“Agreed,” Adelaide said, though Philip could see she wasn’t entirely satisfied. “We shall discuss this further when the time is right. For now, let us focus on ensuring Georgina has a successful debut.”
Before Philip could get another word out, his sister swept into the room. She always had such impeccable timing, Philip often wondered if it was intentional. She had some intuition that allowed her to know when he needed her the most.
There would be no arguing with Georgina in the room. No one wanted to cause her any distress, especially during this very important time of her life. Making her debut in society had to be such a weight on her. There was no way he wanted to make it worse.
“How are you, Georgina?” he asked his sister kindly. “How are your preparations for the Season coming along?”
Georgina’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she replied, “Oh, Philip, everything is falling into place perfectly! My gowns are being finished, and I have already received invitations to several important events. I am so eager for it all to begin. I cannot wait to spend time with other Ladies and perhaps some Lords as well.”
Philip smiled, genuinely pleased to see his sister so happy. “That is wonderful to hear. I am sure you will dazzle everyone and make a splendid impression.”
“Thank you, Philip,” she said, beaming. “I have no doubt you will be the most supportive brother, at my side at every event.”
“Of course, Georgina. I would not miss it for the world,” Philip reassured her, though the thought of enduring the endless social whirl made his heart sink.
Adelaide, still standing, watched the exchange between her children with a mixture of pride and urgency.
“Philip,” she urged, “Remember that your presence will also be important for Georgina’s prospects. A strong familial presence will reflect well on her. It will show the ton that we are a united and well-respected family, worth getting to know.”
Philip nodded, knowing his mother was right but still dreading the attention. “I understand, Mother. I will do what is necessary.”
Georgina’s face softened, and she touched his arm gently, sympathy radiating off of her in waves. “Philip, I know this is difficult for you, but we will get through it together. And who knows, perhaps you might even enjoy some of it.”
Philip chuckled softly. “We shall see about that, Georgina. For now, let us focus on making sure you have the best Season possible.”
They discussed their plans for a little while longer, with Georgina clearly thrilled about the dances that were coming her way. But eventually, Philip slipped away, using his work as an excuse.
He most certainly needed a moment alone in his study away from all the stress and pressure that he was currently under.
His mind was racing with conflicting emotions. He longed for the solace and companionship that his loving marriage had once provided him. He loved Julianna and promised to love her forever. Could he really just abandon that promise because she had died? It did not seem right.
Everyone could remind him that she would have wanted him to move on, but that did not mean he had to do it. That did not mean he had to just love another… or even worse, marry without love. What was the point of that?
With a heavy sigh, Philip settled into his chair, determined to find a way to balance his own desires with the expectations placed upon him as the Marquess of Eilendale.
Philip leaned back in his chair, staring at the stacks of correspondence that awaited his attention. They were a stark reminder of his responsibilities, both to his family and to his estate. He needed to ensure everything was in order before the social whirl of the Season engulfed him entirely.
CHAPTER 3
“You must remember, Verity, that you need to make a good impression this evening. Your very future is at stake here.”
Verity scowled, but her brother chose to ignore it. He continued to look out the carriage window as he talked.
Henry was a pragmatic and ambitious man, which often led him to be overbearing, especially in the last four years. Verity wished that her mother would stand up for her, to assist her in making her own decisions, but that wasn’t always possible, such as right now. Elizabeth had expressed her discomfort at the idea, yet here they were, still going to dinner with the Aldfords.
“Lord Ambrose Aldford is most certainly looking for a wife, Verity, and of course you may well be perfect for that role. I cannot look after you forever.” Henry continued in a matter-of-fact way that grated on her nerves. He made her feel like nothing more than a burden to get rid of as quickly as possible. She did not wish to marry a man that she did not know. Especially a man that she knew was so much older than her, with many children of his own. A man whose reputation wasn’t the most pleasant one.
“Henry, you don’t need to speak so harshly.”
Verity smiled at her mother, grateful that she had finally spoken out, but she knew that Elizabeth’s role as a peacekeeper wasn’t always enough to silence Henry. Especially when he had stern ideas in his mind about what Verity should do.
“Mother, I am simply reminding Verity that she must behave appropriately if she ever wishes to marry.” Henry threw his hands in the air in frustration. “The more the years pass, the more challenging it will be to find someone who wishes to marry a spinster. I am only doing what is right.”
Elizabeth reached across and rested her hand on top of Henry’s. “I understand that you believe your words are right, but this may not be the right time for them.”
“So, when am I supposed to remind Verity how to behave…”
Henry’s words trailed off.
