Chapter Forty #2
“I thought she did, Lottie. I truly believed her heart leaned towards me, for she gave me every indication of it. She allowed me to call upon her, and we took a ride together in the park. It was all a sham, however. She was only using me to make another gentleman jealous in order to gain a proposal out of him—he will be a duke one day. When I confronted her about it, she told me most cruelly that she would not have wasted her fifteen thousand on a second son.”
“That was unkind of her, indeed, and I am sorry you were hurt in this manner. But, Gilbert, you must not go into a romance with only money in mind—I am certain I need not tell you this. You should find a kindred soul. Someone with whom you have much in common and with whom you feel at ease at all times. Frederick and I fell in love over our love of reading, art, and drawing, but our conversations were always so natural and pleasant. Once I considered my true feelings, I knew he was the one for me, and I am so grateful that he felt the same.”
Gilbert gestured to the framed portraits of Charlotte and Frederick that hung on the wall, which they had drawn of each other. “We are all so happy you found love, dear sister.”
“Money was the least concern in surrendering my heart. Dorothea wished for me to marry someone who could make me a mistress of a grand estate, and, had I fallen in love with a man of those means, that would have been fine. Instead, I now live a more modest life, to be sure, but with someone who is not only a true love, but also my dear friend. I should advise you to seek that in a partner, Gilbert—choose someone to be your spouse whom you can respect and care for as a friend. Then, you shall always be in happy company.”
Gilbert nodded soberly, as he idly ran a finger over the rim of his teacup.
“That is sound advice, Charlotte, I thank you. It still does not help me discern what my future path might be. And until I can do that, no woman would have me, at any rate.” He raised sad eyes to her.
“Will you tell Frederick the terrible truth, or would you prefer that I return and do it myself?”
“I shall tell him today when he returns. Then, he will surely wish to speak to you—not to berate you, I am certain, but to assist you in finding your way. You are our dear brother and we only want your happiness.” She rose and kissed Gilbert on the forehead. “We shall see you soon.”
Gilbert thanked his sister again and departed.
He paused in the lane, staring morosely at Clayton House.
Unwilling to face his father again, he decided to walk into Doddington.
Entering the town, he found himself going straight to the tea shop—perhaps Nancy was there today.
As he entered the establishment, he spied his childhood friend busy behind the counter.
At the sound of the bell above the door, her head lifted, and he saw her face light up with pleasure.
“Gilbert,” she said, coming around from behind the counter.
“You have returned from town then? I thought the Season not over yet.” She paused, before asking, “Did you—that is, are you returned with a fiancée? When I visited you in town, you said you had fallen quite in love with a beautiful lady. Did you make her an offer?”
“Oh, uh, no, Nancy—I return as single a man as when I last saw you. I do not know why I even told you such a story—I had no intention of marrying. I only wished to enjoy some dancing and parties. How are you?”
“I am well. Pray, sit, and I will bring you something, then we can chat. We are not so busy at present.” She gestured to a small table and hurried to place a sugar bun on a plate and bring it back to him. She took the seat opposite and sat, smiling.
“You look very well. Did you enjoy the rest of your time in town after your recovered from your fall?” she asked.
“For the most part, yes. There were still a few balls and parties to enjoy. You would be impressed with how much my dancing has improved, I think.”
She gave a merry laugh, and replied, “I shall hold you to one dance, at least, at the next Doddington assembly, that you may prove it.”
“You shall have as many as you like,” he said warmly.
“How is business here at the shop?” He bit into the tasty bun, still warm, and considered the girl across from him as she told him amusing stories of some of the shop’s customers.
She was so animated and pretty as she spoke.
It was a shame she was not of a higher class, he mused.
For even with her red hair and freckles, she had such an open, unartful face that she would have been most popular, no doubt, if she might have had a Season in town.
With all her father’s businesses, she would have money enough one day, though, which made him wonder why she was still unmarried at one and twenty.
She must have had offers. Her personality was pleasing and she had always been a good and loyal friend to him.
Friend. Was that not precisely what Charlotte had just said was most important in a marriage?
As Nancy chattered on, he found himself looking at her in an entirely new way.
Childhood playmates, they had always gotten along and enjoyed each other’s company.
Nancy was the one to whom he had always unburdened himself.
She was so understanding. She had not berated him when he confessed that he had left school early.
She understood his desire to avoid the church.
Yes, she was a good friend. Perhaps he should give some consideration to marrying her.
Mr. Slade might give her such a dowry that they might purchase a small estate and he could still live as a gentleman.
Another laugh from Nancy broke into his thoughts.
“You have such a peculiar expression, Gilbert,” Nancy said. “Are you quite well?”
Gilbert gave a small laugh. “Quite well, Nancy, thank you. In fact, I believe I am feeling the best I have felt since returning home.”