***
It was coming again; he just knew it. The closer the got to the start of the Season, the more relentless she became. When Adelaide, got something in her mind, it wasn’t often that she did not get her way. She was stubborn, but so was Philip.
He forced a smile on his face and went to greet his mother cordially.
With a nod to Mr. Jameson, Philip headed towards the drawing room, dreading what was to come. His mother was seated on the sofa, her posture regal and her expression determined, which could only mean one thing. She was here to get what she wanted
“Philip,” she declared the moment she caught his eyes. “Your butler said that you were riding through Hyde Park.”
“I was,” he replied stiffly. “Midnight needed to stretch his legs. As did I.”
“Splendid. It’s good to see you out in society. Especially with the Season coming up.”
Philip sighed, steeling himself. It was coming again; he just knew it. He could almost feel the intensity of the pressure weighing down on his shoulders.
“I suppose we should discuss how we are going to handle the Season…”
“Is this not something that you should be talking about with Georgina?”
Adelaide narrowed her eyes at Philip. “I have already discussed my plan with your sister. She knows exactly how she is going to tackle the Season. It’s you we need to focus on now. This will be the perfect chance for you to find yourself another bride.”
“But, Mother, I don’t wish to remarry. I have already expressed my intentions. Your relentless efforts to see me remarried are a waste of time. I don’t know why you refuse to understand.”
Adelaide smiled softly. “I know that it was hard for you to lose Julianna, Philip. I understand that you loved her very much. The illness that took her from us was absolutely tragic, and nothing will ever take that pain away from you.”
“So then why are you trying to force me to find a bride?”
His mother rose from her seat with her eyes fixed on Philip. “It has been five years since you lost your wife, Philip, and there are other things you need to consider.”
“Such as?” he asked exasperated.
“Such as the importance of fulfilling your duty to the family by securing our future through matrimony and of course producing an heir.”
Philip resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Perhaps he would not have to deal with any of this if he and Julianna had born children, but it simply had not happened for them. When Julianna had died, so had his hopes for a family and legacy. Why could his mother not seem to understand that?
“I have compiled a list of suitable young ladies for you to consider…”
“Mother!” Philip snapped as guilt flowed through his veins. “Please, that is quite unnecessary.”
Why would she even think to do such a thing when he was still grieving Julianna? Why would she want to put so muchpressure on him? It was horrifying. It was almost as if she wanted him to forget all about the woman he loved, purely for societal reasons. It was base. It was wrong.
“There are some lovely women on this list,” Adelaide continued as if she had not heard him. “Lady Rosalind Fitzwilliam for example. Now she is a rather beautiful debutante, who I believe would make a wonderful marchioness. She is graceful, beautiful, of course, and a very well-mannered woman who has been bred for society. It would be a shame if you did not even give her a chance. One dance might really change your mind about her.”
Philip clenched his jaw, trying to rein in his frustration. His mother’s persistence was relentless, and it seemed nothing he said could deter her. “Mother,” he began, trying to keep his tone calm, “I appreciate your concern for the family and our lineage, but I am not ready to consider another marriage. Julianna was irreplaceable to me, and I don’t wish to dishonor her memory by rushing in to another union. Especially one with a Lady that I don’t even know.”
Adelaide’s expression softened, but her resolve remained firm. “Philip, I feel your grief, truly, I do. But you must understand that life goes on. Your responsibilities should go beyond your personal feelings. The estate, our family name, and the future all rest upon your shoulders. We cannot forget that.”
Philip ran a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of his mother’s words. He knew she had a point, but his heart wasn’t ready to open up again. Perhaps that would change in the years to come, but not right now.
“I need more time, Mother. Please, respect my wishes on this matter,” he said, hoping to appeal to her sense of compassion.
Adelaide sighed, her eyes filled with a mixture of sympathy and determination.
“Very well, Philip. I will give you some more time, but the Season will not wait. You must at least attend the social events and be seen. Your sister’s future depends on it as well. We cannot afford to have rumors spreading about your absence and about our name!”
Philip nodded, relieved that his mother was willing to give him a bit of respite, even if it was temporary.
“I will attend the events for Georgina’s sake. But please, don’t press me about marriage for now.”
