Although Suzanna had known for a long time that he was deeply in love with Claire, the younger Trixie was vastly unaware of his affections for her sister. She might be surprised at all this but Oliver was certain she would take the news with much happiness.
After all, their families had always been very close. It seemed only natural to strengthen that bond with marriage.
After his morning preparations, he searched for Suzanna and found her with Marley in the drawing room, discussing the errands that needed to be run that day.
“Do tell all callers that we shall not be at home today,” he announced, as he strode into the drawing room with a confident smile. “And make sure to have the kitchens prepare a sumptuous breakfast this morning.”
His sister looked up at him in confusion, finding his celebratory mood rather odd.
“You seem to be quite overjoyed this morning,” she remarked with a wry smile. “Perhaps you have some good news for the rest of us poor mortals?”
He laughed and just winked mischievously at her—a playfulness that he had scarcely indulged in since their parents died.
“You shall know at breakfast, with the rest of the ‘poor mortals’, as you so refer to yourselves,” he chuckled, drawing an odd look from old Marley.
“Very well, then,” Lady Suzanna smiled faintly, sharing a look with Marley. “As most of those who do call upon the townhouse are eligible bachelors, have you informed dear Claire that she is barred from entertaining her suitors for today?”
“I assure you she shall not mind in the slightest.”
His sister looked at him intently, a twinkle shining in her bright eyes. “All right, I feel as if I know what is afoot but I shall not ruin your surprise until breakfast.” She turned towards the butler and nodded graciously. “Well, you heard His Grace, Marley. We shall not be entertaining guests today.”
“Oh, thank the good Lord!” the old butler sighed in relief. “I have not thought to be able to rest as much since the coming out of Lady Suzanna herself.”
Lady Suzanna laughed at him. “Oh, you! I was hardly this much of a Success when I first came out!”
“A young lady of impeccable background, great beauty and wit, and a generous dowry,” Marley intoned drolly. “You were already a guaranteed Success even before you stepped into London, My Lady. I might even go so far as to say that the gentlemen had been awaiting your introduction.”
She shook her head. “Well, now I am very much considered a spinster.”
“Only by choice,” Marley defended loyally. “And while most noble young ladies rush towards marriage and regret it in the end, my old heart is happy that you are not as foolish as the rest of them.”
Oliver watched as a blush stole across his sister’s cheeks at the effusive praise heaped by their loyal servant. Suzanna might not have mentioned it but he could feel that she felt she was some sort offailurefor not getting married after more than three Seasons.
In his opinion, it was absolute rubbish that a lady’s worth was judged on her ability to subtly ensnare a man into a matrimonial bond, only to end up vastly unhappy.
While a generous dowry the likes of which his sister and Claire had would enable them to have the pick of the lot, there were not very many on the marriage mart who would treat their wives so well after courtship was over.
It was rather heartwarming of Marley to defend Suzanna and her decision not to marry hastily, when the rest of their peers viewed her as some sort of oddity.
“Well, now I must get to the kitchens to inform the staff that a ‘sumptuous breakfast’ must be prepared,” she laughed, a light, melodious sound. “I will also advise them to have dear Claire’s favorites prepared.”
Oliver smiled widely at her. “You must have this uncanny ability to read my mind.”
“Not at all,” she replied dryly. “You just happen to be wearing your heart on your sleeve today.”
Oliver could only shake his head as his sister left the drawing room with another shake of her head. He looked at Marley and found the old butler smiling faintly at him.
“I am happy for you, Your Grace,” the older man cracked a rare smile. “Perhaps congratulations are in order?”
Oliver chuckled and shook his head. “It is much too early for that, Marley, but I would not mind overmuch if it came to that.”
As he walked back to his study, he could not help but wonder what Claire was doing in her rooms.
Was she already awake? Had she been able to sleep last night?
He shook his head and laughed at himself for acting like a lovesick fool. He, himself, had not been able to sleep much from the excitement last night, but he did hope that she was able to sleep well.
* * *
