Chapter Six
Rosalind’s mother smiled at her but Rosalind did not return it, catching what she was sure was a glimmer of tears in her mother’s eyes. “Are you quite all right, Mama?” She took her mother’s hand, choosing not to sit down at the breakfast table. “Are you upset about something?” Her stomach knotted as cold fear rifled through her. “Is it my brother? Has he done something more?”
“It is about last evening.”
Rosalind spun around just as her father walked into the room though, much to Rosalind’s relief, there was a kind smile on his face. “Last evening?”
“You did nothing wrong so you need not look so afraid,” came her father’s reply, gesturing for her to sit down. “Please, take a seat by your mother so we can tell you the… interesting conversation we had last night.”
Doing as her father asked but feeling the tension lingering in her all the same despite his kind smile, Rosalind glanced to her mother, to her father and then back again.
“Have some tea.” Lady Fairmont reached for the teapot rather than permitting the maid to do it, though Rosalind noticed a slight tremble in her mother’s hand as she did so. “I think you will need it.”
“Whatever has happened?” Rosalind could not help the fear in her voice, barely even glancing at the cup of tea her mother pushed towards her. “I do not know what has frightened you so, Mama, but –”
“Oh, nothing has frightened me.” Lady Fairmont caught Rosalind’s hand and smiled again. “It has astonished me, yes, but not frightened me.”
Her chest loosened and Rosalind was able to breathe a little more easily, though she squeezed her mother’s hand back in return. “Then what is it?”
Lady Fairmont’s gaze went to Lord Fairmont and Rosalind turned her head, seeing her father taking a sip of his coffee before he spoke. After a moment, he opened his mouth, only to close it again and press his lips together tightly. With a slight shake of his head, he smiled briefly – albeit a little tightly – and then gestured to Rosalind. “My dear girl, someone wishes to marry you.”
Rosalind froze, her heart pounding, her mouth falling open in astonishment. She could not speak, could not even move but could only stare at her father, hearing the words ringing around and around her head.
“Do you understand what your father has said to you?”
Trying to speak was impossible, for the lump that suddenly came into her throat grew so tight, nothing but a squeak came out. Instead, Rosalind closed her eyes and gave her mother a jerky nod.
“That is a good thing, is it not?” Lady Fairmont continued, though when Rosalind opened her eyes to look at her, there was still that same glimmer in her mother’s eyes, as though she was still fighting tears. “To know that you have someone eager to marry you is quite wonderful! You have the chance of having a husband and home of your own now, which is more than we ever expected after what your brother did to ruin himself and bring shame to our family name.”
Lord Fairmont coughed gently, bringing Rosalind’s attention back to him. He smiled gently, his voice calm and quiet. “I want you to know that neither your mother nor I would ever force you to marry,” he said, making a shiver rattle down Rosalind’s spine, seeing the concern in his eyes and wondering where it came from. “This is not something that we will ever demand that you accept. It is your own decision, your own choice. I hope that is clear to you.”
“Thank you.” Her voice was weak and unsteady, her free hand now gripping the table as though somehow, that would bring her strength. “Can I ask who it is that wishes to marry me?” For just a moment, her thoughts turned to Lord Radcliffe, wondering if it was he who had taken pity on her and now offered to make her his bride. She would not and could not accept him, however, for she knew how Lady Eleanor felt about the gentleman and, despite her own difficulties, that friendship took precedence.
“My dear, you must take a moment to consider before you respond.” Lady Fairmont pressed Rosalind’s hand, pulling her out of her thoughts. “I think I know what your reaction will be and while that is understandable, you must also think about your future.”
This made a frown dart across Rosalind’s forehead. Her mother would not be saying such things if the gentleman who asked about her hand in marriage was entirely acceptable. There must be something wrong, something unacceptable about the man – or, worse still, something that pushed him away from society!
“Who is it?” she asked again, pulling her hand from her mother’s and looking at her father. “Tell me, please!”
Her father nodded, then closed his eyes. “It is the Duke of Strathmore. ”
The world around her began to whirl as Rosalind collapsed back in her seat, chest heaving, breathing rapidly. From seemingly far away, she heard her mother’s voice asking if she was well but Rosalind could not answer. The Duke of Strathmore?
Why would he want to wed her? He had been nothing but rude to her at their first introduction and when she had taken her leave of him, Rosalind had quietly determined that she would never again be in his company. What had given him the impression that she would ever want to be by his side again?
“It happened last evening,” her father continued, as her mother took Rosalind’s hand again and murmured comforting words, though Rosalind did not feel in the least bit consoled. “The Duke of Strathmore came to me, introduced himself – very badly, I must say – and then requested your hand in marriage! I confess, I could not quite believe what I heard!”
“Nor I,” Lady Fairmont murmured as Rosalind let her head drop forward, weakness now pouring into every single part of her frame as she battled against both fury and fear. Fury at his audacity in even thinking that this was something she might consider and fear that she would be encouraged to wed him, despite her father’s promise to her.
“It would be a good match,” her mother said into Rosalind’s ear. “I know that he is not what you think a gentleman ought to be – indeed, your father and I both agree that he has nothing to recommend him but I fear… ” She trailed off and, heart aching, Rosalind looked at her mother.
“You fear that I will have no other choice,” she croaked as Lady Fairmont nodded. “Because of my brother’s wrongdoing, the chances of me finding a suitable match grow slimmer by the day.”
“And he is a Duke,” her father added, as though Rosalind was unaware of it. “You would be elevating your own standing and that of our family if you were to accept him.”
The thought of standing up beside the Duke of Strathmore and making her vows was so repulsive to Rosalind her stomach lurched violently and she put one hand to her mouth. A chill ran over her skin, running from the top of her head all the way to the soles of her feet and, much to her distress, adding to her own sense of sickness. At the very same time, however, she thought of Emilia, seeing her sister now suddenly elevated in society, the sister to a Duchess and recognizing in herself just how much change that might bring, should she consent to the match.
Her stomach lurched.
“Drink some tea, my dear. ”
Rosalind reached out to take the teacup that her mother offered, bringing the cup to her lips with trembling hands. She took a sip and let the warmth infuse her, chasing away the cold that lingered there. The shock had not quite washed through her, however, for she still shook a little, still trembled at the thought of being his bride.
“You do not think to accept him.”
Looking to her father, Rosalind shook her head, trying to rid herself of all thoughts of her sister. “Father, have you heard of his reputation? After my introduction to him last evening, I found myself both insulted and appalled at his behaviour towards me. He was not considerate or kind but was brash and forceful with his questions, to the point that his own close friend was embarrassed!” Her eyes closed as hot tears sprang to them. “The rest of the evening was enjoyable enough but I certainly learned more about the Duke of Strathmore’s reputation! The ton say nothing but ill of him and, from what Lord Radcliffe said, I believe that most of what is spoken of him is quite true.”
“He did admit it all to us.”
Surprised, Rosalind opened her eyes and looked at her mother. “I beg your pardon?”
Lady Fairmont lifted her shoulders a little. “He informed us that all of the things the ton say of him about being ill tempered, disinclined towards company, unkind and rude were all quite true… though he did not say it in such words as that!”
Rosalind’s lips lifted in a rueful smile. “Not quite, though I understand all that he said. It is quite clear to me that the gentleman has no interest in anything and anyone aside from himself and what he desires or controls.”
“And he now desires you as his bride,” her father said, quietly. “Whether you will accept that or not is entirely up to you, though I should remind you that it will be very difficult indeed to secure a good match this Season, thanks to your brother.” A heavy sigh emitted from his lips. “I apologise for that and sorry now that I must encourage you to accept the match offered, Rosalind, for I highly doubt you will be offered such a thing again.”
Closing her eyes, Rosalind let out a shuddering breath, her whole body trembling violently. The last thing she wanted to do was to accept the offer of marrying the Duke of Strathmore, for he was a gentleman so disagreeable, so dark tempered and ill-mannered that she could not imagine what it would be like to even be in his company for a prolonged period of time, never mind being wed to him! But yet, at the very same time, there came a quiet voice in the back of her mind that told her that what her father had suggested was quite true. She would not be able to find such a good match again, would not be able to wed to such a high standard – and if she did marry him, then she would become a Duchess and her family’s position would be elevated rather than shamed. Her sister would no longer have fear when it came to stepping out into society. She would be pursued by many, eager now to have a connection to a Duke.
She did not know what to do.
“Do not think that we require an answer from you immediately.” Her mother spoke quickly now, interrupting Rosalind’s silence. “Your father and I understand that this must be a very great shock to you, so we do not want you to rush into an answer.”
“No, indeed not. I apologise if I gave you that impression,” Lord Fairmont added, speaking just as hastily as his wife. “Do not think for a moment that I am waiting here for your answer, for that is not at all my intention. I want you to consider this very carefully, my dear girl, for it is a momentous decision and not one that can be made within only a few minutes.”
Rosalind nodded, a sense of relief washing over her. “Thank you, father. I do value your understanding.”
“Of course.” He smiled at her though Rosalind was sure that she saw a little glint in his eye, as though he somehow was a little upset at having to even tell her of the Duke’s offer. “You will make the right decision, Rosalind, I am sure, whatever it is you decide.”
She tried to offer her father her best attempt at a smile which, she was sure, was nothing more than a wobble. Her mother moved closer and embraced her as best she could and Rosalind leaned into it, tears threatening to burst forth all over again. Doing what she could to calm herself, Rosalind took in long, steadying breaths and squeezed her eyes closed, trying to quieten the frantic thoughts rushing through her mind. Everything in her wanted to push back from the Duke of Strathmore, wanted to decline him with as much strength as she could and yet the sensible part of her told her that it would not be wise to turn her back on the possibility. Not as yet anyway.
“I think I would like to talk to the Duke of Strathmore before I make any sort of decision,” she said, pushing herself away from her mother just a little and looking back at her, seeing the concern shining in Lady Fairmont’s eyes. “You would not be upset if I chose to do so, would you?”
“Not in the least,” her father said, before Lady Fairmont could say a word. “We would understand entirely, I am sure. Would you like your mother or I to be present with you when you speak with him? He is to call upon us later and – ”
Another shock jolted through Rosalind’s frame. “The Duke of Strathmore is coming here ?”
“Yes, he is.” Lord Fairmont rubbed one hand over his eyes. “Forgive me, I thought I had mentioned that he intends to call upon us this afternoon.”
“Why?”
Lord Fairmont harrumphed, looking a little embarrassed. “Because I do not know his reasons for desiring such a match. I believe he recognized just how astonished I was at his suggestion and, therefore, he said he would come to call today. The truth is, I should like to hear why he wishes to marry so soon. I am concerned that there may be some other reason aside from the fact that he requires a suitable wife.”
“I agree, though if there is not and he seeks only to wed, then that is not something your father and I would pull you back from.” Lady Fairmont searched Rosalind’s face. “There is much that needs to be explained, I think.”
Rosalind rose half out of her chair. “I should like to speak with him. Alone.”
Her father blinked rapidly but then lifted his shoulders. “Very well. I can trust your judgement, Rosalind and if you think it best to speak with the Duke of Strathmore alone, then you shall.”
“With the door open,” her mother interjected, a frown on her face. “I will not have the servants whispering.”
With a small but brief smile, Rosalind nodded. “Thank you.”
A slight frown flickered across her father’s forehead. “Will you be quite prepared by the time this afternoon comes? I know this has come as something of a shock to you and you will have much to say to him but you must be careful in what you ask and in how you speak. I say this not to berate you but to caution you.”
Rosalind nodded. “I understand what you mean. You do not want me to behave in a way that might bring about any further embarrassment to our family but I do not think that you need to be concerned. The Duke of Strathmore does not appear to be in the least bit concerned when it comes to propriety and the like, given what he has asked me! But I shall behave quite correctly, I assure you. I shall be prepared and poised, though I shall speak my mind at the very same time.”
Her father smiled, glancing at his wife. “Which is just what we would expect of you,” he said, gently. “Very well, Rosalind. Speak to him as you wish and then think on all that has been said. The decision is yours to make.”