by Finch, Fanny
He stopped at the door to the parlor and pulled in a deep breath.
Resigned to his fate, he grabbed the knob and pushed the door open, stepping into the parlor.
He saw his father sitting on one of the large cushioned chairs, a book open in his lap.
He looked up at Leander.
Chapter 4
“Sit down, Leander,” his father said, holding his hand out to the chair opposite him.
Leander did as he was told. His father was not intimidating to him but he had Leander’s full respect. As his son, he tried to do whatever his father instructed. Marrying Miss Drusilla, unfortunately, was something he was going to have to fight. He did not enjoy going up against his father.
As soon as Leander was seated the door to the stairs that led down to the kitchen opened and a maid came through with a tray that held tea and pastries. She brought it over on silent feet, nodding to both the men.
Neither spoke as she poured a cup of tea for Leander and held it out to him. He took it from her. She put two pastries on a small plate and handed that to him. He dropped his eyes to the table, nodding his head once. She set it on the table in between the two men.
“Is there anything else you need, my lord?” She addressed Lord Price, keeping her eyes down.
“No, Priscilla, that will be all for now.”
“Yes, my lord.”
His father waited until the maid left the room before speaking.
“I know you are going to Baron Wake’s house party this weekend. I am glad you are going. I am sure you know why.”
“Yes, I do. You want me to woo Miss Drusilla Sirey. I am fully aware, Father.”
Lord Price gave him a sharp look. “Leander, I do not understand why you are so objectionable about this match. Her father is a wealthy man, a good man of business. He is a decent man who has raised his daughter well.”
Leander shook his head. “While this may be so, Father, I do not love her.”
“You may find that you will love her after a time. It is what happened with your mother and I.”
“I do not think it will be the same for me.”
“It is the best match for you. I have not seen you interested in anyone else.”
“I am not interested in her, either, Father.” Leander tried not to let his contempt be heard in his voice. He did not want to show disrespect to his father. “I must repeat my request that you let me choose a woman of my liking. I am the one who will have to spend the rest of my life with her and…” he shuddered. “Produce an heir with her. Possibly more children. I do want to have several children. And I want to have them with a woman I love and can see myself loving for the rest of my life.”
Lord Price sneered. “You put too much stock in emotions, son. I have had a good life with your mother and our marriage was arranged. You will find that happiness with Miss Drusilla, if you open yourself to the idea.”
Leander frowned. He shook his head slightly and took a long swallow from the tea cup. He was not thirsty, nor hungry, but he would force himself to partake because his father obviously wanted him to. He hoped the warmth of the tea would help him calm down.
It did not have the desired effect. He felt his heart begin to pound. The anxiety of being forced to spend a weekend with Miss Drusilla following him around like a puppy dog was almost more than he could bear. It made him not want to attend the party at all.
“I cannot express more how little I am interested in courting and marrying the woman.”
“It is the best thing for you, Leander.”
Leander sat in silence for a moment, contemplating the situation. Miss Drusilla, though pretty in the face, was brusque in manner, at times acting in an uncouth way that would surely embarrass him if she was on his arm.
She had a mind that drifted from subject to subject. Her lack of attention made it extremely difficult to hold a conversation with her. On the few occasions they had attempted a conversation, he found himself frustrated and impatient.
In addition, her peculiar smell made him want to hold his breath the entire time she was near him. He did not know what caused it. He did not want to know what caused it.
“Tell me, my son, what is it you find so objectionable?”
Leander did not want to appear ungentlemanly. “She is a lovely woman, I am sure. I cannot speak of her shortcomings, as I have many myself.”
His father smiled. “You see. You are a compassionate man. If you think she is a lovely woman, I am sure you will find it in your heart to love her after you are married.”
Lord Price’s words stung Leander. He could not be honest with his feelings. It was a devastating feeling. He did not want to love her after he was married. He wanted to love his wife before he married her.
“You will be spending time with her this weekend then.” Lord Price spoke as if he could not see his son sitting before him, a disturbed look on his face.
“I will see her there, I am sure.”
“And you will do what is necessary?”
Leander knew his father wanted him to propose marriage to Miss Drusilla. In the times the two had been together, Leander was not given the impression Miss Drusilla was any more taken with him than he was with her.
He perked up a little, an idea forming in his mind. Perhaps if he talked to her directly, they could get it straightened out between both their parents. Surely, she wanted to marry for love, like he did.
He doubted he could have such a serious conversation with her. She would not pay attention. She would be distracted by everything going on around them. Her wandering eyes always made Leander uncomfortable.
If she could pay attention to him, they might be able to resolve the matter between them.
But it was a solid and huge “if”.
“When it is appropriate, Father, I will do what is necessary.” That was not a lie and Leander was happy to say it. What was necessary was for him to break off this match and find a woman he could love. Miss Drusilla deserved as much.
Despite his lack of interest in her, he was sure there were other men who would be interested in her. She would not grow old and die a spinster. She had other prospects.
“I must tell you, son, the longer you wait, the more likely another lord of note will see the value of marrying her. They will take her from your clutches and you will be left out.”
Lord Price unknowingly made his son happy with that statement. Leander refused to smile at the thought of Miss Drusilla being distracted by another lord who was willing to put up with that peculiar smell for the rest of his life.
As long as it was not him, he was alright with that.
“I will do what I have to do, Father,” Leander said in a low voice, leaning forward to refill his tea cup. “I hope you know I will.”
“I do, son. I am glad you are seeing the positive in this.”
Leander was not going to tell his father what he was really thinking. He would not marry Miss Drusilla and that was the long and short of it. He would marry a woman he loved.
If he never found that woman, he would remain a bachelor as long as he could.
Until after Miss Drusilla is married at least, he thought.
“Baron Wake is an interesting man, is he not?” Lord Price mimicked his son’s movements, refilling his tea and taking a pastry from the tray. “He is new to this part of London and I hear he is quite taken with it all. His father was prominent here and he has taken over the land.”
Leander was glad for a chance to talk about something other than Miss Drusilla.
“I have heard some interesting things about the man.”
“Oh? What have you heard?”
“He is a generous man, round and has a full beard. I am surprised I have not seen him before. Does he often hold house parties of this type?”
“His father did. I do not believe you attended any of them.”
“If I was not invited, I presume I did not know about them.” Leander could not help wondering why he would not be invited to any par
ty that was held during the season. He was one of the most eligible bachelors in London who held a title and was an amiable sort.
“I am sure you were invited. I believe you have just refused to go to many of them. You may have been invited to a different party when the elder Lord Wake was holding his. It does surprise me somewhat that you have not met him or attended the parties even once. Why, your mother and I attended many of his father’s when we were courting.”
“Did you meet there?”
Lord Price shook his head. “No, our arrangement was made before we began attending the season parties. We went together and never explored any other options.”
“I will be at my best, Father, I promise you that.”
Again, Leander was telling the truth. He did not want to cause trouble for anyone. He just wanted to ensure he was happy for the rest of his life and not tied down to someone he did not care for.
He could not imagine sleeping in a bed with Miss Drusilla or taking the necessary steps to have a child.
The thought made his stomach queasy.
His father brought him out of his thoughts when he closed the book loudly and set it on the table next to him. “I know you will, Leander. You have always made me proud. I am glad you have become the man you are.”
“Thank you, Father.” Leander was pleased to receive the compliment. He wanted to make his father happy. His true desire, though, was that he was happy, as well.
“I am sure Miss Drusilla will be at the house party. Her mother is aware that you two are heading for courtship. I am sure she will be present, as well.”
“Along with many other ladies and their mothers,” Leander said with a smile.
His father stood up, smiling back at him. “Yes. That is true. But you only need to concentrate on one. I want you to be happy, son. But you have responsibilities to keep in mind. You have said yourself she is a lovely woman. Since you have no objection other than the fact that you are not in love with her, you have no real reason not to give her a chance.”
Leander wished he could tell the truth. He was afraid what his father would say and did not want to hear anything that would further dampen his mood and make it impossible for him to get in the coach and go to Baron Wake’s home.
He watched his father leave the room. As soon as Lord Price was on the other side of the door, he slumped in his chair and pressed one hand against his forehead. His head was beginning to pound.
The headache that had been looming all day was coming on full force. He had to find a way to relax before he went to the house party. It would be three long days of absolute hell if he had a terrible anxiety headache the entire time.
He knew if it came down to it, he would have to do what his father bade him to do. He would have no choice. The thought may sicken him at the moment but perhaps Lord Price was right. Perhaps Miss Drusilla would grow on him.
He pictured her in his mind but could not do so without smelling her at the same time. He shook his head.
He could forgive the uncouth behavior, her unkempt appearance, and the small mistakes she made when addressing those above her station.
It was that strange smell. He could not get over it. He did not know what was causing it but it was extremely repellant.
It occurred to him that if he was forced to marry her in the end, he would see to it that she bathed often and did not use any types of scented perfumes, soaps, or creams that would offend his nose.
He could probably mold her to be the woman he wanted her to be.
He just did not want to have to do it. She was a grown woman. She should be able to recognize these things and resolve them on her own.
He shook his head, sighing heavily, nursing his forehead with one hand.
Chapter 5
Lady Eugenia’s eyes were wide as they approached Baron Wake’s mansion.
“I did not know he had such a beautiful home,” she murmured in a voice so low Hestia had to lean forward to hear her. She turned her eyes and scanned the mansion and the surrounding landscape. “I am expecting to see a rival flower garden.”
Hestia grinned. “It would be appropriate, given the beauty of his land.”
Lady Eugenia nodded. “I agree. It is quite amazing. My father says he is a newcomer to the region but I do believe he held parties here last season, did he not?”
“I am not sure. You did say that his father did, I believe. I have not been introduced and did not know his father.”
“Hmmm.” Lady Eugenia mumbled something incoherent and Hestia did not ask her to repeat it. She was surveying the land around her, the grassy slopes that stretched out and down the slight hill the mansion was set on.
The coach rumbled over an arched bridge that took them over a wide stream. Hestia looked out the window, dropping her eyes to the water. It was sparkling and clear, allowing her to see the fish swimming in it. The peace of the rippling water calmed her anxious heart.
She was not anxious for Lady Eugenia, as she was sure her friend would find an appropriate husband at some point. This would be a prime opportunity for her to do so.
“His father left him quite an estate,” Lady Eugenia said, turning her eyes to her companion. Hestia nodded.
“He certainly did.”
The coach pulled up to the front of the house. Lady Eugenia, who always departed first, hesitated, remaining in her seat for a moment.
“Tonight, we must make ourselves available to any attractive man who shows us favor, Hestia,” Lady Eugenia said in a nervous voice.
Hestia raised her eyebrows. “Eugenia, why are you anxious? You are beautiful and will have no trouble finding a man to court you.”
“If it was that easy, I would not still be looking.” The smile on her face let Hestia know she was teasing her. “But I hope so. I do hope so. And I hope you also find a good man. We must be on our best behavior, yes?”
Hestia grinned. “Of course. When are we not on our best behavior?”
Lady Eugenia scanned her from head to toe. “You look lovely. I am sure you will find someone here. We have three days to make something happen. I know your father must be anxious for you to find someone.”
Hestia wondered just how much she had revealed to Lady Eugenia about her lot in life. She often said things off the cuff because she considered Lady Eugenia to be such a good friend. But she did not care to let anyone know about her family’s woes. Not even her best friend.
“I am here to help you make a match, Eugenia. Do not be concerned about me.”
“Baron Wake has two sons around our age,” Lady Eugenia said. Her voice still showed the tension she felt. “I feel that if we meet them, we will have a better opportunity to meet more eligible men. That will be good for both of us, will it not? If I marry first, I will be sure to include you in everything until you find a man for yourself.”
“Eugenia, you must stop thinking about me and concentrate on what you need to do.”
“But Hestia, if you do not do something soon, you will either be a spinster or your father will match you with a man you do not want to be with. I know you are looking for love. You must pursue your own happiness, too.”
Hestia chuckled. “You are such a sweet friend, Eugenia. I do not know what I would do without you.”
Lady Eugenia smiled gently. “You would be a very successful woman at whatever you put your mind to. You would be a companion to someone else, perhaps, if not me.”
“I am glad it is you, Eugenia. I was blessed to be employed by your father.”
“Now you are the sweet friend. Come, let us see what the inside of this beautiful estate looks like.”
“Yes, my lady.” Hestia said it with a smile. Eugenia smiled back.
“You are very good at meeting people, Hestia. If you find an opportunity to make any new contacts, please let me know.”
“Of course! I would be more than happy to do that for you.”
They stepped out of the coach, both of them gathering their skirts in their hands as they moved up
the stairs to the front door. There were a few people walking around, admiring the beauty of the estate.
Hestia could hear their compliments, many similar to the ones she and Lady Eugenia had mentioned on the way up the road to the house. The door was opened by a well-dressed butler, who accepted Lady Eugenia’s invitation and ushered them into a large room where the social hour had already begun.
They both looked around and then glanced at each other.
“It is up to you where we go, Eugenia,” Hestia said in a low voice. “I will follow your lead.”
Lady Eugenia nodded and straightened her spine, lifting her chin as she walked across the room. They both nodded politely to those who glanced in their direction. There were small groups of people talking in various parts of the room, chattering quietly among themselves.
“Are you thirsty? I will get you a drink if you are.”
Lady Eugenia nodded at her. “Get yourself a cup, too.”
“Would you like tea? Coffee?”
“I will take a cup of tea, thank you. I need a little energy. The tea might serve that purpose.”
“You will not need to fetch tea here, my lady.”
The two women both turned and were confronted by the large presence of Baron Wake. He smiled at them both. He was flanked by his two sons, who were both tall and handsome.
“My goodness, I did not see you there. Please accept my deepest apology.” Lady Eugenia curtsied to the men.
“It is not a problem. Anything you desire will be provided to you. You only need to ask one of the servants. I would like to introduce you to my sons, the Honorable Henry and David Wake.”
The two women curtsied to both the men. “I am Lady Eugenia Callow, daughter of the Viscount of Culross. This is my companion, Lady Hestia Stalwood, daughter of the Earl of Nottingham.”
“It is pleasant to meet you both,” Baron Wake said, bowing to them. “I will leave you in the capable hands of my sons. I see we have new arrivals. Henry, David, show these ladies where they will find refreshments and make them comfortable.”