CHAPTER TWO #2
Judith exhaled a breath. “When Lady Agatha Worthington invites you to dinner, you cannot refuse. Otherwise, she’d conjure up some gossip about your reason that would be all but close to the truth.
Our family has enough on its hands, and we do not need to add malicious gossip to that.
So, brace up, because we are sitting through this dinner even if there were pins in our seats. ”
Marcus wanted to argue, but he knew she was right.
If there were excuses, Lady Agatha didn’t care. Nor did the gossip and rumour mill she ran with consistency and dedication.
***
Meanwhile, across town, Emily was seated for dinner with Charlotte and her older brother, Richard. Despite the delicious array of food options to choose from—which Charlotte was eager about—the wheels in Richard’s head didn’t stop churning.
Emily observed him from where she sat, and a twinge of guilt crept into her.
Her brother had spent the last two years since their father’s unfortunate passing, working hard to rebuild their family’s financial status.
Their father had fallen ill and passed due to a fever that plagued the town two years ago, leaving Richard to assume the role of the Earl of Colenshire.
Emily could almost see the proverbial dent in his shoulders from carrying the weight of the family’s responsibilities left by their father.
In two years, they were only just finally finding their footing, thanks to Richard’s cut-throat business approach and wise business investments and decisions.
Only in his early thirties, he was already sporting subtle yet visible signs of the stress and pressure he had endured. Emily felt guilty that she hadn’t contributed more to the restoration of their family’s fortune. Although she knew Richard would never have allowed her to bother herself.
Words couldn’t describe the high esteem she held her brother in. His unwavering efforts for their family and support towards Charlotte and her would forever have her grateful to him.
“We received some invitations for a couple of balls coming up later in the Season,” Richard stated, his voice assertive. He turned to Charlotte. “I hoped you found the gowns the modiste made for you to your liking, Charlotte.” His tone had softened.
Charlotte’s eyes lit up, her enthusiasm about the Season growing more palpable.
She nodded vigorously. “They were most becoming, Richard. The modiste is truly talented and I found myself to be greatly pleased with the fitting and designs. Emily’s presence and assistance was invaluable.
I am profoundly grateful to both of you.
” Her gaze shifted between both her cousins.
“You’re most welcome, Charlotte,” Emily said, placing a hand over hers.
After returning from the orphanage, thoughts about The Worthington’s scornful remarks now a forgotten memory, she had gone to help Charlotte with her preparations. Everything had to be perfect, and she was excited for the opportunities she was sure would come her beautiful cousin’s way.
A sudden pang of sadness hit her in the chest, and Emily slowly retracted her hand. She turned to her food, momentarily drowning out the light conversation that flowed between Richard and Charlotte. Try as she may, she couldn’t wholly renounce the sadness she felt for her own lost opportunities.
Emily gave a slight shake of her head, returning to the conversation. She wouldn’t focus on these feelings. It was of no use. She would instead focus on being supportive of Charlotte and her brother in any capacity they needed her.
“I would be pleased to host the first ball of the Season this year,” Richard announced, lifting his cup to sip from it.
His eyes flickered between his sister at the other end of the table and his cousin sitting next to her.
He’d always felt that they were too far away from him at mealtimes but had yet to speak on it.
“After everything we’ve been through in the past years, I think this would be great for us.
We’ve endured so much and have come out on the other side of it. We deserve to celebrate.”
Emily smiled, pleased. “That’s wonderful to hear, Richard. I would gladly take on any aspects of the preparation I can help with. I already feel as though I am not doing enough.” She cast her gaze at her plate.
“Nonsense!” Richard chided in a light tone.
“You are doing more than enough, dearest sister. Your support, even in ways you may not perceive, is of great significance to me. The endeavours I have undertaken are not solely for the family’s reputation but for the benefit of us all.
Your presence here, your unwavering dedication to Charlotte and the orphanage, is indeed invaluable.
You contribute in your own distinguished manner.
Thus, I extend my heartfelt gratitude." He bestowed upon her a warm smile.
“Richard is right, Emily. You shouldn’t underestimate your value and importance to us. To this family.”
Emily felt her heart leap with gratitude. “Thank you. Both of you.”
His smile spread, and he raised his glass. “Shall we make a toast then?”
“What should we toast to?” Charlotte inquired.
“To us. To our family; for overcoming our challenges together and supporting each other. To the strength we find in each other.”
Emily and Charlotte raised their glasses in the air.
“To us!” they chanted in unison.
Dinner progressed smoothly, the room filled with light chatter, laughter, and the aroma of great food.
“I would be dishonest if I said that I hold no nervousness about this Season,” Charlotte stated, “But somehow, I am just as excited. I hear there are so many new people to meet, eligible bachelors.”
“Mmm. I hear that the marriage mart has some solid prospects this year,” Richard added.
“And you will find an honourable match, Charlotte,” Emily said with confidence.
“She certainly will,” Richard chimed. “You must know how important it is that you choose someone who can offer you security and stability. So, you can have a future for yourself. You must build a partnership on mutual respect and understanding. Love is important, but I’m afraid it isn’t all there is to a good marriage. ”
“Richard is right, Charlotte,” Emily put in.
“You have to choose someone who respects you and your values and doesn’t think of you as less than himself.
Someone who sees you for who you are. Love and practicality in the marriage mart hold a fragile balance.
” Her words carried the surety of someone speaking from experience.
“Do you think that makes it more difficult to find a suitable match?” Charlotte asked, curious but not deterred.
Emily shrugged one shoulder slightly and took a sip from her glass.
“For some,” she replied sincerely. “But, I am certain, that would not pertain to your situation.”
She was determined not to let Charlotte—despite her somewhat naivety—suffer any form of ill fate in her debut Season. If she could do something to prevent it, then she would without a shadow of a doubt.
***
Elsewhere, in the luxurious dining room of Lady Agatha Worthington’s townhouse, Marcus was thinking up excuses to give the enthusiastic debutantes and their mamas as to why he suddenly had to leave. Of course, he had to figure out a way to do this without seeming rude.
From the moment he and his mother walked in, he had been hemmed in with small talk and constant boastful conversations by either mamas or their daughters about their achievements and pursuits, all to make a good impression.
He cast a glance past them and caught his mother’s amused smile on him. Whilst she might have found his predicament amusing, he couldn’t breathe, especially because of Lady Agatha and her daughter.
The Worthington grand hall was filled with the hum of conversation, light laughter, and the clinking of glasses. Everything seemed to be tugging on his nerves.
“You know, Your Grace, Celia has excelled in all her studies and has even taken up some impressive accomplishments in the arts,” Lady Worthington said proudly. “I’m sure you’ll find her most agreeable company, Your Grace.”
Marcus forced a smile. He was growing increasingly tired and uncomfortable being there.
“I’m certain she is. It’s always good to see young people dedicated to their studies and pursuits.”
Oh, what I would give now to bask in the solitude of my study, he thought.
Lady Agatha continued to extol Celia’s virtues while Marcus, half listening, surveyed the room. It was just as he expected. There was nothing peculiar or outstanding. It was just the usual small talk and societal scrutiny. It always bored him out of his mind.
“And what are your thoughts on the upcoming Season, Your Grace?” Celia asked, bringing his attention back to their circle. “Do you have any advice for us debutantes?”
Marcus thought for a moment. “My advice would be to be genuine and true to yourselves. The Season can be overwhelming, but staying true will serve you well. Especially in finding the right match.”
Lady Agatha and the other mamas nodded with approval. There was obviously an underlying agenda in their interest, but it was in his best interest that he pretended not to notice it.
“Such wise words, Your Grace,” Lady Agatha enunciated. “We appreciate your insights. Perhaps you might join us for a dance later in the evening?”
“Thank you, Lady Agatha,” Marcus said. “I shall certainly consider it.” But he wished he didn’t have to consider it.
Lady Agatha turned to her daughter. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy getting to know the Duke, Celia. He’s a man of great distinction.” She smiled ostentatiously.
Celia grinned at Marcus. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“Likewise,” Marcus told her, but he didn’t really mean it.
With the stifling atmosphere, Marcus struggled to maintain his composure amidst the overwhelming social chatter.
Suddenly, the door opened, and a familiar figure walked in, one that caused Marcus’s heart to race.