The Marquess's Maddening Dilemma

by Ginny Hartman

  Once she began, Alexandra found herself lost in her painting and failed to hear the door open as Remington allowed their guest inside. She hadn't realized she was no longer alone until she felt someone tap on her shoulder and she jumped.

  “Aaron,” she exclaimed in pleasant surprise as she set her paint brush down and began turning in her seat.

  “Aaron?” the strange voice asked. “Are you referring to my father?”

  Alexandra cringed as she turned to see Lord Coldwell standing behind her, his shoulders erect. “Lord Coldwell, you've returned.”

  She rose from her chair and gave him her hand, to which he promptly bowed over it. “Only just yesterday. I must confess, I wasted no time in departing from Tisdale Manor, so anxious was I to renew my acquaintance with my betrothed.”

  Everything in Alexandra froze. Had Aaron not made him aware of the change in their situation?

  “Has your father accompanied you on your visit?”

  “Nay, I came alone.” Looking over her shoulder at her canvas he missed the disappointment that overcame her features. “You paint beautifully. I find the colors of the flowers quite magnificent. I should like, with your permission, of course, to hang this painting in our bedchamber upon its completion.”

  Alexandra choked. “Pardon?” Did he just mention their bedchamber?

  Ignoring her perplexity, he continued, “With your permission, I'd like to submit the banns to be read at once, that way we can proceed with the wedding before the season officially begins. I would like to travel on to London shortly after we are wed.”

  She felt as if her head were spinning listening to his words. It was very apparent that Aaron had not filled him in on the fact that she did not wish to wed him. Feeling her anger rise, she wanted to scream and quite possibly would have if Levi hadn't arrived just then.

  “Lord Coldwell, welcome back to England.”

  Levi extended his hand, and Samuel promptly took it and gave it a hearty shake. “Your grace, 'tis good to be home and even better to be at Channing House surrounded by so much beauty.” His eyes settled on Alexandra, and she quickly looked away.

  “Is your father here as well?” Levi asked as he looked around the room.

  “I regret that it's just me. I hope that doesn't disappoint you.”

  “Not in the least, though I can't speak for my sister.”

  Alexandra wanted to slap Levi.

  “I've come to discuss wedding arrangements with you both, so I'm glad that you've joined us.”

  Alexandra saw the moment realization dawned on Levi and he became aware of the fact that Lord Coldwell had not been made aware of the events that had transpired in his absence.

  All three of them took their seat, and Alexandra rang for tea. Levi sat casually back in his chair and directed his question at Samuel. “So you wish to marry my sister?”

  Samuel laughed heartily. “Of course I do. Why has everyone been asking me that since I returned?”

  Alexandra leaned forward. “Who else has asked you that?”

  “My father, which I find bizarre. I've always wished to do what was expected of me, and that certainly hasn't changed recently. I'd like your permission, your grace, to post the banns at once so we may move forward with our wedding plans. I intend to make haste to London for the opening of the season and would like to do so with my wife at my side.”

  It was a toss-up between who was more nonplussed, Levi or Alexandra. Finally, Levi rose and straightened himself and said, “I'd like to speak with your father about the arrangements before giving my permission.”

  “I consider that fair. Allow me to invite you to Tisdale Manor to discuss matters. We can attend the Earl and Countess of Paddley's ball together. It will be a grand affair.”

  The three of them took tea together before Lord Coldwell departed. The minute the door closed behind him, Alexandra pounced on Levi. “I could wring Aaron's neck. Why would he fail to inform his son about the change in our situation.”

  “Perhaps he's had a change of heart and no longer wishes to wed you.”

  Alexandra inhaled sharply. “Why would you say that?”

  “Because perhaps it is true.” She openly seethed at him as he continued, “Or perhaps it's not. There's no sense jumping to conclusions when we have no idea what his motives are. Let us make preparations to journey to Tisdale Manor where we can endeavor to unravel this mystery.”

  “I don't want to go,” she said petulantly as she crossed her arms across her chest.

  Levi tweaked her nose. “Of course you do, Alexandra. Don't pout; it's not very becoming.”

  Instead, she stuck her tongue out at his back as he walked away.

  Alexandra was consumed with conflicting emotions as their carriage approached Tisdale Manor. In a way, it felt as if she were coming home to where she belonged, but a part of her was filled with concern about what she may learn when she entered its walls. How would Aaron receive her? Would he be cold and indifferent or would he set matters straight at once, informing Samuel of their feelings for one another?

  Remington greeted them politely as they entered, showing them at once into the drawing room. Alexandra fiddled with her gloves as she waited for Aaron to appear. Much to her surprise, it wasn't Aaron that appeared but Samuel.

  “My lady, your grace, what a delight it is to see you. I must ask you to excuse Father; he got called away unexpected on business.”

  Alexandra wanted to scream. Instead, she mumbled, “How convenient,” underneath her breath.

  “When do you expect him to return?” Levi asked.

  “He hopes to be back in time for the Paddley's ball.”

  Alexandra rolled her eyes, but no one was paying her any mind. The Paddley's ball wasn't until the following evening. What were they supposed to do for nearly two days while they waited for Aaron to return and set matters straight?

  “I'm sure you must wish to freshen up after your journey,” Lord Coldwell said politely. “I will have Remington show you to your rooms. Then, if it is pleasing to you, I'd like to take you on a ride to the church where I wish our wedding to take place to see if you are in agreement.”

  Alexandra couldn't help but cringe. She looked to Levi for help. “That would be satisfactory, though let us not be hasty in making any arrangements,” he said sternly.

  Lord Coldwell appeared unaffected by his sternness. “Very well. Let's meet at the stables in an hour.”

  As soon as he left, Remington appeared and showed them to their bedchambers. Alexandra was delighted to be shown to the same one she inhabited before. She went at once to the golden owl on the mantel and ran her hand along its wing before taking her bonnet off and throwing it on top of the desk.

  She went to sit down on the edge of the bed and noticed a note sitting atop her pillow which she quickly grabbed and broke the seal at once.

  My darling,

  I know you must be upset with me right now, and with good reason, but you must surely see how conflicted I am. Samuel returned and at once expressed his desire to wed you. I was quite taken by surprise by his adamance and did not have the heart to tell him of our relationship. He is the only one left standing in the way of our happiness, and I fear he would not grant it unless I explained matters to him delicately. I tried to find the words to tell him what has developed in his absence, but found I could not. If he wishes to wed you, how could I in good conscience tell him what has occurred between us? It would only prove awkward going forward and cause a rift in the dynamics of all our relationships. I beg of you to keep quiet in this thing, at least until I discover a way to tell him myself.

  Aaron

  She finished the note and angrily crumpled it into a ball. There was no admission of love and no assurance that he'd do everything he could to make things right. Alexandra had a burning desire to run straight to Lord Coldwell and divulge everything to him at once.

  She cast the crumbled missive aside and debated doing just that when a pinprick of guilt pierced her heart. She
couldn't do that to Aaron. It would betray his trust and possibly cause a rift in his relationship with his son and with her. She'd just have to be patient and wait for him to return home so they could discuss things maturely between them.

  Her eyes snapped to the door as Jenny entered. “I hear you are to go riding, milady. Let me help you dress in your riding habit.”

  Alexandra nodded as she watched Jenny move to her trunk and rummage through it until she found her blue riding habit.

  “I've been informed you are to go riding to the church to see if it's where you wish to wed.”

  “Did Lord Coldwell inform you of that?” she asked dryly.

  “Nay, but it's all the servants below stairs can talk about. They seem genuinely pleased to see Lord Coldwell proceeding with his wedding plans, completely unaware of the fact that you are going to wed his father, not him.”

  “Jenny, you didn't tell them that, did you? Things are complicated at the moment. Until Lord Emberson has a chance to smooth things over, you should no longer speak of him and me at all. Understood?”

  “Ay, I understand, milady. I'll hold my tongue.”

  Alexandra glared at Jenny through squinted eyes. “Promise me you won't say a word.”

  “You have my word.”

  Oh, what a coil they were in. Alexandra had no qualms about letting the world know she was in love with Aaron but was not willing to cause hurt feelings and misunderstandings to do so. Nor was she willing to be the product of gossip and scandal, which was sure to happen if word got out amongst the servants.

  The hour passed quickly, and she soon found herself walking out to the stables to meet Levi and Lord Coldwell. She got to the stables before Levi did and found herself alone with her intended. She gazed at him, noticing he was a very handsome man who seemed genuine and kind, but not feeling any sort of spark in her breast while doing so.

  He helped her mount her horse while they waited for Levi. “I know this situation can be awkward if we let it,” he spoke, glancing up at her as he did so, “but I will endeavor to do my best to make it comfortable. I know that we hardly know each other, but that will change with time. I find pleasure knowing our union is what our father's wanted of us. I imagine your father would be delighted to see his arrangement finally come to fruition.”

  His words stung. “Do you always delight in doing what is expected of you?” she asked.

  He was thoughtful before responding. “I do. It gives me great pleasure to know that people can count on me to be steadfast and true. Do you not also delight in it?”

  “I can't say that I do,” she answered honestly. “I find it to be quite wearisome to try and please everyone all of the time. There comes a point in time when your own happiness has to be put at the forefront.”

  “Not to sound disagreeable, my lady, but I think you do error in your thinking. I find if you put other's happiness ahead of your own, you needn't worry in the least, for happiness will surely follow.”

  Though he wasn't speaking condescendingly, his words made her feel horrible and selfish. Changing the subject, she asked, “Have you always been amiable to this arrangement between us?”

  He ran one hand along his jaw as he pondered her question. “I believe I have. It makes sense that the progeny of two best friends would align together in marriage.”

  “But what of love?”

  “Love is a learned behavior. It will come in time, I am sure.”

  Alexandra looked at him sadly. She knew there was no chance of that happening. Her heart belonged to his father, and that fact would never change. “But what if it doesn't?”

  He gazed at her with genuine concern, and she could tell he truly was a good man, though not the man she loved. “If it doesn't, we can still abide in a joyful union. There will be much to be happy about, and I vow I will always treat you with respect. You needn't worry yourself over such things as elusive as love when I can assure you there will be other advantages to our union.”

  “Such as?”

  “Mutual respect and amiable companionship, to name a few.”

  And what of concern over one another's well-being? What of passionate embraces and longing so fervent you feel as if you'd die without the other? She wanted to pose those questions to him but feared her emotions would merely get the best of her.

  “No offense, my lord, but that sounds a bit dull.”

  Lord Coldwell threw back his head and laughed. “Someday you shall see how exciting the mundane things of life can be.”

  No, she thought, scrunching up her nose in disgust. She highly doubted she ever would.

  Alexandra began to grow worried, and truthfully, rather annoyed when Aaron still had not returned when promised. It appeared as if she'd be forced to attend the Paddley's ball with only Levi and Lord Coldwell as company, a prospect she didn't relish.

  Though the conditions surrounding the ball were rather disappointing, she did feel a measure of excitement as Jenny helped ready her for her first ball. The gown she chose was a pale lavender silk gown with a low neckline and a high waist and was trimmed in delicate ivory lace. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror and rather liked what she saw. Her only regret was Aaron would not get to appreciate her appearance that night.

  Alexandra glanced around the Paddley's ballroom as the footman announced their arrival. Everything seemed to be glittering underneath the excessive amounts of candles that were lit about the room. She glanced around at the many faces she didn't recognize and felt somewhat relieved as Lord Coldwell came and hooked her arm through his own.

  “Please allow me the pleasure of your first dance,” he said as he reached for the dance card and pencil hanging daintily from her wrist and quickly scrawled his name.

  “You might be my only dance,” she said with a lilt in her voice.

  “Oh, but I rather doubt that. It would appear to me, if the stares you're receiving are any indication, you will be quite a popular partner tonight.”

  His words were meant to flatter, but they made Alexandra feel nervous. She'd never danced at a ball before, though her mother had made certain she received the best lessons money could buy.

  “Pardon me, my lady, but I find I am parched. Excuse me while I go fetch us some lemonade.”

  Alexandra nodded then at once began looking around for another familiar face, so she didn't have to feel awkward standing by herself.

  “Alexandra,” she heard someone squeal behind her and quickly turned to see Lydia hurrying towards her, her black hair piled high atop her head in perfectly formed curls and wearing the most delightful powder blue gown.

  “Lydia!” she exclaimed as she gathered her friend into a tight embrace. Suddenly she didn't feel so nervous anymore. “I wasn't sure your father would let you come.”

  “I wasn't so sure either, but I finally convinced him he should. I told him that tongues would start to wag if people started noticing I was no longer frequenting social events. People would start to wonder if I'd come down with the plague or something.”

  “Which it's clear you have not. You look stunning tonight.”

  “As do you, I must confess. What does Lord Emberson think? Surely he was rendered speechless when he saw you.”

  Alexandra's lips twisted into a frown. “Oh, Lydia, things are such a mess right now. Lord Coldwell has returned.”

  “Lord Coldwell? His son, the man you are to wed?”

  “Yes, and it would appear that Aaron has not told him of our relationship. Levi and I traveled to Tisdale Manor to set things in order only to find he's been called away on business. That leaves me alone there with Samuel, who very much thinks we are going to wed.”

  Lydia gasped then laughed. “Oh, what a coil. Why don't you simply tell Lord Coldwell you're in love with his father.”

  “Aaron's asked me not to be the one to break the news. He fears that telling him will only cause awkwardness to come between us if Samuel chooses to go through with our wedding.”

  “Well whyever would he not? You
are a splendid catch for any gentleman. To turn you down would be absurd. The only thing that would make Lord Coldwell reconsider the arrangement is to tell him you've fallen in love with another. Then, you can see if he'd be willing to free you from the contract.”

  The girls had linked arms and begun strolling along the outer edges of the ballroom. Alexandra was thoughtful as they walked. “Yes, I suppose I can do that and be vague, so as not to divulge too much. But, how do you think Lord Coldwell would respond when he was to learn the man I am in love with is his own father?”

  Lydia didn't hesitate in responding. “Scandalized and deceived.”

  “Precisely! So now you see that there is no easy way out of this mess.”

  “Why do relationships have to be so tricky?” Lydia wondered.

  “I haven't a clue. I begin to wonder if they're even worth it.” Alexandra grumbled.

  “Wonder if what is worth it?” A low voice asked out of nowhere, surprising both girls.

  Alexandra looked up into Aaron's familiar gray eyes and gasped. “Aaron, when did you arrive?”

  “Only just now and I must confess, absence truly has made my heart grow fonder. Come, you must allow me the first dance.”

  He pulled her away from Lydia and towards the dance floor. “Aaron, I can't. Samuel is here and has already claimed the first dance.”

  Aaron let go of her arm at once as his eyes scanned the ballroom for his son. “Then I'll just have to claim your second dance, though it's quite unsettling for me to have to play second to my son.”

  “You do realize it will always be this way if you don't tell him the truth.”

  He sighed and said quietly, “I feel so torn.”

  “Between him and I?” she asked, uncertain how that made her feel.

  “Between right and wrong,” he quickly corrected her. “I fully expected Samuel to return home and not give a tinker's damn whether the contract was dissolved or not. I was caught completely off guard by his insistence that he's more than happy to wed you.”

  “Because that would be unheard of?” she asked peevishly.