Foolish Bride

by A. S. Fenichel

“Are you happier not caring?” Dory’s voice was gentle, and she took Elinor’s hand.

  Happy? She hadn’t even had a happy thought in months. “No, but at least my anger gives me some relief.”

  “But you can never go back,” Sophia said.

  “No. I know that.” It would be impossible to play the fool again.

  Sophia smiled and took her other hand. “Well, Elinor Burkenstock, I liked you when you appeared foolish and cried all the time, and I like you now that you are witty and the toast of the town. Now, if you will tell us what it is you want from life, we shall set about helping you achieve it.”

  Elinor squeezed the hands of her two best friends and drew a deep breath. “That’s the problem. I do not know.”

  Dory said, “Last night you said you liked Middleton.”

  “I do, but then I saw Michael.”

  Sophia cocked her head. “You mean other than at dinner?”

  “He and I spoke on the veranda.”

  “Start at the beginning and tell us every word,” Dory commanded. “No. Wait. First, tell us all about Middleton. What did you and he talk about, and what did he say in the note? Then we shall get to the new Duke of Kerburghe.”

  When she finished telling her friends all they wanted to know, Elinor was no more certain of herself than when she’d arrived. She wished Dory would play the pianoforte, and she could close her eyes and forget about everything.

  “Mother is completely smitten with Middleton. Last night on the way home, Father said he wished he had allowed the wedding to Michael. Now that he is a duke, all Father can say is that he should have made him marry me. He even went so far as to say he could have bought us a child from some beggar on the street. The entire thing is unflattering. My father buying children and having to force someone to marry me. It’s not as if I am without admirers. And it was Father who begged off, not Michael.”

  Dory stood and paced. “I am sorry, Elinor, but your father must be losing his mind.”

  “Would you be opposed to adopting a child, Elinor?” Sophia brushed out her wrinkled skirts.

  “Of course not. I would love any child. I could never lie about the baby’s origins, though. I could not cheat Michael’s brothers out of their inheritance. You are right, Dory, my father has gone mad and my mother is not far behind. I love Michael, and while I realize I may have to marry Middleton, I shall always wish for a different life. Is that fair to Middleton?” The entire situation left her cold and alone, but wishing she could go back would not make it happen.

  Dory leaned on her pianoforte. “It seems to me that if you do not wish to marry Middleton, then you do not have to. No one can force you to marry.”

  Elinor traced the light pink damask roses on the couch arm. “That’s just it, I do not really mind the idea. It’s just…”

  “Michael.” Dory finished her sentence.

  Elinor nodded.

  “Well, then that’s the answer.” Sophia brightened and stood.

  “What do you mean?” Elinor stared from one smiling friend to the other. She felt more the fool now than before her ended engagement.

  Dory clapped her hands. “You will marry The Duke of Kerburghe. We shall just have to figure out a way so that it is his idea.”

  “How do you propose to do that?” Sophia asked.

  Elinor took a biscuit and nibbled the corner. “I am once again sounding rather desperate for a husband, and it is very degrading.”

  “Nonsense.” Dory’s enthusiasm soared, and she gestured wildly. “You are not desperate, but we shall help you marry the correct man. If, in the process, you decide that you prefer Middleton, then we can change tactics, as they say in war. And ladies, this is war. We shall have our victory.” She thrust her fist in the air.

  “Dorothea.” Sophia giggled.

  “Sorry. I got carried away.”

  “Indeed.” It was the most fun Elinor had enjoyed in a long time. “I was beginning to think of the two men as countries rather than dukes.”

  Sophia cleared her throat. “I hate to put a damper on your war-waging, but you still haven’t told us how you intend to get Michael to marry Elinor.”

  Dory shrugged. “First we must have them meet accidentally a few times in London. But the real battle will be fought in the country, when we all go to your annual house party, Sophia.”

  Sophia smiled. “Shall I invite Middleton then?”

  “Of course.”

  Both were pleased with the plan, but Elinor hated the sound of this. She walked to the window seat. “I do not like the idea of trapping Michael or any other man into marrying me. I am also not sure I like the idea of using Middleton for our purposes.”

  Dory crossed to her and took her hands. “He loves you, Elinor. You know he does. In fact, he told you so last night. He just needs to be reminded of what is important and what is not. Once he realizes he has made a mistake, then you can refuse him if you wish. The point is to give you the option you were not given before.”

  “Refuse Michael.” The notion was ridiculous.

  “Works wonders.” When Marlton first asked for her hand, Sophia had refused.

  Dory was determined, and Elinor was a tad excited to be part of one of her plots. They were always so interesting. “How will we make sure Michael sees me in London, and what of Middleton?”

  Dory perched next to her in the window and lay her long finger on her chin. “Last night was a boon for us. We know he still cares for you. I will talk to my brother and see if he knows of any of his grace’s engagements. As for Middleton, I am afraid he is a casualty of war.”

  “Dorothea, that is not kind.” Elinor liked him too much to hurt him.

  Dory shrugged, took a biscuit, and ate it. “You told him you were in love with someone else. He knows what he is getting into. I think we have been more than fair. And if his infatuation with you pushes our plan with Michael forward, all the better.”

  “You are ruthless.” Excitement bubbled in Elinor’s belly.

  “I will check with Thomas. He may know where to find Michael and may wish to help. I’ll feel him out before asking his assistance.” Narrowing her eyes, Sophia fussed with her gloves.

  “You will not tell Marlton?” Dory asked.

  Sophia shook her head. “My husband is too honest. He would go to Michael immediately. We may need that if all else fails, but it is my experience that men prefer to think things are their own idea or that fate played a hand. They do not like to be manipulated by the women in their lives.”

  “Agreed.” Dory clapped again before agreeing to play another of her original pieces, this time on the harp.

  Chapter 7

  Elinor was ready for the theatre a full thirty minutes ahead of time. She paced her room for ten minutes, then forced herself to sit at her vanity and looked in the mirror for a full minute searching for something to fix. She stared so long, her image faded and blurred.

  She daydreamed about a ball one year earlier. Michael had promised to marry her that night. He had begged her to wait for him. He had kissed her until she lost all sense and she begged for more. Thinking back on that night made her sorry for her loss, but also she was ashamed of all the liberties she had allowed a man whom she thought would marry her.

  Father cleared his throat.

  Surprised that she hadn’t heard him enter, she looked up at his reflection in the mirror. Turning, she stood and said, “Good evening, Father.”

  He cleared his throat again. “You are going out?”

  She forced a smile. “I am to go to the theatre with Lord and Lady Marlton.”

  He nodded his head copiously. It was a sign that he knew of her plans but had forgotten, and now he was overcompensating. “Yes. Fine. Marlton is an earl, after all. Don’t know why he married that American, but shows good judgment on your part that you befriended her. American or not, she is a countess now.”

  There was no point in reminding him that she had befriended Sophi
a long before she married the Earl of Marlton. It was a shame that he had become so obsessed with the peerage, but it wasn’t her place to comment on his faults. She planted a smile on her face and waited to find out what he wanted.

  Perhaps he had forgotten why he had come. He shifted from foot too foot.

  “Was there something you wanted of me, Father?”

  He began the nodding again. “I have to go to Spain.”

  Mother must be beside herself. “When? I thought you were to remain home from now on, since you are an earl.”

  When she mentioned his title, he puffed up. “I have a duty to this country, Elinor. I must leave at first light. I just wanted to tell you that I think you are doing a fine job with Middleton. I am quite proud of you.”

  “Thank you, Father.” What else could she say? Her father understood nothing, and there was no sense in enlightening him. Why waste her breath?

  “I know you cared for that Rollins fellow, but this will be better. You will see.” He rubbed his belly and pulled his shoulders back.

  Every time she was in his company, she had to hide her annoyance with him. It was tiresome. “I am sure you are correct, Father, and that Rollins fellow is now the Duke of Kerburghe.”

  “Right you are. Two dukes after you.” He laughed and stepped forward. The hug was awkward, and now she knew that Mother had sent him in to show his affection, something she had been doing since Elinor was a child. He hated it, and she had always known it was her mother’s doing and held no genuine feeling.

  When she was only three or four, the nanny foisted her into his reluctant arms. It was one of her earliest memories, a quick image, really. He had been horrified by the idea of holding his daughter. Rolf Burkenstock wanted a son. It was no secret. He wanted a boy to make into a man, not a silly girl to cost him money and give little back.

  She believed he really was proud of her for attracting a duke. It would look good to have a daughter who was a duchess.

  “You’re a good girl, Elinor.” He patted her shoulder and moved back several steps.

  “Thank you. I am glad you are pleased.”

  “Indeed. I will return in a few weeks, and perhaps by then we can sew the whole thing up. You could be married by Christmas.” He clapped his hands. Grinning and nodding, he reminded her of the apes she has seen at the carnival in the country as a child.

  What a relief that her father would be out of London. Not her kindest thought, but her entire body relaxed with the knowledge that no marriage contracts would be signed during that time. It meant she might actually have the time to work on Michael, if that’s what she wanted.

  A burst of anger consumed her whenever she thought of her former fiancé. He had broken his promise. He couldn’t be trusted. How could she ever be sure that he wouldn’t betray her again?

  Her friends’ enthusiasm for the plot was far greater than her belief it would work.

  The Marlton carriage pulled up in front of the house, and she was handed up by the footman.

  Mother had opted to remain home since as a married woman and a countess, Sophia was a suitable chaperone. Virginia liked drama, and her husband’s sudden departure gave her an excuse to remain above stairs for a few days.

  “Are you all right, Elinor?” Sophia asked once the carriage was moving.

  “Yes, fine.” She looked from Sophia to the earl, then put on her best smile and reminded herself to look happy. Internally, she wasn’t at all happy and would like to change her mind, if only she could make up her mind to begin with. Deciding that now wasn’t the time to think of these matters, she resolved to give it a good deal of thought tomorrow.

  “You look very distracted.” Sophia reached across the carriage and patted Elinor’s hand.

  “My father just informed me that he will travel in the morning.” At least it was mostly the truth.

  Marlton adjusted the rose in the vase near the window. “How odd for him to take an assignment now that he is titled.”

  It was likely her father was tired of his life in London and ready for whatever life he had in Spain.

  The theatre was crowded. Crushes of people met in the lobby. Marlton pushed through and the two ladies followed closely behind. Once they reached the Marlton box, Elinor let out the breath she’d been holding.

  Dory arrived with her mother a few minutes later, but Lady Castlereagh did not remain for more than three minutes, claiming a prior engagement. It was more likely that she still hadn’t gotten over the fact that a member of the peerage had stooped to marry an American of no birth.

  Elinor watched the crowd roll in like a wave. She loved the theatre. It was always lively. It didn’t even matter if the play was good or bad. If it was good, people would be animated and talk of the brilliance of the actor or the story. They would say how it was a triumph for the director or playwright. There would be talk of whose salon the playwright was spending time in, and that would start an entire discussion about the salons. If terrible, people would go on about how the lead man couldn’t carry it off. Or they might say that the script was inadequate for the talent of the actors. In any case, there would be high emotions in the theatre, and she loved to watch as they developed.

  “Sorry, what was that?” Elinor only caught the tail end of whatever Dory said.

  Dory gave Elinor a sympathetic look. “I was just asking if you are nervous.”

  Elinor looked back at the throng of people. “No. I do not feel nervous at all.”

  “That’s good.”

  “Do you know what the play is about?” Elinor asked.

  “No. But word is that there will be scandal.” Dory smiled with glee at the prospect.

  “Oh good. There’s nothing like a good scandal.”

  Dory looked out over the bustling theatre. “You do love all the drama, don’t you?”

  Elinor nodded. The heavy curtains were drawn, but she imagined elaborate sets lay behind and actors rushed around preparing for the night. Her heart beat wildly.

  “Good evening, ladies,” a deep voice said from behind them.

  They turned to find Middleton had joined them in the box.

  Making a pretty curtsy, Dory said, “How do you do, your grace?”

  He was staring at Elinor, then turned to Dory. “It is a pleasure to see you again, Lady Dorothea.”

  Excusing herself, Dory went and sat with Sophia.

  “How are you tonight, Lady Elinor?” He stepped closer.

  She looked up at his handsome face, his features chiseled to perfection. Looking very fine in his crisp black evening coat and white cravat, he was perfect by London standards. He obviously liked her a great deal. For him to come and greet her publicly was a great boon to her, and all she could think was how happy Mother would be when she heard about it tomorrow. It was strange that when Middleton was near, her first thoughts were of her mother.

  “I am very well, your grace. I hope you are the same.”

  His smile revealed those straight white teeth and made his eyes sparkle. “I am. I trust you will enjoy the play. It is getting some good reviews.”

  “I love the theatre. It is of little consequence if the play is good or bad. It’s so distracting.”

  “Do you require a great deal of distraction?”

  Did she? She certainly appreciated distraction. She loved to make her lists, which was a distraction of a kind. “No more than I deserve.”

  He laughed. “I never know what to make of you, Lady Elinor.”

  “Must you make something of me, your grace?”

  “I think I would be foolish not to try to figure out how your mind works.”

  “Oh my.” It was an absurd notion than anyone would care to figure her out. “That might take you some time to work out.”

  His smile was intoxicating, and she wasn’t immune. “I shall enjoy the challenge. You are charming and beautiful.”

  She couldn’t help the blush that crept up her neck and to her cheeks. He
r pale skin made it impossible to hide. Suddenly the low-cut peach gown revealed too much, and she wished for her wrap. “You are too kind.”

  Out of the corner of her eye, she spied a flash of white against crisp black. Instinctively, she knew that Michael was in the theatre. His family had a box several over from the Marlton box, and even without turning her head, she could tell that he was there watching her.

  The idea of using Middleton was no longer a theory, and it made her skin crawl. It was one thing to speak in conjecture about accepting a man’s affection while hoping another will notice. It was quite another to actually do so. She liked Middleton. That was the problem.

  He sat next to her. “Is something wrong? Did I say something that offended you?”

  She forced a smile. “Of course not, your grace. It is not you.”

  He looked around and almost immediately spotted Kerburghe in his family’s box. “I see,” he said more sternly than she expected.

  “I apologize, your grace.” She was a terrible person, and Middleton was too good for her. There had to be a better way to find happiness.

  He sighed and stood. “None needed. I shall return to my own box. I hope you enjoy the play, Lady Elinor.”

  “Thank you, your grace.” She met his gaze.

  Michael gave her a half-smile that might have held some apology in it. The lights dimmed, making it hard to be sure the expression had been real and not her imagination. What did Michael have to be sorry about?

  Dory and Sophia took their places on either side of her and Daniel sat behind. The theatre darkened and the curtain opened.

  Chapter 8

  Elinor let the play consume her, escaping all the men in her life.

  Several houses of Mediterranean design surrounded a courtyard on the stage. A large fountain and statues dotted the courtyard. Flowers filled every available space in rapturous colors. And most impressively, every surface was draped in white gauze.

  It took Elinor’s breath away.

  The entire audience gave a collective gasp.

  Loud and raucous performers took the stage. It was a celebration. There was to be a wedding. The bride and groom were both splendidly attired in all white, their dark hair glistening in the stage lights. The families laughed and sang, showing support for the marriage.