Chapter 19
“This is such a gorgeous garden,” Lady Mary said as David led her past the pond. “Who was your architect? They did a stunning job.”
“I have no idea. It was done fifty years ago, so it was a long time ago.”
“Pity. I think Mother would like having some of this in our garden.” Lady Mary gestured at the matronly woman a little way behind them. “She does love showing off her garden and what she’s had built to find when people go exploring.”
“I remember your father telling me about that when we were at that ball some weeks back. He said it was his wife’s way of exploring her creativity.”
Lady Mary sniffed.
“She certainly is creative. Just not in a … conventional way.”
David frowned. This was not the first time she had made a remark about her mother that didn’t sound very kind. It was making him wonder if Lady Mary actually liked her mother.
Then again, he had been wondering throughout their time together this afternoon if she liked anyone. Lady Mary had been dismissive about Joseph and told him off once or twice for trying to make everyone laugh, and she barely paid any attention to Henrietta and Gwen.
To her credit, Lady Chadwick tried to involve the girls in a conversation, but her daughter cut in and said there was no point in getting an opinion from children.
David saw both his sisters looking like they wanted to say something rude, but they didn’t reply.
He was surprised at the restraint in both of them, although Gwen looked close to snapping; she had sat with her hands clenched in her lap for a while before sitting on her hands.
This was a little annoying. Lady Mary and her mother were here to meet Henrietta and Gwen and get to know them.
If they were going to marry, then she should get to know the sisters.
And from the way she behaved towards them, it was like Lady Mary didn’t want to get on with them.
She just ignored them if she wasn’t making a caustic remark that sounded so sickly sweet.
About twenty minutes into having tea, David felt he shouldn’t have done this. Sure, she was beautiful and had wealth that would be ideal for their situation, but her personality was less than desirable.
This was strange, seeing as she had been like a consummate lady when they had spent time together at their first meeting. It didn’t make sense that she would behave in such a manner in front of his family. If she wanted to make a good impression, shouldn’t she want to be friendly?
“So, your sisters will be with their … governess?” Lady Mary asked. “I saw her lead them into the house just now.”
“Yes.” David looked over towards the terrace, but the only person, Joseph, was lounging on the wall. He looked bored. “They’re still young, so I didn’t want them to get bored talking to us. No offence, My Lady, but I’m sure things we talk about will bore them.”
“They were certainly … interesting with their comments,” Lady Mary said smoothly.
“How so? I didn’t see that.”
“Well, I have a feeling they don’t like me.
I don’t know why, but there was contempt.
” Lady Mary wrinkled her nose. “There’s only so much I can do before I get frustrated with children.
I’m glad there are nannies and governesses for children, so I don’t have to deal with them until they’re grown up. ”
David didn’t know what to say to that. Was Lady Mary implying that she didn’t like children? That would be interesting if she became a mother herself with that cold attitude. David had a feeling that she would treat her own children the same way as she did Henrietta and Gwen, maybe even worse.
He didn’t want to be around someone who didn’t care for children. It put him off.
If only he didn’t have to go through with this.
But he had a duty, and David knew this was normal.
He didn’t have to love the woman he chose as a wife, although he thought he might be able to like them in some aspects.
On the outside, Mary Chadwick was beautiful, and her status said she was ideal. But the inside was less to be desired.
Then again, judging from Lady Mary's behaviour, she didn’t care. She knew this wasn’t a love match, so she didn’t feel the need to butter him up. But shouldn’t she try and get on his good side? What was wrong with being nice to your potential husband?
“What’s going to happen to your sisters when you get married?” Lady Mary questioned as they stepped onto the lawn. “Are they still going to be living here?”
“Of course they are. Why would I send them away? They’ve got me, and they’re being educated. What sort of brother would I be if I sent them away once I found myself a wife?”
Lady Mary arched a delicate eyebrow at him.
“You think your future wife will be happy with two little brats running around?”
“They’re ten and fifteen years old. Hardly little, and most certainly not brats.”
Lady Mary sniffed.
“Well, if it were me, I would send them off to boarding school. They could still get educated there. Maybe over in France. Or even Switzerland. That country is absolutely gorgeous.”
David stopped and stared at her. What was she saying?
“Are you serious? There was political unrest in Switzerland until a few years ago. And given what’s happened in France, that is not a place I want to send my sisters.”
“Children should be out of sight and out of mind. That’s what my parents say.”
“And how did that work out for you when you were a child?” David shot back.
He hadn’t meant to say that, and he knew he should be apologising when Lady Mary’s cheeks went pink, her eyes flashing in annoyance.
David glanced at Lady Chadwick, who was still a little way off inspecting the dahlias growing near the hedge.
He doubted that Lord and Lady Chadwick believed that of children, given how the mother had done her best to draw Henrietta and Gwen into the conversation.
This had to be just Lady Mary’s mindset.
David wasn’t sure he liked it.
Why are you doing this again?
A movement on the terrace had David looking around. Caroline had stepped out onto the terrace, her expression looking worried. That got his attention. Was she alright? Had something happened?
“Will you excuse me a moment, My Lady?” David turned to Lady Mary and gave her a small bow. “I just need to have a word with someone.”
Before Lady Mary said anything in return, he walked away and headed towards the terrace.
Joseph had stood up and was talking to Caroline, but neither of them looked happy.
Their expressions were solemn, Caroline’s features drawn tight.
Joseph touched her arm, leaning his head towards her.
He seemed to be whispering something, but from David's angle, it looked like they were about to embrace.
Something hot and angry flashed in his belly, which made him slow down. What had just happened there? Was he jealous that his friend was that close to Caroline?
Don’t be stupid. You have nothing to be jealous about. Caroline is the governess, not a potential bride, so forget it.
His heart heavy as he acknowledged that, David joined them. Caroline turned to him, but she avoided his gaze and stepped back.
“Forgive me, Your Grace; I didn’t mean to bother you while you were busy entertaining.”
“You’re not bothering me at all.” Why did having her address him so formally make David grimace? “Is something wrong?”
“I promised your sisters that I would take them out to the tearoom in town, but Gwen is really upset. I don’t know how I can calm her down.” Caroline sighed. “I don’t want to punish her by saying she’s not going anywhere, but I don’t know what to do.”
“She’s that upset?”
Caroline nodded. David glanced at Joseph, who held up his hands.
“Don’t look at me. I’m not a parent.”
“Neither am I.”
“You’re close enough.”
David sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Gwen must have been upset with Lady Mary’s attitude towards her, and he couldn’t blame her. He wished that he knew what to do as well.
“I’ll come with you and talk to her. It shouldn’t take long to calm her down.”
“What about your … well, Lady Mary?” Caroline quickly glanced towards the other woman. “She won’t be happy with your attention diverting elsewhere.”
“She’ll understand.”
Caroline’s expression said she didn’t believe that. But she didn’t say anything, simply giving him a curtsy and walking back into the house. David watched her go, wishing he knew what to say to make her smile again. Caroline’s attitude was disquieting.
“Joseph, could you entertain Lady Mary and her mother until I get back?”
Joseph snorted.
“I would rather do something else, but if you insist …”
“I do.” David frowned at him. “Just stop it. I have to do this, and you know it.”
“Yes, I know, but you could easily find someone else who was actually nice. Lady Mary’s behaviour shows that beauty is simply skin-deep.” Joseph folded his arms. “Of all the people you had to pick as a potential duchess, why did she have to be at the top of the list?”
David would normally have an argument about that, but this time he didn’t. He knew Joseph was right. He shook his head.
“Things have to be done. I can’t do much about it.”
“You could, at the very least, find someone who will get along with your sisters. Lady Mary clearly doesn’t want them around. As for the way she looked at Caroline just now …”
“What?”
“Did you not see the look she gave Caroline while you were talking to her? I’m sure Caroline noticed it as well. She was not happy at all.”
David remembered Caroline mentioning that she and Lady Mary did not get along. He hadn’t asked her to elaborate, and Caroline hadn’t provided anything further. Beyond that, she had been very careful about what she said about the other woman.
“Lady Mary will have to get used to who is in my life. I’m not getting rid of anyone just because she said so.”
“Once you get married to her, you might not have an option.” Joseph turned away. “She won’t let it go lightly; I know that much.”