My Deceitful Marquess

by Amaya Evans

  “Of course, the season ...” she sighed. “The most anticipated moment for the young people. She’s a beautiful girl. She’ll look great in one of my dresses,” Augusta said proudly.

  “Augusta, do you have anything in Lamè that we can see for Sonia?” asked Horatia.

  “I have Lamè fabric in various colors, but in dresses already made I have only one, that I must deliver today. I can show you some other fabrics. Or if you like, I can take Miss Hearst's measurements. If you need the dress soon, I can work with my seamstresses all night and have ready in two days,” Augusta said anxious to please the Viscountess.

  “In fact, I would like two evening dresses in a color that favors her skin tone. I would also like for you to make a presentation dress. She brought hers and it is beautiful, but it’s not elegant enough to see the prince. I want for her to wear a stunning dress that highlights her beauty.”

  “Very well, Lady Exeter. We have just enough time to take care of that beautiful dress. Please accompany me so that we can see the fabrics that I have in mind and then I will take down the measurements for the young lady.” Augusta beckoned them to enter another part of the room. There was a changing area with a curtain to maintain privacy and outside was a huge armoire full of precious fabrics, next to a small table with two chairs where she supposed, sat the customers Augusta attended at the time.

  “Come on, dear,” Augusta called, “you have a slender body. I am sure you will look beautiful. I would like to draw what I have in mind and if you agree I’ll take some measurements and we will get to work.”

  “Oh yes, of course, but I thought the evening dress would be first.”

  “Of course, dear. That will be one of the dresses that we will deliver in two days, but the court dress for the presentation takes much more work. Some pieces will be embroidered according to the design that I have in my head and for that reason, we must start immediately. Do we have your approval and that of Lady Exeter?”

  The two women stayed at the dressmaker's for about three hours. Sonia was surprised at Augusta’s efficiency and at how fast she worked. More people came to try on dresses or have some made and Augusta never panicked. She attended to everyone, spoke with everyone for a brief moment, and had two girls who were her apprentices. While Augusta attended her cousin Horatia and herself her apprentices took great care of the other clients. When Sonia left the dressmakers, she was happy with the designs of the dresses that she would receive in a few days and although they were not at all cheap and she already had a wardrobe brought from America, Sonia thought she would not save her father a dime. If he wanted her married to a nobleman and wanted to sell her to one at all costs, then Sonia would spend whatever she wanted and for that, she knew she had the support of her cousin Horatia.

  *****

  They arrived at Sonia’s house and went up to her room to look closely at everything she had and the things she needed. They talked for a long time and her cousin made her try on all the dresses that she had bought before she arrived in England. While they talked in the small sitting area in Sonia’s room Horatia showed her a beautiful bracelet that her husband had just given her.

  “Is it not beautiful?” Horatia asked, showing the bracelet off with pride. “It has two intertwined hearts.”

  “It’s beautiful,” Sonia remembered the viscount; a man who was not too handsome, but not ugly either. He was tall, had an athletic body and an easy smile. He was an elegant man and when he looked at her cousin Horatia, Sonia could see the love in his eyes. Sonia liked to see that Horatia had married well and was happy. Horatia always said that all that was needed to complete her happiness was a baby. That was the only thing that cast a shadow over her cousin's beautiful face. Every time that Horatia remembered that in three years she had not been able to have a baby. She felt guilty for not being able to give her husband the heir she was obligated to provide.

  “Did he give it to you for any special occasion?”

  “Today is our anniversary.”

  “Congratulations, my dear.”

  “Thank you. I think I’ll be going home shortly because Ralph told me he had a surprise for me.”

  “What a thrill. A surprise!”

  “I just hope it’s not a visit from my mother-in-law,” Horatia said with a laugh.

  “I don’t think so. A husband doesn’t want their mother near when they want to spend a pleasant moment with their wife.”

  “It was a joke. I don’t think so either.”

  “Do you get along well with her?”

  “Not so much. At first, she was kind to me. She was distant, but we kept a friendly relationship.” Horatia lowered her gaze. “Now that time has passed and there are no children her rejection towards me has become quite evident.”

  “That’s terrible, Horatia.”

  “No, it’s not. When a woman marries that is what is expected of her. My husband is a gentleman and we love each other too much to argue about it, but I know he wants an heir, too.”

  “Maybe if you don’t think about it so much you will get pregnant when you least expect it.”

  “Maybe,” Horatia said, not very convinced.

  Sonia decided to change the subject. “Do you think these dresses are acceptable, then? Or will I have to have a whole new wardrobe made?”

  “I do not think so. Most are beautiful dresses that you can use in the evening and at night at certain events. You have two that are good to attend a ball. Although to be honest, I think you will need a riding habit, something you can use to bathe in the hot springs when we are in Bath and several more for parties. Those you have will not be enough. I’m sure that once you debut, you’ll be quite a sensation here. What you will need will be dresses for all the invitations that you will receive.” Horatia looked at her small watch. “God, it’s late, I have to go home.”

  “Of course. I’ll accompany you.”

  “Don’t bother, my dear. I know where to go and you’re busy here with the dresses.” Horatia kissed Sonia’s cheek. “What do you think about seeing each other tomorrow at my house, to have lunch together?

  “Of course.”

  “Very well, until tomorrow.” Horatia hurried out, waving her hand.

  Sonia looked at her maid. “This makes me a bit nervous, Charlotte. Too many things. Don’t talk to a gentleman unless he speaks to you first. Don’t approach the refreshment table unless accompanied. Don’t go out for air unless you are with a chaperone. Don’t ask personal questions and I don’t even know which questions are considered personal here. This is just overwhelming.” Sonia placed her hands on her face.

  *****

  A week later Sonia appeared at court where she would be presented to the prince and would officially be a debutante in London society. Her brother entered with her and shortly after her cousin Horatia with her husband. The room was full of people, some talking, others dancing, some eating near the buffet and others just looking. The walls were lined with luxurious fabrics. There were roses everywhere, and it was a testimony to the opulence with which things were done there.

  “How are you feeling?” Horatia asked.

  “Nervous.”

  “Don’t worry everything will turn out well and after you have danced with the prince, the most difficult part will have passed.”

  Sonia nodded and looked at a group of women who were gathered whispering something and then laughed. Her cousin gently took her arm. “I want to introduce you to some acquaintances.” As they approached, the group looked away. Sonia noticed, but her cousin either pretended that she didn’t notice or she didn’t care. When they talked to some people, and they found out she was American, they didn’t hide their distaste despite her being related to the Viscountess of Exeter.

  “Miss Hearst, tell us how London has become so popular with American heiresses like you? It seems that there are no good men in your country.”

  Some girls who were there in the group covered their mouths with their fans and laughed. Sonia felt her face burn, bu
t would not give her the pleasure of humiliating her.

  “I believe, Lady Audley, that it’s because the noblemen have not been able to acquire the money to restore their ruined properties for themselves. In my country, there are men as good as here. The proof is that I know many English girls married to several.”

  The woman looked at her, in shock. “What impertinence!” she exclaimed in annoyance.

  “Lady Audley, I have not said anything that is not true,” Sonia replied with feigned innocence.

  “And neither have I,” the woman replied, challenging her.

  “You’re right, American heiresses seek a title for our families and in exchange for that title we give our husbands the possibility of fixing their financial problems with a large dowry. A fair exchange, don’t you think?”

  Horatia looked away, trying to hide her laughter. Her cousin was impertinent, it was true, but those women deserved her response. They humiliated anyone who had American blood, believing them far below them. But when it came to taking their money they didn’t seem to have any qualms. Horatia was tired of hearing that they were the nouveau riche. Its something that they had told her until her own husband took care of the matter and stated that he would challenge to a duel the next person to make a comment about his wife. As her husband was well known for his good marksmanship skills, people thought twice about bringing up the matter on the streets or at a social event. Surely they kept thinking it, but at least they kept it to themselves.

  “Dear, why don’t we go over there?” Horatia pointed to a group of other people. “I want to introduce you to some good friends.” She pushed Sonia away from the group of women. When she arrived next to her husband and his group of friends, she noticed the Marquess of Wilmington was also there.

  He was a good match, he had just arrived from the war. He was educated, rich, very handsome and although he was a bit serious for her taste. Horatia knew that he could make a good marriage with her cousin if they could be congenial. She approached her husband who immediately smiled at her. “Lady Exeter you honor us with your company.” The other gentlemen also greeted her with a gallant gesture.

  “Gentlemen, good to see you again. Let me introduce my cousin, Miss Sonia Hearst. Miss Hearst, may I present the Earl of Beaufort and the Marquess of Wilmington.”

  “It’s an honor,” Sonia said and recalled the curtsy her cousin had taught her in a week-long intensive course on the customs and protocols of the exacting English society.

  “I speak for my friend and for myself when I say that the honor is ours, Miss Hearst.” He kissed her hand.

  “If I may say so, American women are very beautiful. I have not seen one that is not stunning.”

  Sonia accepted the compliment with a friendly smile and looked at the other man who seemed to strip her naked with his eyes.

  “Miss Hearst, it is nice to meet you.” He kissed her hand.

  He was a handsome man with deep blue eyes that looked coldly at everyone. His aristocratic countenance gave him an arrogant look and his thick-lipped mouth smiled with malice.

  “I imagine you are enjoying your stay in London.”

  “Oh yes! It is a beautiful place and full of so much history.”

  A waltz began at that moment and Sonia was informed that it was her turn to dance with the prince. She walked away from the group looking anxiously at her cousin who made a kind gesture to fill her with confidence.

  Horatia stared at her for a moment and then returned to the conversation.

  “Lady Exeter, I can only assume that after tonight your house will receive many invitations from people who will want to meet your cousin,” said Lord Beaufort.

  “I certainly hope so, Lord Beaufort.”

  “She is really charming.”

  Horatia looked at him with narrowed eyes. The marquess was a man known for many things, but not for being impressed with any woman, and that simple comment said a lot. She hoped to finish the night successfully, seeing that he asked her cousin to dance.

  When Sonia felt her feet aching from so much dancing and only one space remained on her dance card, the marquess approached her.

  “Miss Hearst, would you do me the honor of reserving a dance for me?”

  Sonia was not surprised to hear him say that, because all night long as she danced, she felt his burning gaze following her everywhere. Sonia desired his invitation to dance, but she had almost lost hope near the end of the night.

  “It would be my pleasure, Lord Wilmington,” Sonia wrote his name on her dance card.

  “Thank you, but I beg to differ. The pleasure will be all mine.” He smiled and Sonia could see very straight, almost perfect white teeth.

  “Lord Wilmington, my daughter and I were wondering where you were,” said a woman with more jewels on her than a treasure chest. She looked at Sonia with disdain and took the Marquess by the arm.

  “Lady Dashford allow me to introduce you to Miss. Hearst.”

  “Yes, I have already had the pleasure.” In reality, they hadn’t met before. The woman looked her up and down without saying or doing anything else. She kept talking as if Sonia did not exist.

  Lord Wilmington stopped suddenly. “I’m sorry Lady Dashford, but I’m talking to Miss Hearst.” He looked annoyed at the woman.

  “Do not worry,” Sonia said quickly, “I just saw a good friend.” Sonia curtsied briefly and walked away. She hated the habit of the English of seeing her as an empty-headed upstart who had no more qualities than her dowry as if they did not seek the same.

  After a while, the time came for the last dance and Robert would not miss the opportunity to dance with the golden heiress. The evening was not yet over. His friend Lord Beaufort told him of the 300,000 pounds her father offered as a dowry to the man who would marry her, plus a beautiful country house in Somerset, it was something that motivated him. He did not know if it was entirely true, but after arriving from the war and finding that he had no monetary inheritance because his gambler of a father had squandered it all. Robert found himself in the painful need to resort to a marriage of convenience. The creditors arrived at his house to collect continuously, not to mention that the mansion that had once been imposing, was falling to pieces and was in need of repairs. His only alternative was to marry an extremely rich woman to solve all his financial problems within the family. He walked over to her. “Miss, I think we have a dance pending.”

  “Of course, Lord Wilmington.” Sonia took the arm he offered, and they headed toward the center of the room where all the couples began to converge. They began to play the first notes of music and Sonia loved how well the dance was going. Robert was a good dancer and Sonia liked that because one of her requirement for a good match for marriage was that the candidate be an excellent dancer. Robert, made her float on the dance floor, to the point that she didn’t care about the other couples. Robert looked at the surrounding people who watched them like eagles and murmured. He marveled at the fact that his dancing companion was so adept, he observed her without speaking, admiring her beauty. He noticed her features. Her huge brown eyes reminded him of the delicious chocolates they sold at the chocolate shop they had recently opened on London Street. Her rosy cheeks gave her an air of innocence, something that her sensual mouth and firm chin belied a little. She had a nice figure, her hips swayed to the beat of the music, arousing a strong sense of desire in him. It was something from which he usually did not suffer for he had always been a man who knew how to control his passions well.

  When the dance ended, he thanked her and took her aside. “It was an entertaining dance.”

  “Yes, it was,” Sonia said, smiling.

  “Would you like a glass of punch? Or maybe you would like to go out and get some fresh air?”

  “A glass of punch would be fine. Thank you very much.”

  Robert left her for a moment and when he returned, he handed her the glass of punch. Her cousin arrived at that time and though Sonia didn’t want to stop talking to him she thanked him and
spoke with Horatia.

  “It was a pleasure to dance with you, Miss Hearst.” Robert looked at her for a moment. “I hope I’m not impertinent, but I would like to pay you a visit tomorrow.”

  Horatia suppressed his desire to jump out of emotion. “It’s not impertinent at all,” she said instead of Sonia.

  “It’s true what my cousin says. It’s not impertinent. If it’s all right, I’ll wait for you around three in the afternoon.”

  “I’ll be there,” he said, kissing her hand. “Enjoy this beautiful evening.”

  The moment they were alone Horatia could not hold back, “My God, you have your first visit tomorrow and I am sure there will be much more coming because tonight has been a success.”

  “If it were for me, I would not want visitors. You know I do not want to get married.”

  “I can see that you were impressed by the marquess. Even if you say otherwise and for the time being that’s what matters.”

  “I’m not going to deny that he’s handsome, but you know I don’t want a man to give me orders.”

  “Darling, just give this whole thing a chance and then you decide. I really think you would make a beautiful couple. Besides you would be an excellent marchioness.”

  Sonia smiled when she saw how emotional Horatia was but deep down she was annoyed by her reaction to the marquess. She was not supposed to feel anything because she didn’t want to get married and on the first night of the dance she was already accepting invitations.

  CHAPTER 4

  That next afternoon, Sonia nervously expected for Robert to arrive. That morning arrived many invitations that Sonia would agree to attend due to good manners. Her brother would be there that day and she prayed that he would not say something wrong, it would be typical of him. Maybe he would want to interfere or behave like the typical overprotective brother.

  Charlotte finished arranging her hairstyle and put on some perfume. Then looked at herself in the mirror and tried on two necklaces to see which one suited her best.