launched into his concerns without any of the customary pleasantries.
“Miss Evans, you were highly recommended by Lady Chatterley, but so far I’m sorry to say I am not seeing any evidence of your skill. Frances returned from the outing with the Duke rather distressed, and I must say his behavior does not appear to be that of a man looking to wed. I’m sure I do not have to remind you how important this union is. Not just for myself and my daughter, you understand. For you as well. It would be a shame if it were to be known that the great Alexandra Evans of Evans United Hearts was not able to make a match for one of the most eligible ladies in the town.”
Alexandra had a few snappy replies on the tip of her tongue, but she forced herself to keep them in. The Earl was not one of those people who would forgive a tongue lashing, especially not from a commoner such as herself. He was known as being cutthroat and unpleasant at the best of times. She’d heard many stories about his poor temper.
No, in this case, Alexandra had to look to her mother as an example. Lily Evans had been an expert at dealing with difficult people. Her presence alone had often soothed anxious or angry clients. Someone who may show up at the office in a foul mood, ready to cause a fuss, would be calm as a lamb upon leaving. Alexandra could not remember a single occasion where her mother wasn’t able to resolve an issue with an upset client.
She didn’t have her mother’s soothing temperament, nor her smooth tongue. Still, she picked up a few tips from her mother and she employed them now.
She folded her hands demurely in front of her and looked at the floor, only glancing at the Earl when she spoke, to show deference. She was sure to keep her voice quiet and calm.
“I understand, your Lordship. It is rather a stressful situation, the business of courting. Especially since you have not had the pleasure of seeing any of your children wed until now. My clients often find the second courtship of their children much easier than the first. But please, let me assure you, the Duke is keen to make a match. If for nothing else than to please his mother.”
The Earl laughed when Alexandra said this. “Ah, yes. The Dowager Duchess. She is a rather brash woman. I would not wish to draw her wrath either, if I were the Duke.”
Alexandra smiled, “Indeed. The Duke understands his duties to his family. He understands as a Lord of the Realm it is expected of him to wed and to produce an heir. He is simply reluctant, as many men are, set in his ways. I assure you that he will comply with his mother’s wishes and make Lady Frances his wife.”
Alexandra had no way of knowing if this was true. She only said whatever she needed at this point to calm the man.
“It is good to hear. My desire is that this courtship proceeds rather quickly. If you would be able to work these skills and resources you are known for, it would be appreciated.”
He was in a rather foul mood and seemed very distressed at the thought of the match not working. She found his attitude a little overbearing. Especially since the couple had just begun their courtship.
“Of course. I am only sorry that the Duke is not a good match for your daughter’s desires, though he is exactly what your Lordship is looking for”
The Earl gruffly shook his head. “My daughter’s desires do not matter. What matters is a good match to secure her future. That is all I care about. If they never speak to each other outside of the day they exchange the vows, I do not care. She can have her friends to converse with. She can have a life separate from his. What she needs is to be the Duchess of Gatterlen and produce an heir.”
“And she will be that.” Alexandra hoped that she sounded confident even she did not feel it. The Duke was a rather unpredictable man.
“You know, of course, that I am planning for a summer wedding.” The Earl added this almost like an afterthought. A summer wedding?
Alexandra raised her eyebrows.
“I thought your Lordship had aimed for a wedding this winter?” Alexandra was sure that was the plan. She’d noted how quickly the wedding was to take place, especially given the large number of guests each party would certainly be inviting.
“Yes, I had originally considered a winter wedding. However, the Countess does not handle winters well and will be spending this upcoming winter in Italy for her health.”
“In that case, would it not be preferable to have the wedding next spring? Once the weather is nicer again?”
The Earl shook his head.
“That won’t do. No. It will be this summer. It will be much simpler for our friends and associates to travel at that time as well. Perhaps we shall hold it at Woodley House, as the Duke’s mansion is rather grand. Or their Estate in Kent. That would do nicely.”
Alexandra did not care where the wedding took place, as long as it did. That was all that mattered.
“Now,” The Earl clapped his hands together so loudly Alexandra jumped, startled at the noise. “I am expected at the Club and I believe my daughter will need some building up after the unfortunate events at the last meeting with the Duke. So, I shall leave you to it and I will be an
xiously awaiting good news.” He did not bother with a more proper farewell and simply left the room.
* * *
Alexandra walked back to the sitting room where Lady Frances was still waiting for her. She looked up at Alexandra and patted the seat beside her.
“Do not mind my father. He is rather pressured to see this arrangement come to fruition. He has put an incredible amount of strain on himself to see this happen.”
“He does appear in quite the rush,” Alexandra agreed. “Are you aware he wishes for a wedding by summer’s end?”
Lady Frances sighed. “Yes, he has informed me. He wants the wedding to be over with by the time Mother leaves for Italy. Do you think the Duke may agree to a summer wedding?”
Perfectly Mismatched With The Duke (Historical Regency Romance) Page 8