“And I know you tell me this because I enjoy hearing it but also, I suspect because you want to impress upon me how Sophie is the person I shall be happy withforever.”
Father gave a short nod. “Something like that. But it is not just me. Your grandmother is also concerned about your delay inmarrying.”
“But she has told me she has some reservations about Sophie, as I, also,do.”
“Reservations? How is that? You have known each other since you were children. How could two people be better suited for oneanother?”
Mark hesitated but said, “She is a fine young woman, but there seems to be a lack of passion betweenus.”
“Passion? My son, what is passion? It comes early and leaves quickly. A marriage is not based on passion but compatibility and shared interests. It concerns land, inheritance, andcontinuity.”
“And you were very fortunate to have all of thatandpassion. But without the passion, I am reluctant to moveforward.”
“But Mark, my Son, I hate to state the obvious, but I shall not be here much longer, and I would so like to see an heir before Igo.”
“Father, you have many good years ahead of youyet.”
“I am not so certain about that, my Son.” Father cast a quick glance at thenurse.
“But would you have me beunhappy?”
“Happiness is for Heaven, not for the sorry lives we live here onearth.”
* * *
Grandmother mostly kept to her rooms and had many of her meals there, but Mark liked to connect with her at least once each day. After his conversation with his father, he wanted to speak with the Duchess and get her considered opinion on what she thought his future should be. Not that he would necessarily agree with her, but she was the oldest, if not the wisest, member of thefamily.
She was usually grumpy in the evening and retired early, but he had found that she was at her best either early in the morning or at tea time in the afternoon right after hernap.
“Might I join you for tea, Grandmamma?” heasked.
“Of course, my dear. Come sit withme.”
He went over to the sofa where she often spent her time engaged in petit point or reading. He sat in a chair facingher.
“I stopped by to see your father earlier,” she said. “He seems to have improvedsome.”
“Yes, I went to see him, aswell.”
“He told me.” Grandmother rang her bell and Baggsappeared.
“Ma’am?”
“We will have tea now. And tell Wesley I should like some buttered toast with cinnamon andsugar.”
Baggs turned to Mark. “And what would you like,sir?”
“Just a crumpet, if you please, with the wild blackberryjam.”
“Very good, YourGrace.”
“Grandmamma, what are you planning for the garden show this year? You are still entering, are younot?”
She looked at him askance. “I always do. What makes you think this year will be anydifferent?”
“I have not seen you out in the garden with the roses yet. Usually, you are out pruning bynow.”
“I am taking a different approach thisseason.”
