Chapter 32 Mother’s Approval
Mother’s Approval
The duchess’ private parlor, where the Lancaster family had assembled, was full of vigor and animated voices.
Edgar occupied a plush armchair, his siblings arrayed about him in various positions of repose, while the duchess held court nearest the hearth.
The servants attended to their duties, proffering tea as the siblings, still attired in their riding habits, regarded Edgar with barely concealed concern.
“Well, brother,” Edmund commenced, his usual mischievous tone replaced with something more serious, “how go your business negotiations with Mr. Hargrove? There’s a rumor you’re courting the man’s daughter rather than pursuing a coaching contract.”
Eva’s eyes sparkled with knowing mischief. “Indeed, Edgar. Your frequent meetings with the Hargroves, combined with your rather obvious avoidance of Miss Hargrove at the ball, has some speculating you’re trying too hard to keep your courtship a secret.”
The duchess set aside her china teacup with a delicate clink, her piercing gaze fixed on her eldest son.
Though her features remained composed, there was curiosity rather than disapproval in her voice.
“I must confess, your strategy perplexes me, Edgar. If business is your sole objective with the Hargroves, why risk encouraging speculation about romantic entanglements?”
Edgar exhaled deeply, realizing he could no longer evade the conversation. “The Hargrove negotiations are more delicate than they appear. Mr. Hargrove has certain expectations about potential family connections that I’ve been carefully neither encouraging nor discouraging.”
“You mean he’s hoping you’ll offer for his daughter,” Eva said with characteristic bluntness.
“Precisely. And while I have no intention of doing so, maintaining his hope serves our business interests. The coaching contract could be worth fifty thousand pounds annually.”
A heavy silence descended upon the chamber as the family absorbed the implications. The duchess broke it with a thoughtful observation.
“And yet at the ball, you barely acknowledged the young lady. Surely such obvious disinterest sends its own message?”
“That was unintentional,” Edgar admitted, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I found it impossible to feign interest at the risk of hurting Miss Linde.”
His sisters exchanged knowing looks, their earlier concern transforming into something closer to sympathy and understanding.
“Ah,” Eva said with dawning comprehension. “You’re caught between business necessity and personal inclination.”
“Meanwhile,” Edwin observed with a growing grin, “you did a sufficient job of appearing content during your single, perfunctory dance with Miss Hargrove.”
“I’m pleased I managed that much,” Edgar said, his voice strained with evident discomfort. “I felt immensely guilty toward Miss Linde, but the Hargrove contract is crucial to our other interests.”
The duchess’ eyes sharpened with curiosity. “Other interests?”
Edgar nodded grimly. “Something I need to discuss with you separately. But I confess, maintaining this pretense grows more difficult by the day.”
Edmund leaned forward with genuine concern. “But what of the aftermath, brother? Mr. Hargrove may be expecting a declaration that will never come. Such disappointed expectations could prove costly.”
“What course of action do you intend to pursue?” Essie asked cautiously. “You cannot indefinitely maintain this charade without either offering for the lady or severely damaging business relations.”
Edgar thought about what Elisha had witnessed—Miss Hargrove exiting his townhouse, disheveled.
He was glad the lady wouldn’t be too heartbroken when he ended their association, though he wasn’t at liberty to divulge this information.
“I am cognizant of the risks. My hope is to secure the contract soon, after which I can gracefully withdraw from any personal entanglements. But the negotiations have proven more protracted than anticipated.”
“And what of Miss Linde in all this?” the duchess asked, her voice laden with maternal concern. “The poor dear must be wondering at your behavior, regardless of your true intentions.”
“Does she understand the situation?” Essie asked with genuine worry. “It would be cruel indeed to leave her in ignorance of your business machinations.”
“Most importantly,” Eva added thoughtfully, “I did notice her in Mr. Thornton’s company rather more than strictly necessary at the ball. Perhaps she’s taking precautions of her own.”
Edgar’s jaw tightened at the mention of Thornton, but he forced himself to answer calmly. “Miss Linde is fully apprised of my situation. I explained the business necessity during our private conversation.”
“And she acquiesced to this arrangement?” Edmund asked, clearly impressed.
“Indeed, she did. Though I suspect the deception pains her as much as it does me. While I am grateful for your intentions regarding this gathering, Mother, I confess I shall be relieved when tonight’s performance concludes and I may return to Tunbridge Wells where Elisha and I need not maintain this tiresome pretense. ”
“I must confess, I find myself rather impressed,” the duchess remarked, her stern countenance softening considerably.
“It is no small feat for a young woman to comprehend such intricate business maneuvering from her intended, regardless of its necessity. Many would succumb to insecurity and jealousy.”
Edgar regarded his mother with cautious optimism. “Am I to infer that you approve of Miss Linde as my future bride?”
The duchess chuckled softly, shaking her head with what might have been admiration.
“Impressive indeed… and cleverly done,” she murmured under her breath.
Meeting her eldest son’s eager gaze, she declared, “You have my blessing, provided your affections for her are sincere and unwavering and your siblings offer their approval as well.”
Overcome with emotion and relief, Edgar rushed forward to embrace his mother. As he released her, she raised her chin, her voice gentle yet firm. “You must seek your brothers’ and sisters’ consent. If we cannot elevate Miss Linde’s popularity, their prospects may be adversely affected.”
Edgar turned to face his family, meeting each of their gazes in turn. Edmund and Edwin nodded their assent readily, while Essie declared with conviction, “Your happiness is worth any sacrifice, dear brother.”
Eva, in a display of unbridled enthusiasm, clapped her hands and flung herself into Edgar’s arms. “You have endured such prolonged suffering for the past five years. I yearn to see you content at last.” Edgar stroked her hair tenderly, swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat.
“When did you all mature so gracefully?” he asked, a twinge of guilt rising in his heart at having been so absorbed in his own affairs that he’d failed to notice his siblings’ growth.
“It appears we are unanimous in our approval,” the duchess observed with satisfaction.
“Now, we must devise our strategy. We shall disseminate careful rumors regarding Edgar’s true intentions toward Miss Linde, thereby sowing confusion about the Hargrove situation from the outset.
In this manner, Miss Hargrove shall not be caught entirely unawares when Edgar withdraws from consideration. ”
*
The gentle rap upon her chamber door startled Elisha from her contemplation.
She had been lost in thought, pondering the previous evening’s events—Edgar’s obvious discomfort during his brief dance with Miss Hargrove and their private conversation that had explained so much while raising new concerns about the precarious nature of his business negotiations.
“Pray, enter,” she called, smoothing her skirts as she rose from her perch by the window.
To her astonishment, it was not Amelia nor a maidservant who entered, but the Duchess of Lancaster herself. The elder woman’s regal bearing commanded the room, her silver-streaked tresses elegantly coiffed and her gown a masterpiece of understated opulence.
“Miss Linde,” the duchess said, her voice warm yet tinged with unmistakable authority. “Might I prevail upon you to join me for a private discourse before we prepare for dinner?”
Elisha executed a deep curtsy, her heart racing with uncertainty about this unexpected summons. “Certainly, Your Grace. I am most honored.”
The duchess conducted her to a small, exquisitely appointed sitting room within the guest quarters.
Once they were seated in chairs positioned to encourage intimate conversation, the elder woman’s penetrating gaze settled upon Elisha with the intensity of a master strategist evaluating a potential ally.
“Miss Linde, Edgar has spoken of you with great fondness and respect. You are but the second lady he has presented to his family.” The duchess’ eyes met Elisha’s, studying her with the keen perception of someone accustomed to reading character.
“His heart is not easily won, and I harbor no desire to witness my son endure further heartache. His position carries tremendous responsibility and even greater scrutiny. Any union he enters must be capable of withstanding the considerable pressures inherent in his station.”
Elisha nodded slowly, her hopes and fears warring within her. “I comprehend your concerns, Your Grace. You question whether I possess the fortitude to endure such demands.”